Politics
Vote-Buying: Politicians Have Nothing To Offer – Activist
Ahead of the 2019 general elections n Nigeria a human rights activist, Ken Henshaw, says any politician who buys vote only indicates that he / she has nothing to offer.
Henshaw, who stated this last Saturday at a peaceful protest organized in Port Harcourt by a coalition of Rivers State Civil society organizations and another group, called on strengthening youth participation against corruption, noted that such politicians buy votes because they are not well grounded.
“Politicians who buy peoples vote before getting into office have noting to offer the only thing they can do is to steal government fund meant for the citizens”, he said.
According to him, such politicians have to steal in other to recoup the money they expended to get to office, and in doing so can do any thing even at the deteriment of the people they represent.
Henshaw, who is the executive director of the Rivers State Civil Society Organisation stated that the target of the peaceful protest is the youth who are more venerable to the vices of such politicians.
“The target is the youth because they are the bribe receivers and also the ones loosing greatly in every segment of the country”, he said. Such vulnerable youth, he explained, include students, people below the age of 35, and artisans.
He therefore used the occasion to urge the youth “to vote wisely and not sell their vote, because it is their right to seek the right person to lead the country”.
Beauty Daniel West
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
-
Niger Delta2 days agoPDP Declares Edo Airline’s Plan As Misplaced Priority
-
Sports2 days agoSimba open Nwabali talks
-
News4 days agoDon Lauds RSG, NECA On Job Fair
-
Nation2 days agoHoS Hails Fubara Over Provision of Accommodation for Permanent Secretaries
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Stakeholders Task INC Aspirants On Dev … As ELECO Promises Transparent, Credible Polls
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Students Protest Non-indigene Appointment As Rector in C’River
-
Oil & Energy2 days agoNUPRC Unveils Three-pillar Transformative Vision, Pledges Efficiency, Partnership
-
Rivers2 days ago
Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers