Politics
Group Demands White Paper On Nigeria’s Restructuring Reports
A group, the June 12 Coalition of Democratic Formations has told the Federal Government to issue a white paper for the implementation of various recommendations on the restructuring of Nigeria.
The Acting Chairman of the group, Mr Linus Okoroji, made the call at a news conference in Lagos on Saturday.
He said that Nigeria’s restructuring could be achieved by the government setting up a constituent committee to review and harmonise various national conference reports, including the Pro-National Conference Organisation report.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has convoked conferences repeatedly over the years, in a bid to engender harmony, good governance, equity, unity and progress in the heterogeneous nation but none of the reports has been implemented by the government.
Okoroji said that the June 12 Coalition, which was in the forefront of the struggle for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate of late Chief Moshood Abiola, had always insisted on Nigeria’s restructuring.
June 12 has since been recognised by government and signed into law as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
Okoroji, however, said that with Nigeria about to commomerate the June 12 anniversary, there was need to address the real problems confronting the nation which the June 12 mandate had sought to address.
“It is our considered view that restructuring of Nigeria is the true answer to the myriad of challenges besieging the country.
“There are all sorts of crimes all over the place -in the northeast, northwest, north central, southwest, southeast and south south.
“Insurgency, kidnappings, banditry, herdsmen killings, armed robbery, pipelines vandalism and ritual killings, resulting to countless deaths of innocent citizens and destruction of properties worth billions of naira.
“Therefore, we at June 12 Coalition of Democratic Formations are left with no option than to insist that only the return to federalism can set Nigeria back to the path of glory, progress, stability and prosperity.
“It will also promote individual citizens, tribal and ethnic liberty, freedom, peace and unity in diversity.”
Okoroji said it would be unfortunate, absurd and bizarre that any individual, group or an ethnic nationality in the 21st century, could be pursuing domination or instigating fear of domination of other individuals, groups or ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
“What will serve common public good is to promote equity and fairness, unity in diversity and provoke healthy competitions among federating units,” he stated.
The activist, however, lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for being a pacesetter by recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
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.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
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