Politics
Ijaw Organisations Insist On Credible Council, Guber Polls In Bayelsa
Some Ijaw organisations in the Niger Delta have insisted that the impending local government council and gubernatorial elections scheduled for August 10 and November 16, respectively should be devoid of electoral manipulations.
The organisations made up of the Ijaw Elders’ Forum, Ijaw Professionals’ Association, the Ijaw Nation Forum, Ijaw Women Connect and the Embasara Foundation, made the call in a joint statement made available to newsmen in Lagos.
The statement, signed by Mr Efiye Bribena, noted with dismay the numerous disturbing signals arising in relation to the upcoming local government elections earlier scheduled for July, but now put-off till August 10.
“We note the importance of a virile local government system, and the enshrinement of a democratic electoral process by the 1999 Nigerian Constitution for local governments.
“And with the impending governorship election in the state, we find it pertinent to call on all relevant government authorities, especially the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) and the Bayelsa Government, to take every necessary precaution for the conduct of rancour-free elections.
“That will earn the trust of the electorate, avoid blood-letting and genuinely bring government closer to the people,’’ the statement said.
The organisations stressed that it was pertinent for critical stakeholders in Bayelsa to close ranks, to ensure that the elections are not hijacked by mischief makers.
“This serves to also remind all political parties, civil society platforms and the general Bayelsa populace to be vigilant against any attempt to deny the people the benefit of the constitutional guarantee of a democratically elected local government system.
“Every lawful step must be pursued to enforce our collective vigilance in the local government council elections and the gubernatorial polls later in the year.
The Ijaw organisations also condemned the sudden resignation of the Chairman of BSIEC, Dr Perekeme Bertola, on grounds of alleged life threats.
They criticised the immediate appointment of Mr Ball Oyarede as the new Chairman of BSIEC.
“The sudden resignation of Dr Perekeme Bertola as chairman of BSIEC, only a few weeks to the local government elections calls for a full investigation.
“This should be followed promptly by the prosecution of identified culprits, if any. We demand nothing less from the state government.
“We urge the Bayelsa government to address the misgivings expressed against the appointment of Mr Ball Oyarede as the new chairman of BSIEC, based on allegations that he is a member of the ruling party in the state.
“This will help to avoid a credibility trap for the elections, more so as 32 political parties have threatened to boycott the polls if his appointment is not reversed and a clearly neutral person appointed to the Office,’’ the statement said.
The body warned that all participants must play by the rules to ensure free and credible elections during and after the elections.
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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