Politics
Ex-Council Boss Faults Buhari’s Security Policies
Former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro, Sir Boma Brown has picked holes in the security policies of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, saying they have weakened the confidence of the citizens in governance.
Sir, Brown in a chat with The Tide said Buhari has since assuming office displayed inability to address the rising spate of killings orchestrated by herdsmen and Boko Haram.
“I agree that security is everybody’s business but with the information available to government, and had this administration been sincere, within six months they would have tackled the situation to the barest minimum, Brown remarked.
“For security to work well our agencies must be proactive ,” he said, adding that one area the nation has failed to address is in the area of intelligence.
Brown, who is an expert in security matters stated that the divisive nature of the country has further weakened the security apparatus of the nation.
He gave support to the recent call by former President Obasanjo to overhaul the security apparatus of the nation and the need to convoke a national conference on security.
In addition to that, he urged President Buhari to also finetune his economic policies, explaining that the rising insecurity can be as a result of poor economy and lack of jobs.
“As far as I’m concerned, one way to assess the performance of any president is to look at the cost of goods in the market. And what we hear these days is that people are being sacked, companies are shutting down and prices of goods are rising everyday, “ Brown stated.
Once the economy is improved upon, Brown said, insecurity will also go down since the two are linked indirectly.
In Rivers State, he implored the opposition to join hands with the state governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to improve on governance rather than condemning all policies of the administration.
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.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
-
Sports5 days agoAFCON: Osimhen, Lookman Threaten Algeria’s Record
-
Politics5 days agoRivers Political Crisis: PANDEF Urges Restraint, Mutual Forbearance
-
Politics5 days agoWike’s LGAs Tour Violates Electoral Laws — Sara-Igbe
-
Sports5 days agoPalace ready To Sell Guehi For Right Price
-
Sports5 days agoArsenal must win trophies to leave legacy – Arteta
-
Sports5 days agoTottenham Captain Criticises Club’s Hierarchy
-
Sports5 days agoNetball ‘Project 2027’ Sets Higher Target
-
Sports5 days agoNPFL To Settle Feud between Remo Stars, Ikorodu City