Politics
Monarch Wants APC To Redeem Pledge Of Supporting Wike
A traditional ruler in Rivers State, HRH Christopher Wonodi has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to redeem the promise it made to support the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration to enable him succeed and deliver democratic dividends to the people.
Wonodi, who is the Eze Mbam Abali X11, Eze Risiohia, Rebisi in Port Harcourt made the call during a chat with The Tide in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital on Wednesday.
Recall that the APC leadership in the state had through Senator Andrew Uchendu at a news briefing promised to support Governor Wike to succeed, even as the former had made some suggestions for the state chief executive to achieve good governance.
But Chief Wonodi said several months after that promise was made, he was yet to see anything concrete that suggests that the main opposition party in the state is willing to honour its own promise aimed at ensuring the development, peace and security of the state.
He said, “Well it was a good thing for the APC to have come out then that they want to support Wike’s government and the PDP to ensure peace and security in the state. But in my opinion, I am yet to see any form of support from them, at least openly. They may be doing so in the background but I am yet to see them keep the promise they made. But I think they should come out clearly and openly,” he said.
The monarch explained that supporting the government in power does not necessarily mean backing or agreeing with everything it does, but that constructive criticism is a form of support because it keeps the government on its toes.
“When that (constructive criticism) is done, sincerely it may even keep the government on its toes. Government will come to terms with the fact that it is being watched and monitored in terms of policies and programmes. So, I also feel that any government that does not experience any opposition is not worth it. Constructive criticism, rather than criticizsing for the fun of it is one of the essence of opposition.
“When the opposition sees something good in the government, they should commend same and if they feel policies are not good, they can criticize and proffer solution.
“But when you come out to say we will support you to succeed without seeing you do so openly and sincerely and you choose to pick holes in anything and everything the government does, that is sheer docility and it does not speak well of an opposition,” Eze Wonodi stated.
Chief Wonodi therefore reminded the APC to redeem its promise to the governor by showing some support, just as he called on other political parties to rally round the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), especially as Wike has just begun his second term in office.
Dennis Naku
The Tide source reports that the committee, reportedly backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, is making moves to reclaim the Wadata Plaza headquarters months after it was sealed following a violent clash between rival factions of the party.
Senior officers at the FCT Police Command told our source that while they had not received an official briefing, police personnel would be stationed at the secretariat and other key locations to maintain peace.
The Acting National Secretary of the Mohammed-led committee, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, announced last week that the secretariat would reopen for official activities on Monday (today).
He dismissed claims that ongoing litigation would prevent the reopening, saying, “There are no legal barriers preventing the caretaker committee from resuming work at the party’s headquarters.”
However, the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) has fiercely rejected the reopening move, insisting that Sen. Anyanwu and his group remain expelled from the PDP and have no authority to act on its behalf.
Speaking with The Tide source, the committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, declared: “They are living in fool’s paradise. The worst form of deceit is self-deceit, where the person knows he is deceiving himself yet continues with gusto.
“Even INEC, which they claim has recognised them, has denied them. They are indulging in a roller coaster of self-deceit.”
Mr Ememobong further revealed that letters had been sent to both the Inspector-General of Police and the FCT Commissioner of Police, stressing that the matter was still in court and warning against any attempt to “resort to self-help.”
“The case pending before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik was instituted by the expelled members. They cannot resort to self-help until judgment is delivered,” he said.
He warned that reopening the secretariat would amount to contempt of court.
A senior officer at the FCT Police Command, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that officers would be deployed to the area to avert a repeat of the November 19 violence that led to the secretariat’s initial closure.
“The command would not stand by and allow a breakdown of peace and order by the party or anyone else. Definitely, the police will have to be on the ground,” he said.
Another officer added, “There will definitely be men present at the secretariat, but I can’t say the number of police officers that would be deployed.”
When contacted, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, said she had not been briefed on the planned reopening and declined to comment on whether officers would be deployed.
Asked to confirm whether the secretariat was initially sealed by police, she responded, “Yes,” but refused to say more about the current deployment plans.
The Kano State House of Assembly has debunked the purported impeachment plan against the Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo.
The Tide source recalls that the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, recently sparked controversy during an interview session with a local radio station.
Mr Waiya called on the deputy governor to resign for failing to follow his principal, Gov. Abba Yusuf, in defecting from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the spokesperson to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Kamaluddeen Shawai, while addressing journalists in Kano on Saturday, described reports circulating in some media outlets about Mr Gwarzo’s impeachment as baseless and misleading, emphasising that no such plan is underway.
Mr Shawai further stated that the House remains focused on its legislative duties and oversight functions rather than engaging in speculative political manoeuvres.
The spokesperson urged members of the public and the media to verify information before sharing it, stressing the importance of accurate reporting in maintaining political stability in the state.
He said, “There is absolutely no motion or initiative within the House to remove the deputy governor.
“These reports are false and should be disregarded by the public. The deputy governor continues to serve in his capacity with full support from the House.
“Our priority is good governance and serving the people of Kano, not circulating rumours.”
She made the declaration during an interview with Nigerian football legend, Mr Segun Odegbami, during a live radio interview on Saturday.
Prof. Obasanjo, who is also former commissioner in the state, ruled out a return to the Senate, stating that her focus was firmly on the governorship race.
“So, moving ahead, I’m not going to be Commissioner. Like I said, I’m not even going back to the same party because I think that’s old and I don’t see the use of it. And I’m not going to go back to the Senate,” she said.
“Like the Americans would say, there’s no need. And this is what I told my associates, when this all started. I said, the only thing I’ll come back to do is the governorship.
“And we have started that journey. We are going to see it through. And so that’s the journey I’m on. And we are very serious about it. I mean we are very dedicated to it.”
The politician also confirmed that she recently joined the APC, explaining that her return to active politics followed persistent calls from supporters.
“Like I told you, a group of people who I did not bring together, have been working, I think, for two years now. And then they started talking to me about a year ago, saying, ‘Look, we think you are the best candidate. We want you back,’” she added.
Her declaration sets the stage for what may become a keenly contested governorship race in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections.
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