Politics
Ondo Safer Under Akeredolu – LG Boss
Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Okitipupa LGA of Ondo State, has said that the state is more secure under Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Adesanya made the assessment in an interview with tnewsmen yesterday on the sidelines of the presentation of his achievements in 2019 and expectations for 2020, in Okitipupa.
He said that Akeredolu’s efforts at industrialising the state were yielding positive results, as hundreds of youths were indirectly being gainfully employed through government’s favourable policies.
Adesanya added that there had been direct employment in the health, education and agricultural sectors.
The council chief said that the well-being of residents of the state was a priority for the APC-led government in its bid to transform the state and its council areas through developmental programmes.
Adesanya urged the state residents to support the governor by shunning divisive tendencies which, he said, were inimical to the growth of the state and its local government areas.
“Gov. Akeredolu’s efforts at industrialising the state are yielding positive results, as hundreds of youths are indirectly being gainfully employed through government policies, especially in health, agriculture and education sectors.
“The well-being of the people of the state has been the priority of the APC- led government, which has made the state to be a safe haven under Akeredolu,” he said.
Adesanya said that the Okitipupa LGA had recorded much developments in the last six months, when he became the chairman.
He said that security had been accorded top priority since he assumed office, while crimes had reduced.
According to him, re-introduction of the monthly environmental sanitation and infrastructure development through several road projects have enhanced socioeconomic development of the council area.
“Although my administration has worked hard in the last six months to achieve greater results, we are still committed to making lives more meaningful to our people through various policies and projects.
“Our resources may be inadequate to meet all our needs for rapid economic growth and infrastructure development, but we are prepared for the task of governance in 2020, through strategic planning and development.”
Adesanya, who wished the residents of the council area a prosperous New Year, called for peaceful coexistence among them.
He cautioned them against violence, hatred and bitterness, which he described as a cog in the wheel of development.
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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