Politics
Wike Gets Heroic Reception Over Obaseki’s Victory
Activities in Government House, Port Harcourt, last week began on a happy note as Governor Nyesom Wike was accorded a heroic reception because of the uncommon role he played in the Edo Gubernatorial Election that saw the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Godwin Obaseki eventually emerge victorious in the election.
Governor Wike, who was the Chairman, PDP National Campaign Council, Edo 2020 Governorship Election, arrived the Port Harcourt International Airport to meet a mammoth crowd of party supporters.
Chairman of the Elders Council of the party in the state, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, commended Governor Wike for leading a successful campaign.
The Governor, in his response commended the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and the Police over their conduct in Edo and stressed that their good conduct inspired hope for the nation.
He also thanked Rivers people for their prayers that led to the victory in Edo.
Similarly, the Wike Solidarity Movement (WSF) from the 23 local government areas of the state paid a solidarity visit to the Governor in Government House, Port Harcourt to thank him for his role in securing victory for Obaseki.
Wike, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke, said the victory was not only for the people of Edo but for the South South region and the entire country. He noted that the victory had put an end to the problem of godfatherism in Edo politics.
Last Wednesday, the Edo State Governor was in Government House, Port Harcourt on a thank-you visit to Governor Nyesom Wike. He described the consolation he got from Wike as the second pivot for his electoral victory.
Obaseki said: “ After I was pushed out of my former party, this house was the first place I sought solace. You took me in as a brother, out of the storm , changed my cloths and gave me food to eat.
“ It was in this house the campaign council met to work out the key campaign strategies that led us to victory.
“ You mobilised people across the country. You moved to Benin, went through the humiliation and attacks. You supported us and we won.
“ It will be a sin against God if we do not come to say thank you. Even if the victory we are celebrating is from God, He has used people like you to make it happen”.
Gov Wike, in his response commended Obaseki for being courageous and firm in the struggle and described him as one who had the interest of Edo people at heart.
Gov Wike advised Obaseki to forgive his opponents and carry everybody along.
Last Friday, the Rivers State Executive Council held an emergency session in Government House and approved the reopening of schools in the state with effect from Monday, 5th October.
Briefing Government House Correspondents after the meeting, the State Commissioner for Education, Prof Kaniye Ebeku, said apart from primary schools that are not affected due to expert medical advice, all secondary schools, universities and other tertiary institutions would reopen on October 5, 2020.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, also announced the reopening of public places such as parks, cinemas and restaurants.
He however added that night clubs and bars as well as Oil Mill and Slaughter Oginigba Markets remain closed.
The Commissioner for Social Welfare, Mrs Inime Aguma further said that the State Government also reviewed the compliance of citizens as it relates to Executive Order 16 on the conduct of marriages in the state . She said henceforth, applications for marriages must be accompanied with an affidavit stating that there would be no reception.
According to the Commissioner, a fine of N100 million awaits defaulters.
Also last week in Government House, Port Harcourt, participants of Naval Warfare College Course Four paid a courtesy visit to Governor Wike.
Former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Matters and Social Events, Dr Waripamowei Dudafa, has praised the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri on his formal defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dr Dudafa, who is also a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and one time commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Development, described the governor’s decision as a wise and well-considered move that aligns the State with the centre for accelerated development and greater political inclusion.
“Governor Diri’s decision reflects his pragmatic leadership style which has always been guided by consultation, inclusiveness, and the pursuit of the common good.
“Your Excellency, your decision to work in harmony with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which is in synergy with your ‘Assured Prosperity’ vision will undoubtedly bring about the needed transformation and development for the people of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta at large.
“Since assuming office, your guiding principle has been clear and consistent — to consult widely, act in the public interest, and deliver measurable development outcomes. That same principle has informed your latest political alignment, and it will continue to serve as a compass for your Assured Prosperity Administration”, he said.
He further praised the governor’s performance in office, stating that Gov. Diri’s administration has been characterized by purposeful governance and tangible results, reaffirming his continued loyalty and support for the governor, while also assuring that he and his associates will keep identifying with the Gov Diri’s administration in the collective effort to sustain peace, unity, and progress in the state.
While restating his continued solidarity with the governor’s leadership in the state, Dr Dudafa promised to lend his support to ensure that he finishes strong.
“Governor Diri’s political maturity and developmental focus have repositioned Bayelsa for a brighter future”, he added.
The Tide further learnt that Dr Dudafa once served as Special Adviser to a former governor of the State on Youth Mobilization and Empowerment.
“I want to again commend the governor for his courage and vision. His alignment of the State with the federal government under the Renewed Hope Agenda is a step toward ensuring inclusive governance and attracting more federal presence to the state”, he said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
A publication circulating online had quoted Alhaji Sheriff as saying, “It’s not me; it’s Shettima who created Boko Haram.”
But in a statement issued on Saturday, Alhaji Sheriff dismissed the report as a “complete fabrication” aimed at misleading the public and stirring political discord.
“The said story is a complete fabrication, devoid of truth, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, malign the person of Senator Sheriff, and sow discord within the nation’s political landscape,” the statement read.
Alhaji Sheriff said he never granted any interview or spoke to any journalist on the matter, adding that the falsehood was designed to undermine his long-standing commitment to peace and national unity.
“This false report is not only mischievous but also a dangerous piece of fake news aimed at undermining years of Senator Sheriff’s contributions to peace, national unity, and development, both in Borno State and across Nigeria,” the statement added.
The former governor urged members of the public and the media to disregard the publication, noting that he had directed his legal team to identify and pursue those behind the story.
“Senator Sheriff has instructed his legal team to take immediate steps to identify all individuals, bloggers, or media outlets responsible for the dissemination of this defamatory material.
“Should the false publication not be retracted and taken down forthwith, the Senator will not hesitate to seek full legal redress under the law”, his media office said.
Alhaji Sheriff reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s security, stability, and democratic values and vowed to ensure that the spread of misinformation does not go unpunished.
Politics
Anambra Guber: I’m Not Impressed, LP Candidate Says …As Observers Lament Vote-buying, Low Voters Turnout
Mr Moghalu spoke to journalists on Saturday shortly after casting his vote at Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rise to its responsibility of making the process credible.
He also alleged voter apathy, attributing it to people’s lack of confidence in the electoral process.
Mr Moghalu said that even though it was too early to say whether the process was free, fair, and credible, he was not impressed.
“I am not impressed; there were no issues of glitches, at least for now. As we go along to monitor the process, we’ll confirm. In terms of voting, there’s an improvement over previous elections.
“I can’t say it’s free and fair because if you monetise a process, you weaponise poverty. What’s free about it? There’s no doubt there’s low voter turnout, and that has been the trend,” he stated.
The LP’s flag bearer stated that it was incumbent on INEC to continually improve the process, as voter apathy is a manifestation of a loss of confidence in the people.
Reports from Yiaga Africa, European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) II, and other partner organisations indicated that voter turnout was low in most polling units across the 21 local government areas of the state.
Speaking to journalists in Awka, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, identified vote-buying and low turnout as recurring issues observed in the thematic areas of the election.
Also, Asabe Ndahi of the Kukah Centre decried logistical challenges, including the late arrival of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security officials in high-risk areas, such as Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Ihiala, Ogbaru, and Nnewi South.
She added that incidents of vote-buying and voter intimidation were recorded in several local government areas.
that votes were being traded for between N15,000 and N30,000.
“It is sad that bad governance is fuelling vote buying and selling.
“For an unemployed youth who sells his vote for ?30,000, what will he be paid next month when there is no election?
“By selling your vote, you are saying no school, no hospital, no jobs and selling away your future. This is worrisome”, he said.
He called on journalists to play an active role in exposing and curbing the menace.
The former presidential candidate also described all the hopefuls in the governorship race as his friends.
“Whoever wins, let him serve the people. Nigeria needs service now. We need to pull our people out of poverty,” he said,
Earlier, Mr George Moghalu, LP governorship candidate, said despite the heavy deployment of security personnel for the election, he had received reports of widespread vote-buying.
He also described the trend as “most unfortunate”, and warned that the crime undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
Mr Moghalu added that he remained optimistic on the outcome of the election, as he had campaigned extensively and presented his manifesto to the electorate.
