Politics
Dep Speaker Sues For Peace
The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase, has assured Nigerian youths that the Federal, State Governments and National Assembly would do everything within their powers to meet their demands.
Wase in a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Umar Puma, appealed to Nigerian youths to be calm over the #EndSARS protests and not to take laws into their hands.
The deputy speaker urged the youths particularly in Plateau State to give peace a chance.
“The Federal and State Governments as well as the National Assembly will do everything within their powers to ensure that your demands in the protests are met.
“Already, they are doing all that need to be done to ensure justice for the victims of police brutality.
“Let us, therefore, cooperate with relevant government agencies who are working day and night to ensure our safety.
“I want to appeal for calm and urge our citizens to continue to uphold the peaceful profile of our dear state by not taking laws into their hands.
“Do not be tempted to attack public property and facilities which will take us many years of sacrifice and struggles to build,” he said.
Wase said that the Nigeria Police Force had taken note of the agitation.
“Do not destroy our collective heritage while trying to right the wrong of others because as the saying goes, two wrongs don’t make a right,” the lawmaker said.
In another development, a Lagos lawmaker, Mr Noheem Adams, has appealed to hoodlums hiding under the guise of EndSARS protesters to stop looting and destruction of private and public property.
Adams, representing Eti-Osa Constituency I, in the Lagos State House of Assembly, made the plea in a statement issued in Lagos.
The lawmaker, also House Deputy Majority Leader, urged the hoodlums to stop breaking into private and public places to loot, causing unrest in different parts of the country.
“It is time to adopt a peaceful approach to the agitations. At this stage all stakeholders, particularly the #EndSARS protesters, should take advantage of the window opened by the state government to address their demands.
“No matter the level of vexation, we can’t rule out dialogue in a democratic polity.
“Let the youths come forward with their demands, and suggestions on how to reform the police to better serve the people,” he said.
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.