Politics
Enugu Stakeholders Advocate Creation Of Adada State
Some stakeholders from Enugu State have sought the support of the leadership of the National Assembly for the creation of Adada State from the present Enugu State .
The stakeholders led by immediate past President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nwodo, had audience with President of Senate, Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Deputy President of the Senate , Sen. Ovie Omo – Agege who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Constitution Review .
They also had audience with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Idris Wase who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Constitution Review.
In their separate meetings with the President and Deputy President of the Senate, the Enugu stakeholders recalled that creation of Adada State was approved by delegates at the 2014 National Conference, adding that no petition had been recorded against the approval.
Nwodo said: “The proposed Adada State has peculiar characteristics which include that no petition against it within or outside Enugu State.
“There is unanimity of demand by all the five South Eastern States, during the approval at the 2014 National Conference and the need for it to make states in Igbo North, three, as it is presently in Igbo South which has Imo, Anambra and Abia States as against Igbo North which presently has only Enugu and Ebonyi as states”.
Lawan in his response, told the delegation that they took the right step by coming to the National Assembly to make their demand.
“You are in order. You are at the right place, this is the people’s assembly, saddled with the responsibility and mandate of receiving and listening to Nigerians who desire one form of legislative intervention or the other to ensure that Nigeria is stable, peaceful and that people live in harmony and trust.
“So in your quest for the creation of Adada, you are welcome.
“We are going to give you every opportunity and support that will be necessary for the creation of the Adada State.
“It is a constitutional and legitimate agitation. Nigerians should take the opportunity of the constitutional review process that the ninth senate and indeed the National Assembly have embarked upon,” he said.
Omo – Agege on his part assured the delegation the support of his committee .
He said: “Since state creation is item 10 out of the 11 thematic areas being considered by the committee, Adada will be given serious consideration .”
He, however, advised them to broaden the scope of their lobbying for their request to go through in June or July, when reports would be submitted.
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.
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