Politics
We Must Work For The People, DELGA Boss Charges Councillors
As early as 8:30am on Monday, June 21,2021,the council premises at Degema Consulate, Headquarters of Degema Local Government Area, had been thronged by hilarious crowd of elegantly dressed people from all the 17 wards of the LGA.
The people had defied the heavy rains of the day and waited enthusiastically for long periods for the official swearing-in of their councillors and the vice chairman of the council for the next three years.
The out-gone chairman of the council,Alabo Tony Philmoore, with some members of his cabinet also made the day.They came and handed over council property in their possession to the new government and made formal their severance from the governance of DELGA.
At last, the much awaited moment, the swearing-in proper came.At about 2:46pm, the Vice Chairman, Mrs Maureen Obuba Harry, and all the councillors who were already seated for long hours mounted the rostrum. The oath of office was administered on them by some judicial officials.
Highly elated brand new councilors in frenetic mood took turns and shook hands with the council chairman, party leaders, their constituents, judicial and legislative officials etc as requested by protocol.
Then it was the turn of the chairman of the council, Hon. Michael John Williams, to mount the podium. His task was quite simple as he went straight to the point in reading the Riot Act to trouble makers in whatever guise, to stay clear of his government or be ready to face the wrath of his administration.
The chairman said, he would give a listening ear to the admonitions of leaders, provided such advice are fair, just and intended to promote the good governance of the LGA, arguing that the only calling of his administration is work,work and more work.
Addressing the councillors, Hon Williams enjoined them to shun self-serving interests and unnecessary squabbles amongst them, urging them to work as a team, while promoting the ideals of Governor Nyesom Wike in their various wards.
He urged them to avoid extern influences that would distract them from enacting by-laws that would better the lot of their constituents, assuring that his administration would create the enabling atmosphere for proper legislative business.
“We must work for the people together.Just two days,we have restored power in the axis.We must also do the right things always. Democracy must benefit us if we remain united. As councillors, you should always promote the principles and ethics of Wike in keeping Degema as one entity.You must be humble as you serve”,the chairman advised.
The council boss used the occasion to announce the appointment of a few officials: Mr Nicholas Harry, Secretary of the Council; Mr Ipalibo O.Yellow, Chief of Staff; Mr Daerefa Braide, Chief Press Secretary; Mrs Margaret Omualabo, Assist Chief Press Secretary, among others.
The chairman wished the legislators a happy session and took a bow and left the hallowed chambers.
As the chairman exited the chambers, the lawmakers settled for the day’s business which is to elect their principal officers.
At the end of the session, Barr Johnson E.Johnson representing Ward 8, Tombia, was elected as the Leader.Tamunoemi O.C. Harry, representing Ward 14, Obuama, emerged as Deputy Leader. Also elected was Cherry Braide, representing Ward 4, Banana, as Chief Whip.
Speaking with The Tide on the sideline of the events, the councillor representing Ward 9, Tombia, Ngokombo Agborubere, who contested the leadership of the house said the time of politicking was over, saying,’we have to join forces with the chairman and improve the lot of our people, even as I congratulate my brother, Johnson E. Johnson, as he became leader. It was never a do or die affair, but democracy allows free expression of the will of the people”.
Mr Agborubere promised effective and quality representation to his people.
Also, councillor representing Ward 7, Tombia, Alapuye S. Duke, in a chat with The Tide remarked that strategic synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government where each arm respecting the powers of the other is required for proper functioning of democracy at the grassroots level.
Hon. Duke said he would display a mature, quality and outspoken representation to his people, adding that the interest of his constituency shall be paramount in all considerations.
He promised to ensure that whatever is due his Ward shall be brought to them as he hopes to constantly get in touch with them.
The Ward 7 councillor said: “I will pursue the stimulation of educational programmes in my ward, I will also assist indigent persons in my ward the much I can.It shall be my responsibility to see myself as the peoples’ servant.Above all, I value and thank all people of my constituency’.
Hon.Duke further stated that the legislature was ready to make good by-laws and work with the chairman to develop the LGA.
It would be recalled that on April 19, 2021, the Rivers State Independent Electorial Commission (RSIEC) conducted chairmanship and councillorship elections in the 23 local government areas in Rivers State. Subsequently, the commission declared candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winners of all the 23 chairmanship and 319 electoral wards councillorship seats contested for.
On Thursday, June 17, 2021, Governor Nyesom Wike inaugurated the elected chairmen at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt.
By: Opaka Dokubo & Iminabo Fyneface
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.
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