Politics
Imperative Of PDP Govs’ Meeting In PH
Ahead of 2023, the political space in Nigeria has begun to gather steam as political gladiators realign and restrategise for the general election billed for the next 13 months or so.
Although the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is yet to lift the ban on political campaigns in the country, some political gladiators have started consultations with their stakeholders, others have begun negotiations (horse trading) and strategising while others will be guests to prayer houses, pastors, shrines and native doctors seeking intervention in their ambition to attain political power.
They will be ready to throw everything at their disposal into the ring. Meetings, press conferences, dinner parties, amongst other social events are being staged for their supporters, loyalists, well-wishers and the media to divulge their political ambition.
The purpose is to garner the required political support that would launch them into their preferred political offices in 2023.
Whereas the All Progressives Congress (APC) seems to be having political brouhaha, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from whom the former seized power in 2015, looks very set and determined to regain control of the centre.
Accordingly, the party has consolidated, repackaged and rebranded for the task ahead.
PDP had one of the most successful conventions in history with none of its members complaining over the outcome. On the contrary, the APC, though yet to hold its convention, feelers from the party hierarchy speak of great division and disagreements among themselves.
The state congresses of the party produced well over 40 state chairmen in a country of 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Presently, there are over three persons laying claims to the position of national chairman of the party with litigations against the outcome of some of the congresses, even as the legitimacy of the Mai Mala Buni-led committee is still being challenged at various law courts.
The governors too, are heavily divided among themselves on the issue of the convention.
Some are accusing Buni of attempt to derail the convention following his rumoured interest to be vice president.
How all these would play out ahead of the February National Convention of the party remains to be seen.
With the PDP looking set to retake power in 2023, governors elected on the platform of the party are due to converge in Port Harcourt today, for crucial consultative meeting.
The 13 governors, who would be led by the Sokoto State Chief Executive and Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, include Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu; Enugu State Governor, Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel; and Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Duoye Diri.
Others are Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa; Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki; Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed; Benue State Governor, Dr Samuel Ortom; Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde; Taraba State Governor, Mr Darius Ishaku, Adamawa State Governor, Hon. Ahmadu Fintiri; and the chief host, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
The 13 governors would examine a number of critical issues; top among which is how to reoccupy Aso Rock, and further win more states in 2023.
The Port Harcourt meeting is also crucial, imperative and significant at this point in our nation’s political life, because aside from examining critical national issues, the PDP governors coming to Port Harcourt would also set the agenda or criteria for the kind of presidential candidate the party would like to produce for the 2023 election as well as come up with a workable formula that would lead to the victory of the party.
In the mean time, as the PDP governors meet in Port Harcourt, Chairman of the party in Rivers State, Amb. Desmond Akawor, has on behalf of the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, welcomed them to the state.
Akawor said the 13 governors should look forward to enjoying Rivers hospitality while wishing them a blissful stay and fruitful deliberations.
By: Paul Deeyah
Deeyah, former Director, News and Current Affairs, Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation, writes from Port Harcourt.
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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