Politics
Amaechi Opens CPA Confab In Rivers
The Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi will on Monday, 20th July, 2009 officially declare open the 40th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), African Regional Conference in the state.
Already, the preliminary conference attracting no fewer than 16 countries from the African Region started on Monday, 13th and is expected to end on the 25th July, 2009 at the magnificent auditorium of the Rivers State House of Assembly, in Port Harcourt.
A statement from the press officer to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Soye Young-Itiye described the regional conference as historic milestone because it is the first time the state legislature is hosting the commonwealth parliamentary association, since the establishment of the body in 1911.
According to him, special commendation should be given to the state governor who had graciously accepted the hosting of the conference during his tenure as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly.
He said apart from the governor’s desire to reposition the infrastructural development of the state, amidst global economic meltdown, the need to host the conference was still provided on the front burner in his policy implementation programmes.
“The CPA is seen as a body set-up to promote and advance parliamentary democracy by enhancing knowledge and understanding of democratic governance, was found in 1911 as the empire parliamentary associations and its affairs was administered by the United Kingdom”, he said.
He explained that the conference which has its theme as Commonwealth at 60: Challenges and Opportunity”, has its pioneer members drawn from Australia, Canada, New Found Land, New Zealand, South-Africa and the United Kingdom, adopted and changed its present name in 1948 to enable members to participate in the association’s management and establish a separate secretariat to manage its affairs.
According to him, more than 50 new parliaments and legislatures joined or rejoined the CPA adding that, there are 17 National branches in the African region.
The 13-day programme, he said, is expected to attract 16 Commonwealth countries with over 600 delegates.
He called on the people of the state to show their hospitality to the delegates during their stay throughout the conference.
In another development, a member, representing Akuku-Toru State Constituency II in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Onari Brown, says the conference will provide opportunity for the people in the state to show case the potential of their cultural heritage.
Apart from the showcasing of tourism potentials in Rivers State, he said, the conference will correct the impression that the state cannot provide the enabling peaceful environment to investors in this region, taunted as the hub of oil and gas industry.
Hon. Brown made this known during an interactive session with House of Assembly correspondents shortly before the conference kick-off in Port Harcourt.
The legislator also chairman, House committee on information, explained that the historic conference will afford legislators the cross fertilization of ideas on challenges, hope, aspiration and democratic ideal in the region.
Member representing Akuku-Toru I Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Brown Onari (right) and his Asari-Toru II counterpart, Hon. Ibinabo Michael-West, going through a document during a deliberation in the House chambers in Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: King Osila.
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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