Politics
PDP Chief Tasks VON On New Exco
The Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Hon, Dagogo Eli Legg-Jack, has challenged the newly inaugurated executive members of the Voice of Opobo Nation (VON) to maintain the bid to keep Opobo kingdom politically-relevant in the state.
Hon legg-Jack gave the challenge at the inauguration exercise of a 14-member executive council of the socio-political group in Port Harcourt.
The former chairman of Opobo/Nkoro local Government Area asserted that the group had come a long way despite the turbulence that had rocked the area over the years.
According to Legg-Jack no political group was as large and formidable as VON, and therefore solicited for the commitment and steadfastness of the new exco to maintain the lead.
Earlier in his remarks, Commissioner for Works in Rivers State, Hon Dakuku Peterside recalled that after nine years he piloted the affairs, as president of the organisation he was elated that another vibrant exco had come to succeed him.
The commissioner said the group had over the years changed the political frontiers of Opobo kingdom, while expressing the hope that it would continue to lift the area to political prominence.
Advising the new exco on the challenges ahead, Hon Peterside declared, “VON requires patience, VON requires sacrifice and prayed God to give them wisdom to remain steadfast and committed in lifting the body.
He also urged members of the socio-political group to support and pray for the organisation commending them for making the transition peaceful and orderly.
The same view was re-echoed by Chairman Board of Trustee of the body, Dr Sam Sam Jaja who called on the new president and his exco to ensure that a befitting secretariat was erected for the organization before leaving office.
Dr Jaja charged the exco to, “please don’t betray the members and the exco,” adding, “Mr President please don’t joke with the elders council.
In his acceptance speech, the new president, Hon Emmanuel Oko-Jaja expressed delight for being given the opportunity to serve, promising not to misplace the mandate given to him and the exco.
Hon Oko-Jaja promised among other programmes to set up a functional secretariat for the body rejuvenate VON chapters in United Stated of America and the United Kingdom.
The VON president declared that deliberate policy to empower members of the body would be pursued through capacity building and reward for hard work.
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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