Politics
Steer Clear Of Money Politics, Ex-Gov Tells Nigerians
Former Sokoto State governor, Dr. Garba Nadama has urged Nigerians to steer clear of money politics to ensure a credible, free, fair and acceptable 2011 elections.
Nadama spoke in Sokoto at a one day forum on ensuring 2011 credible elections organised by the Shehu Shagari World Institute for Leadership and Good Governance.
“For the 2011 polls to be credible, we must all guard against selling our conscience by collecting money before electing any candidate.
“ Any candidate you cast your vote for after collecting his or her money will regard that as an investment which he will recoup before executing any development project,” Nadama said.
He advised that Nigerians should emulate countries that conducted elections that were adjudged to be averagely free and fair.
In another development, the leadership and members of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in Kebbi have decamped to the newly registered Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).
Chairman of the ANPP, Alhaji Musa Danmaliki told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi recently that the decision to decamp was sequel to the failure of the ANPP leadership at the national level.
“We held wide ranging consultations before taking the decision to move to CPC,” he said.
He said the decision of the ANPP to be part of the Government of National Unity (GNU) was arbitrary,” and due to the selfish interests of the leadership at the national level.
“Our decision to decamp to CPC was not arbitrary and all segments of the followers were convinced and supported the movement to a new and hopeful party,” he said.
Danmaliki said the CPC would contest in the forthcoming local government elections.
He said the ANPP had failed to show support for Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) who lost the 2007 election, stressing that his quest to seek legal redress over the 2007 election was not supported by the ANPP national leadership.
According to him, the PDP leadership had failed to salvage the country economically while hardship faced by people had not abated.
He added that “but with Gen. Muhammadu Buhari as CPC candidate there was hope of redemption.
“We are convinced that the credentials of Buhari and with our support the CPC would usher in hope and improvement of the living conditions of the people and revive the economy,” he said.
A cross section of members of the ANPP said the change to CPC was unconditional and accepted based on the credentials and hope for a change from the leadership.
Posters of Buhari and the flags of CPC already adorned the secretariat of the former ANPP.
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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