Politics
Governance: Ex-guber Candidate Makes Case For Youths
A former National Democratic Party (NDP) gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State, Hon Appolos E. Amadi has advocated for reasonable level of free hands for youths in governance across the country to enable them contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation.
Amadi who spoke to newsmen in Port Harcourt, frowned at a situation in which youths are commonly used during the elections for the interest of those who hired them only to be dumped to the detriment of their future.
He said the youths desire a good measure of positive assistance if they are to shun violence and other forms of criminality during and after elections.
Amadi who also represented Ikwerre/Etche Constituency in the lower chambers of the National Assembly in 2003 described as unacceptable the practice of politicians to use the youths to achieve their selfish desires.
The Aluu-born politician in Rivers State said that as the nation marches toward a credible election in 2011, all hands must be on deck to achieve the objective, advising the youths in the federation to be prepared to prove their critics wrong that they have the potentials to change the country for the better.
According to him, youths should stand up in the conduct of next general elections, urging them to resist any politician who may want to use them against the conduct of a free, fair and credible polls.
On the credibility of the new INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega to deliver, Amadi who is the chairman Oil and Gas Host Communities in Rivers State, believes that he (Jega) would live up to expectation judging from his wealth of experience and antecedent. He told Jega to be wary of most gullible politicians who are bent in circumventing the system in order to achieve selfish interest.
Amadi who recently dumped NDP and returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), however, advised the PDP national chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo not to spare any efforts in his decision to restore the ruling party to its original shape and glory even as he lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for what he described as good governance.
He also praised Governor Chibuike Amaechi for the high level of development in the state and urged him to sustain the tempo in the remaining part of his tenure.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made on genocide.
The Fellowship described the demand as unjustified and a threat to constitutional freedoms.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN insisted that Prof Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to express his views on matters of national concern, irrespective of the public office he occupies.
According to the PFN, the comments attributed to the INEC Chairman were made in his personal capacity and had no link whatsoever with his official responsibilities or electoral duties.
The Fellowship stressed that elections and electoral activities were not involved in the matter, arguing that there was no basis to connect the alleged comments to Prof Amupitan’s role as INEC Chairman.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a Nigerian, has the right to make comments on what he observes to be happening in the nation, regardless of his appointment or assignment,” the statement read.
The PFN said it condemned “in every ramification” the suggestion that the INEC Chairman should be removed from office on the basis of his personal views, warning against attempts to punish public officials for expressing opinions outside the scope of their official duties.
The Tide source reports that the Fellowship also cautioned against what it described as a growing tendency to interpret national issues through religious lenses, noting that such an approach only deepens divisions and undermines peaceful coexistence.
“We must resist the temptation of profiling or judging people based on their religious beliefs or positions. Prof. Amupitan has a right to bear his mind, and this should not be at the cost of his job,” the PFN added.
The PFN called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, understanding and mutual respect in national discourse, particularly on sensitive issues.
It emphasised that unity and peace must remain paramount in addressing national challenges.
The Fellowship reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice and mutual respect, urging that these values guide public engagement and responses to issues affecting the country.
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
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