Politics
LG Pays Former Political Office Holders’ Allowances
In compliance with the directive given by the Rivers State House of Assembly to the 23 local government councils in the state on the payment of the severance benefits to former political office holders in their areas, the Etche Local Government Council has commenced the payment of over N10million to 32 beneficiaries in the first instalment.
Speaking at a meeting held with the former councillors and the supervisors in his office in Okehi to kick-start the payment of the severance benefits, last Thursday, the Chairman of the council, Barrister Reginald Ukwuoma said the gesture was in line with the meeting held with the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Amachree on the need to have possible resolution to the lingering problem n the various LGAs.
Barrister Ukwuoma said he decided to clear the backlog of the severance allowance because his administration attached great importance to human development as well as youth empowerment, adding that the expectation was to clear the debt before the expiration of his tenure.
According to him, 32 out of the 40 persons who benefited from the payment were among those whose cases were not in court, adding that the remaining persons would be included when they withdraw their matters pending in the court.
The council boss explained that the reason for excluding the other persons was to avoid interferance on a matter before a competent court that has jurisdiction on the matter. He advised the affected persons to borrow a leaf from others in order to benefit from the payment.
“I decided to give the matter a human face and called them for this meeting in order to heed to the directive of the Rt. Honourable Speaker of the State House of Assembly, who adviced us on ways we can assist the people by paying them to ameliorate their sufferings.”
“Our motivation on the payment is tied with our administration’s policy on youth empowerment,” adding that the payment was another form of empowerment, he stated.
He disclosed that the payment covered Councillors and Supervisors who served the council between 2004 – 2007, as well as supervisors who served between 2008 – 2011, adding that councillors of 2008 – 2011 had already been paid.
The ELGA boss averred that he was not under any form of duress from any quarter to pay the money, but that he did it to reduce the impact of suffering among the affected persons.
Barrister Ukwuoma announced that the payment would be a continuous process, noting that what cannot be achieved in a legal platform could easily be achieved through political interface.
He used the opportunity to call on them to support the present administration’s effort in its quest to transform the place for the betterment of all, rather than be used as agents of opposition in the area.
Responding on behalf of the former Councillors and supervisors, Mr. Jerome Okere thanked the council boss for his magnanimity over the payment of the debt, which was not incurred by his administration, adding that his good will would always be commended.
The former Councillor while calling on those whose cases are still pending before the court to ensure that their matters were withdrawn to enable them benefit from the payment, pledged their unalloyed support to his administration in the area.
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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