Politics
Amaechi Extols Late Tonye Harry’s Virtues
Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi returned to
the state on Monday last week after attending BRACED Commission meeting at Benin, capital of Edo State. he later proceeded to Abuja for the G-7 reconciliatory meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The G-7 reconciliatory meeting was postponed till after the Hajj as three governors were in Mecca on pilgrimage. However, on returning, Governor Amaechi presided over an executive council meeting on Monday evening.
On Tuesday, the governor also presided over the monthly Inter-Governmental Forum. But before the meeting he and some state executive council members in the company of some state legislators paid a condolence visit to the family of late former Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry in Port Harcourt.
Governor Amaechi bemoaned the sudden death of the former Speaker and described him as a friend and colleague. “We were quite friendly, he was a wonderful Deputy Speaker and I guess he was a wonderful Speaker”.
He, however, assured the family that, “the government is prepared to participate in the State burial. The government is prepared to listen to the family and knows what to do to assist the family, especially with the young children that he has”.
On Wednesday, Governor Amaechi took presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP) at the 2011 general election, Mr Dele Momodu round some of his projects in the state. Some of the projects include – Banana plantation at Tai, the Gas Turbine Power Station at Afam, Songhai Farm at Bunu Tai, Nne Kurubo Model Secondary School, Eleme among others.
Impressed by what he saw on ground, Mr Momodu spoke to newsmen saying, “if we have more Amaechis in Nigeria, I’ am sure we would have done better than what we are doing at the moment. And I appeal to the Federal Government in particular to support the gentleman (Amaechi) who is trying his best in the state. So let’s forget about politics”.
The publisher turned politician also said he was extremely impressed with Rt. Hon. Amaechi’s strides in education development. “One of the things that strikes me most is education. For me, education is everything. Without education I would not be standing here. I was not born rich. I grew up in the ancient city of Ile-Ife. I was once a village teacher”.
The ‘2012 Batch C’ National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) members rounded –off their service year on Thursday and Governor Amaechi was on hand to do the closing ceremonies held at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt.
After the passing out parade, the Rivers State Governor addressed the corp members thus, “As future leaders of this great nation, you are high stakeholders in the country and it behoves on you to do your best to achieve and sustain the aspirations of the scheme”. He also challenged them to be creators of employment instead of waiting endlessly for government jobs.
On Friday, the Governor took a team of foreign journalists round some of the project sites in the state. He told the foreign newsmen that his administration was moving the state from an oil dependent economy to an agro-based economy, stressing that Nigeria and Rivers State have huge potential for foreign investors to exploit.
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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