Politics
‘Rivers Political Crisis, Unfortunate’
A politician in Rivers
State, Mr Billy Kalagbor has blamed the festering political crisis in the state to the dysfunctioning of the legislative process of governance, noting that the development was a deliberate ploy to ground the socio-economic development of the state.
Kalagbor who spoke with The Tide in an interview in Port Harcourt, last week, said inspite of the constitutional approval of the House of Representatives to take over the duties of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the decision has not served the best interest of the state.
Kalagbor, a former flagbearer of the Hope Democratic Party for the Port Harcourt Constituency 1 seat into the state House of Assembly said the House of Representative were equally docile and had their own pressing challenges and as well lack the impetus for effective legislative duties in Rivers State.
He said Rivers people should be wary of the trend of political developments, and called on hectors in the power play to sheathe their sword and work collectively to restore sanity in the political process of the state, noting that traditional rulers have a fundamental role to play in the entire process.
According to him, “The fact that the law making arm of a foremost Nigerian state, like Rivers, is not working in a democratic dispensation and it does not call to the heart of the actors in the power play, is disheartening”.
The politician, who described Rivers State as a “costly political bride”, noted that there were people benefiting from the crisis in the state and will want it to persist.
He called for a new political consciousness among the people ahead of the 2015 general election to evolve, a new political order in which the people’s views would be sacrosanct.
He noted that Rivers State was bigger than any political party and called on members of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP to amicably resolve their problems without making it a burden on the citizenry.
Reacting to the Anambra State Governorship Poll, the politician urged the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, to build confidence in the electorate in the 2015 general election which is a determinant factor in Nigerian political process.
Taneh Beemene
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.
-
Politics5 days agoEFCC Alleges Blackmail Plot By Opposition Politicians
-
Business5 days ago
AFAN Unveils Plans To Boost Food Production In 2026
-
Sports5 days agoJ And T Dynasty Set To Move Players To Europe
-
Politics5 days ago
Datti Baba-Ahmed Reaffirms Loyalty To LP, Forecloses Joining ADC
-
Business5 days ago
Industrialism, Agriculture To End Food Imports, ex-AfDB Adviser Tells FG
-
Politics5 days ago
Bayelsa APC Endorses Tinubu For Second Term
-
Business5 days ago
Cashew Industry Can Generate $10bn Annually- Association
-
Entertainment5 days agoAdekunle Gold, Simi Welcome Twin Babies