Politics
2013: Year Of Political Melodrama
Since 1960 when Nigeria gained her independence from colonial rule, one major challenge that has continuously threatened the growth and stability of the oil-rich nation is the entrenchment of democratic culture. The military had had cause to intervene in the governance of this nation because of the inglorious activities of the political elite most of whom are more concerned about the looting of the nation’s treasury at the expense the masses.
It is against this background that the year 2013 has witnessed political upheavals that are detrimental to the sustainability of the nation’s fledgling democracy which was hard-won in 1990 by combined efforts of pro-democracy and civil society groups, the Nigerian press as well as other sections of the society after the military had severally scuttled democratic processes in the country. We shall therefore, review some of the events that shaped the nation’s political landscape in the out-going year.
Rivers State Crisis
The Rivers State chapter of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been riddled with crisis following the controversial court ruling that replaced Chief G. U. Ake-led executive with that of Bro. Felix Obuah. Subsequently, the leadership of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council was suspended for alleged corruption by Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, in compliance with the resolution passed by the State House of Assembly.
Angered by this development, five anti-Amaechi lawmakers in the State Assembly attempted to impeach the Speaker of the House against the wishes of their colleagues who were 27 in number and in majority. This resulted in a free-for-all fight which compelled the National Assembly to take over the functions of the House.
Although an Abuja high court recently ordered that the House should resume its legislative work, the National Assembly has appealed against that ruling. It is also pertinent to note that Governor Amaechi has taken a harder step by dissolving the leadership of Obio/Akpor Council.
In fact, the political class in Rivers State has been polarized between Governor Amaechi’s faction and Hon. Wike’s faction said to be working for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan.
NGF Crisis
In May, this year Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi was re-elected as the chairman of Nigeria’s Governors Forum by securing 19 votes against Governor Jonah Jang’s 16. However, the presidency turned a blind eye to Amaechi’s victory by recognizing Governor Jang as the chairman of the forum. The aim, it is believed is to create division in the forum to whittle down Governor Amaechi’s influence in relation to the 2015 general election.
Registration of APC
The merger of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) was formalized following its registration by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as All Progressive Congress (APC).
The ruling PDP was unsettled by this development even though it publicly expressed support for the merger. However, African People Congress (APC) and All Patriotic Citizens (APC) have gone to challenge the registration of All Progressives Congress by INEC, claiming ownership of the acronym.
APGA Crisis
The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has been engulfed in crisis following power tussle between Chief Victor Umeh and Mazi Okwu as both lay claim to the national chairmanship of the party. Initially, Mazi Okwu was enjoying the support of the only APGA governor in the country, Mr Peter Obi of Anambra but he was abandoned by the governor who later reconciled with Chief Umeh a few weeks to the gubernatorial election in Anambra State. The court is yet to rule on the APGA matter.
PDP Convention Crisis
Shortly after Governor Amaechi was re-elected the NGF chairman he was suspended by the National Working Committee of the PDP for alleged anti-party activities. But Nigerians were of the view that his suspension was borne out of the fact he defeated the preferred candidate of the presidency (Governor Jang) in the NGF election.
Governor Amaechi’s suspension set the stage for unbridled crises that have destabilised the party. Members of the party that were not on the same page with the presidency were labeled as rebels and were suspended and dismissed from the party for spurious reasons. During the special convention of the party in August, this year some chieftains of the party who were dissatisfied with the impunity being exhibited by the national leadership staged a walkout and formed a new PDP.
Return of Gov. Suntai
Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State returned home, having spent 10 months in Germany and United States where he received medical treatments for the injuries he sustained from a plane crash in Adamawa State. His return generated political crisis between his supporters and the deputy governor’s.
It was alleged that the deputy governor wanted his boss impeached because of his ill-health so as to assume office as the substantive governor of the state. With the intervention of then National leadership of the PDP, the deputy governor was therefore, directed to continue as the Acting Governor pending the recuperation of the ailing governor.
Anambra Election
The gubernatorial election that was conducted in Anambra State on November 16, this year was fraught with irregularities. Indeed, it was the worst election conducted by the Attahiru Jeja-led Independent National Electoral Commission since it came on board. Both local and international observers expressed dissatisfaction with shoddy exercise as the INEC chairman equally admitted the obvious irregularities.
It was for this reason that the three major candidates in that election (Senator Chris Ngige of APC, Hon Tony Nwoye of PDP and Chief Ifeanyi Ubah of LP) boycotted the supplementary election in the disputed electoral units, insisting that the governorship election should be cancelled for a credible exercise. They have also gone to court to challenge the outcome of the election.
Defection of PDP Governors and Legislators
Following the crisis in the PDP former chieftains of the party, five governors and 37 members of House of Representatives recently defected to All Progressives Congress (APC). Consequently, the APC is now in majority in the House of Representatives.
Sacking of Ministers
The President sacked eight ministers who were either nominated by or loyal to governors that are not comfortable with his leadership style.
Obasanjo’s and Jonathan’s Letters
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo in his 18-page letter took a swipe at President Goodluck Jonathan on sundry issues that bordered on ineptitude, integrity and security. The President replied his benefactor’s letter with the inference that the pot is calling the kettle black.
Reward Akwu
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.