Politics
Amaechi Attends SRM Rally In Khana
Government House activities last week were suffered
with displeasure following the attack on government officials, and the violent disruption of Save Rivers Movement (SRM) rally at Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area by some hoodlums.
About two persons were shot and over 15 vehicles battered by hoodlums allegedly hired by the opposition to scuttle the event.
Returning from Abuja on Sunday, Governor Amaechi inspected the vehicles and spoke to the media, stressing that no amount of intimidation would stop the SRM from carrying out its sensitisation rally.
The governor hinted that he would personally attend SRM rallies in Khana and Tai slated to hold last Saturday and yesterday. And so he did on Saturday when he led huge crowd who swinged and danced at the open field of the All Saints Anglican Church, Ogoni Missionary Diocese.
The governor told the surging crowd that the violence of last week was planned to instill fear in the minds of Ogoni people while challenging the ruling party to allow a level playing field to prevail ahead the elections.
He said, “they are afraid they would fail that is why they want to intimidate you”. Amaechi urged the Ogoni people to buckle themselves against impunity and agents of oppression.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr George Feyii, who enjoined the people to support the vision of SRM in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. Others who spoke are Hon Maurice Poronen, Hon Igoh Aguma, Caroline Nabo and Chief Andrew Uchende.
Rising from the State Executive Council meeting on Monday, the Rivers State Government has warned on the plans by some politicians to sponsor hoodlums to protest on the streets of Port Harcourt.
Commissioner for Special Duties, Barrister Umunakwe together with his counterparts from Employment Generation and Women Affairs briefed newsmen on the outcome of the state Exco meeting.
Apart from the plan by politicians to recruit hoodlums to disrupt the peace in the state, the commissioner hinted of plans by the State Government to commence the commissioning of completed projects in February.
They also used the medium to enjoin the newly recruited 13,000 teachers to ensure they participate in the ongoing data capture, to enable them get their salaries. As far as they were concerned the recently passed 2014 budget would address the plight and welfare of the citizenry.
Areas to be covered by the budget include health, power, education and infrastructure.
On Tuesday, the Rivers State Board of Internal Revenue (RIRS) disclosed its plans to commence the issuance of automated tax certificates to all tax payers in the state. Chairperson of the board, Mrs Onene Osila Obele Oshoko made the plans public.
According to her, the new tax certificates are in two categories, one for those in government employment and another for those private employment. Tax payers, she further explained, would get their tax clearance in two weeks through a computerised system.
Also, last Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened to deliberate on pending matters. The House was convened at the Old Government House, following the continuous closure of the House of Assembly by the police.
“Among the three bills that were deliberated upon and which passed second reading include the Customary Court Bill and the Waste Management Agency Bill. About 17 members attended the sitting. Speaking of the House said other absentee members had taken permission. It will reconvened next week,
News
Oji Clears Air On Appointment Of 15 Special Advisers By Fubara
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
Politics
Rivers Political Crisis: PANDEF Urges Restraint, Mutual Forbearance
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.
Politics
Wike’s LGAs Tour Violates Electoral Laws — Sara-Igbe
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.
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