Politics

Speaker, Members Differ On Investment Bill

Published

11 years ago

May 23, 2014

The Speaker of the Rivers
State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Dan Amachree has committed the Garden City Private Equity Investment Bill into committee stage, even as lawmakers kicked that the bill should be step down due to duplication with other agencies.
The bill which was in its second reading was kicked against by majority members of the House with the view that Rivers State Micro Finance and Investment Corporation and Ministry of Finance and Corporations are saddled with the same work and responsibilities to create wealth and enhance the financial capacity of the state.
During the deliberation on the bill, Wednesday, members kicked against the establishment of a new agency, saying the state should use the existing agencies to invest and create wealth for the state.
Hon Chioma Golden Ngozi representing Etche Constituency II who said the bill appeared to be good and intended to create job and wealth for the people of the state, however, noted that the state can do without it since there are other agencies saddled with such responsibilities.
The lawmaker said, even though the bill was also intended to create equity in the investment of the state, the Ministry of Finance can do much more by creating wealth and also make judicious use of the funds appropriated to the ministry.
He disclosed that during the screening of members of the Board of the State Internal Revenue Service, it was found that the state had various investments in some companies operating in the state, regretting that the state had refused to utilize that opportunity adequately.
He appealed to the executive arm of government to use the existing agencies for the investment instead of establishing a fresh one, saying a new agency would amount to duplication and as well increase the wage bill of the state government.
He also urged the executive to use other investments agencies in the state like the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to create wealth and empowerment for the state.
Other members who opposed the bill include Hon Anabraba Fredrick (Akuku-Toru 11), Hon Legborsi Nwidadah (Khana 1), Hon Victoria Nyeche (Port Harcourt 1), Hon Ibiso Wuche (Ahoada East II), Hon Miller Andrew Anderson (Opobo/Nkoro) and Hon Gift Wokacha (ONELGA).
But the Deputy Speaker, Hon Leyii Kwanee, representing Khana II reminded the House on rule 46, which stated that all bills shall receive third reading.
The Speaker, Rt Hon Amachree, however, referred members to House rule 45, section 5 and committed the bill to a committee stage for a public hearing. The Speaker set up an adhoc committee headed by Hon Horsfall Godstime Ben, representing Asaru Toru II, while Hon Okechukwu Akara Nwogu (Oyigbo), Hon. Lucky Odili (ONELGA II) and Hon Chigbo Sam Eliwe serve as members.
The committee is expected to conduct public hearing on the bill and report back to the House within one week.

Politics

DIRI’S DEFECTION TO APC STRATEGIC, VISIONARY MOVE, SAYS EX-PRESIDENT JONATHAN’S AIDE

Published

3 days ago

November 10, 2025

The Tide

Former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Matters and Social Events, Dr Waripamowei Dudafa, has praised the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri on his formal defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dr Dudafa, who is also a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and one time commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Development, described the governor’s decision as a wise and well-considered move that aligns the State with the centre for accelerated development and greater political inclusion.

“Governor Diri’s decision reflects his pragmatic leadership style which has always been guided by consultation, inclusiveness, and the pursuit of the common good.

“Your Excellency, your decision to work in harmony with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which is in synergy with your ‘Assured Prosperity’ vision will undoubtedly bring about the needed transformation and development for the people of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta at large.

“Since assuming office, your guiding principle has been clear and consistent — to consult widely, act in the public interest, and deliver measurable development outcomes. That same principle has informed your latest political alignment, and it will continue to serve as a compass for your Assured Prosperity Administration”, he said.

He further praised the governor’s performance in office, stating that Gov. Diri’s administration has been characterized by purposeful governance and tangible results, reaffirming his continued loyalty and support for the governor, while also assuring that he and his associates will keep identifying with the Gov Diri’s administration in the collective effort to sustain peace, unity, and progress in the state.

While restating his continued solidarity with the governor’s leadership in the state, Dr Dudafa promised to lend his support to ensure that he finishes strong.

“Governor Diri’s political maturity and developmental focus have repositioned Bayelsa for a brighter future”, he added.

The Tide further learnt that Dr Dudafa once served as Special Adviser to a former governor of the State on Youth Mobilization and Empowerment.

“I want to again commend the governor for his courage and vision. His alignment of the State with the federal government under the Renewed Hope Agenda is a step toward ensuring inclusive governance and attracting more federal presence to the state”, he said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Politics

Modu Sheriff Disowns Report Accusing Shettima Of Creating Boko Haram

Published

3 days ago

November 10, 2025

The Tide

Former governor of Borno State, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, has denied claims that he accused Vice-President Kashim Shettima of creating Boko Haram, describing the report as “false, malicious, and dangerous”.

A publication circulating online had quoted Alhaji Sheriff as saying, “It’s not me; it’s Shettima who created Boko Haram.”

But in a statement issued on Saturday, Alhaji Sheriff dismissed the report as a “complete fabrication” aimed at misleading the public and stirring political discord.

“The said story is a complete fabrication, devoid of truth, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, malign the person of Senator Sheriff, and sow discord within the nation’s political landscape,” the statement read.

Alhaji Sheriff said he never granted any interview or spoke to any journalist on the matter, adding that the falsehood was designed to undermine his long-standing commitment to peace and national unity.

“This false report is not only mischievous but also a dangerous piece of fake news aimed at undermining years of Senator Sheriff’s contributions to peace, national unity, and development, both in Borno State and across Nigeria,” the statement added.

The former governor urged members of the public and the media to disregard the publication, noting that he had directed his legal team to identify and pursue those behind the story.

“Senator Sheriff has instructed his legal team to take immediate steps to identify all individuals, bloggers, or media outlets responsible for the dissemination of this defamatory material.

“Should the false publication not be retracted and taken down forthwith, the Senator will not hesitate to seek full legal redress under the law”, his media office said.

Alhaji Sheriff reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s security, stability, and democratic values and vowed to ensure that the spread of misinformation does not go unpunished.

Politics

Anambra Guber: I’m Not Impressed, LP Candidate Says …As Observers Lament Vote-buying, Low Voters Turnout

Published

3 days ago

November 10, 2025

The Tide

The Labour Party’s candidate in the Anambra State governorship election, Mr George Moghalu, has alleged vote-buying in the just concluded poll.

Mr Moghalu spoke to journalists on Saturday shortly after casting his vote at Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rise to its responsibility of making the process credible.

He also alleged voter apathy, attributing it to people’s lack of confidence in the electoral process.

Mr Moghalu said that even though it was too early to say whether the process was free, fair, and credible, he was not impressed.

“I am not impressed; there were no issues of glitches, at least for now. As we go along to monitor the process, we’ll confirm. In terms of voting, there’s an improvement over previous elections.

“I can’t say it’s free and fair because if you monetise a process, you weaponise poverty. What’s free about it? There’s no doubt there’s low voter turnout, and that has been the trend,” he stated.

The LP’s flag bearer stated that it was incumbent on INEC to continually improve the process, as voter apathy is a manifestation of a loss of confidence in the people.

Meanwhile, some international and local observers have expressed concern over reports of vote-buying and low voter turnout during Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State.

Reports from Yiaga Africa, European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) II, and other partner organisations indicated that voter turnout was low in most polling units across the 21 local government areas of the state.

Speaking to journalists in Awka, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, identified vote-buying and low turnout as recurring issues observed in the thematic areas of the election.

Also, Asabe Ndahi of the Kukah Centre decried logistical challenges, including the late arrival of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security officials in high-risk areas, such as Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Ihiala, Ogbaru, and Nnewi South.

She added that incidents of vote-buying and voter intimidation were recorded in several local government areas.

that votes were being traded for between N15,000 and N30,000.

“It is sad that bad governance is fuelling vote buying and selling.

“For an unemployed youth who sells his vote for ?30,000, what will he be paid next month when there is no election?

“By selling your vote, you are saying no school, no hospital, no jobs and selling away your future. This is worrisome”, he said.

He called on journalists to play an active role in exposing and curbing the menace.

The former presidential candidate also described all the hopefuls in the governorship race as his friends.

“Whoever wins, let him serve the people. Nigeria needs service now. We need to pull our people out of poverty,” he said,

Earlier, Mr George Moghalu, LP governorship candidate, said despite the heavy deployment of security personnel for the election, he had received reports of widespread vote-buying.

He also described the trend as “most unfortunate”, and warned that the crime undermines the integrity of the electoral process.

Mr Moghalu added that he remained optimistic on the outcome of the election, as he had campaigned extensively and presented his manifesto to the electorate.