Politics
Ex-Militant Eyes Rivers Governorship …Warns PDP Against Imposition
An ex-militant and the
leader of the Niger Delta Volunteer Force (NDVF), Mr Ateke Tom has declared his intention to run for the Rivers State governorship election next year, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ateke Tom made the declaration on Wednesday at Okochiri in Okrika Local Government Area of the State.
The ex-militant said the decision to run for the state governorship was to yield to the calls of Rivers people who see him as the only transparent person who can give the state a transparent and credible leadership in 2015.
He promised to make positive changes in the state if elected as governor of the state.
Ateke who spoke in ‘Pidgin English’ said, “If my people say, make I come run for governor, who am I to say no, I no go fit say no because my people look everybody finish and say make I come out for governorship and say na me fit take care of them.
“Them dey talk about light everyday, this thing no bi new story, better water self na wahala, school na wahala, employment and so many things including hospitals.
“If I go for them, they go achieve so many things, people will enter there well wells, na the thing weh make people they call me, because they know say I go fit do, at least one year, things go change for the people in the state.”
Ateke, however, warned the leadership of the PDP to ensure a level playing ground during the party’s gubernatorial primaries in the state.
According to him, any imposition of candidate on the people of the state by the party would be aggressively resisted in the state.
It would be recalled that, Ateke had recently opposed the candidature of the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr Nyesome Wike and any other candidate outside the Ijaw ethnic nationality in he state.
Meanwhile, some women of Ijaw extraction in the state have reiterated their support for Ateke’s gubernational ambition.
The leader and spokesperson of the women group, Mrs Racheal Adasi who made this known recently in Port Harcourt, said Ateke had the interest of Rivers people at heart, despite what had happened in the past
Enoch Epelle
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.