Politics
My Ward Tour Not For Campaign – Amaechi
A solemn mood overtook most part of last week
in Government House shortly after the news of sudden death of Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Port Harcourt City Local Government, Hon Charles Paul Ejekun filtered in on Wednesday morning.
The governor’s ‘Meet the People’s Tour’ which had begun on Tuesday with visits to six ward in Obio/Akpor was called off in the morning. Governor Chibuike Amaechi immediately on receiving the news, paid a condolence visit to the grieving family that same day.
He had on Tuesday during his tour of wards in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, visited Rumuomasi Ward 8, Rumuobiakani Ward 4, Woji Ward 6, Elelenwo, Rumuokwurisi and Mbuesulam Ward 2.
Before the ward tour, the governor had flagged off the 95th anniversary celebrations of the Nigerian Girls Guides Association in Port Harcourt, on Monday. He thereafter took members of the Guides on a tour of projects embarked upon by his administration covering, Model Primary School, Elekahia; Model Secondary School, Eleme; Afam Gas Power Plant and the Songhai Farm in Tai.
The governor later hosted the Guide members to a special camp dinner in Government House on Tuesday evening. He counseled women to be bastion of change in society, while lamenting the erosion of values in society.
Before he embarked on the ward tour on Tuesday, the governor had also played host to the Governing Board of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) led by its chairman, Alhaji Tijani Adekanbi.
Intimating the governor on why they were in the state, Alhaji Adekanbi said that the purpose was to see the state of camp facilities and also thanked Governor Amaechi for his numerous support to the scheme.
Adekanbi said, “I have gone round and I have seen a lot of changes.” He prayed God to continue energizing the governor for his good works, while drawing the attention of the governor on the need to furnish the orientation camp with mattresses and electricity.
Governor Amaechi was in Sokoto State at the weekend. He travelled to Kasarawa village in Wamako Local Government Area to launch the distribution of 1,000 filler machines purchased by the state government.
Speaking at the event, he said that the only plausible solution to most of the problems of Nigeria was heavy investment in agriculture.
The Rivers State Governor advocated the reduction of the existing wide gap between the rich and the poor in Nigeria saying, “This is absolutely necessary to ensure even socio-economic development, unity, peace and prosperity.”
On Saturday, Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Tony Okocha replied claims by Minister of State for Education, Barrister Nyesom Wike that the State government should account for the Port Harcourt City landscaping project.
Sir Okocha dismissed Wike’s claims, calling on him to account for project executed in his tenure as Chief of Staff. He also challenged former Commissioner for Environment, Kingsley Chinda to account for the landscaping project.
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.