Politics
APC Chief Drums Support For CTC Boss
Following the excellent
performance of the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr Lawrence Chuku, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and leader of the non-indigenes in APC Political Forum (NIPF) in the local government, High Chief Wiliam Ubaka has called on Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the leadership of the state APC to give their blessings to the OBALGA boss to contest the forthcoming chairmanship elections in the area on the platform of the party.
Chief Ubaka who made the call in an interview in Port Harcourt said the CTC OBALGA boss had shown through his performance in office within a short period that he was a good material to serve the local government in the capacity of its executive chairman. Going by the CTC chairman’s political pedigree and administrative acumen, he said he lent his voice to the call for the governor and the APC leadership to support him to run for the chairmanship position at the polls.
According to him, since Chuku assumed office as CTC Chairman, he had transformed the political landscape of the local government through his vigorous empowerment programmes, to an extent that the local government which he said was politically dead before his emergence had been rejuvenated.
“Before he came to the saddle, the local government was politically dead. But as soon as he came on board, politics woke up again in the local government. He brought true politicians on board and started to empower the people,” he said, adding that several indigenes and non indigenes resident in the local government area had been empowered.
“He has empowered over 200 non – indigenes and hundreds of indigenes. Women have learnt crafts. He also donated vehicles to both indigenes and non-indigenes. He is building human capacity, to let people smile and enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he said.
He commended Chuku for keying into the vision of the governor ,adding that with the able leadership of the Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Tony Okocha, good things have been coming to the local government.
Ubaka also extolled the leadership qualities of the CTC chairman, saying, “he runs an open-door policy, he is de-tribalised, blunt and accepts constructive criticisms in good faith.”
Ubaka further thanked the OBALGA boss for donating a bus to non-indigenes in APC in the local government, noting that the gesture was a token of appreciation for the maximum support non-indigenes in the area were giving to his administration, the governor and the APC.
Donatus Ebi
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
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.
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