Politics
2015: ‘APC ‘II Sweep Polls In Rivers’
An Progressives Con
gress (APC) chieftain in Rivers State, Charles Amadi is upbeat that APC will sweep the poll at all levels in the state come 2015 general elections.
Speaking with newsmen in an interview in Port Harcourt recently, Amadi remarked that his optimism on the chances of APC’s victory ahead of the forthcoming general elections sterns from the numerical strength of the party which has continued to increase every passing day.
He wondered which party in the State that can match the voting strength of APC which according to him had been the toast of every right thinking person in Rivers State.
Amadi also expressed happiness with the understanding of the masses in insisting for a change that people will see and tell, which according to him could be realizable by no other party than APC.
The APC chieftain, however, advised good people of Rivers State not to be deceived in casting their valued votes to any other party than APC. He said the party had been generally accepted and ordained by God to actualize the expectant change the masses have been clamouring for over the years.
“In fact, I stand to be corrected that any vote casted for any other party, if not APC is a wasted effort, having seen that the victory of APC in Rivers State as far as 2015 general election is concerned has already been ordained by God and therefore stands irrevocable, he declared.
Amadi also commended Governor Chibuike Amaechi for transforming the state better than it was before he came on board, adding that it was not in doubt that Rivers State has turned to a model to be envied by other state.
“Besides, I must not also fail to shower praises on Rivers State Commissioner for Youth Development. Sir Owene Wonodi for his show of commitment, not only in empowering the youths/but ensuring that they tow the line of good behavior to be better leaders of tomorrow in the society. There is no gainsaying the fact that Governor Amaechi has made no mistake in appointing a vibrant and God-fearing person in the mode of Sir Wonodi as Commissioner for Youth Development, having seen his articulated ideas and serious quest to make every youths in Rivers State richly meaningful, Amadi added.
Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker (left), Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Somiari Harry (2nd left), Director, Public Health, Dr. Nana Onyekwere (2nd right) and Special Assistant to the Commissioner, Dr. Kalada Dick Iruenabere (right) when they appeared before the House of Assembly over the Ebola matters, recently. Photo: Chris Monyanaga
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.