Politics
PHALGA Boss Promises To Empower Women, Youth
The Chairman, Caretaker
Committee of the Port Harcourt City Local Government Council, Barrister Clifford, Oparaodu, has promised to return the Rivers State capital to its original status.
Barrister Oparaodu, who gave the assurance when the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) women leaders in the local governemnt and Port Harcourt City Students Association, Rebisi, paid him a courtesy call yesterday called for peace and unity among the people of the area.
According to him, ‘’In line with the new vision as exemplified by His Excellency, Nyesom Wike, it is our intention to restore Port Harcourt City to its lost glory. Since last week, we have taken up the challenges of sanitizing the city by draining and cutting grasses round the state capital’’.
He disclosed that the council has recruited able men and women directly from the grassroots to restore the city of its status as the ’Garden City’.
He promised to empower the people at all levels and ensure that the dividends of democracy gets to all in the area.’’
Presently, the city is wearing a good look and at the end of the month, they get something for themselves and family’.
‘’It has always being my aspirations to give women a pride of place in governance. Recently, I have appointed a lady, Mrs Mary Jane Amadi as the Education Secretary of the council. We have also gone further to ensure that all the committees we formed that women are well represented in addition to the inauguration of women committee which has to do with women’’,he said.
The council boss said he would ensure that women lives are imparted positively in his administration as he urged the youths in the area to shun violence and have a good reputation.
Bar.Oparaodu also advised the youths to toe the path of peace, assuring them that the council would look into their request and fashion ways to assist them in order to bring the desired change.
He commended both groups for their supports and urged them to continue to support the present government in the state, explaining that his administration was out to improve the condition of living in the city and put smiles at the faces of the residents.
Meanwhile, the Council boss has announced the appointment of some key offices; Mary Jane Amadi as Education Secretary and Barrister Haratio Ogbanagah as the local government legal adviser.
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.
-
News1 day agoNigeria Has Woken Up From Slumber Under Tinubu – Shettima
-
News1 day agoOji Clears Air On Appointment Of 15 Special Advisers By Fubara
-
Featured1 day agoRivers: Impeachment Moves Against Fubara, Deputy Hits Rock …As CJ Declines Setting Up Panel
-
News1 day ago
Nigeria To Begin Exporting Urea In 2028 -NMDPRA
-
News1 day agoEFCC Indicts Banks, Fintechs In N162bn Scams
-
News1 day ago
Situation Room Decries Senate’s Delay On Electoral Act, Demands Immediate Action
-
News1 day agoKing Jaja Impacted Beyond Rivers -Deputy Gov
-
Niger Delta1 day ago
Tinubu, Leading Nigeria To Sustainable Future – Okowa … Lauds Oborevwori Over Uromi Junction Flyover Construction