Politics
Wike Assures Military Of Cooperation
The visit of the General Overseer of the Redeemed
Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and that of the GOC Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army were among top events that took place in Government House last week.
Pastor Adeboye had visited the state as part of his annual Episcopal duties but took time out to pay courtesy call on Governor Nyesom Wike on Tuesday.
During the visit, Governor Wike praised the effort of Adeboye and other men of God in propagating the gospel. He said such efforts have not only led to the spread of the word of God, but also have helped in uniting the country.
The governor thanked God for the exploits of Adeboye, noting that he had been a vessel of God in blessing the country. Shortly after, the news of the Court of Appeal confirming the sack of erstwhile council chairmen under the immediate past administration filtered in.
The Court of Appeal had confirmed the judgement of the Federal High Court sacking all the 22 council chairmen, except that f Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. The Appeal Court had on Monday dismissed the suit filed by Augustine Ngo and 22 others against the PDP.
On Wednesday, the Governor with other top state government officials flagged-off the reconstruction of the Igwuruta/Chokocho Road at the boundary between Etche and Ikwerre Local Government Areas. Governor WIke promised that the contract being handled by Setraco Nigeria Limited would be completed in six months rather than the slated one year, while promising that funding will be done through the monthly internally generated revenue, as he urged the construction firm to engage locals in labour and provision of materials.
Also within the week, Governor Wike ordered the payment of outstanding arrears owed by the immediate past administration to Health Emergency Workers in the state.
Governor Wike played host to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday. The governor assured Major-General Ibrahim Attahiru, that government would always collaborate with the military to maintain peace and unity. He stressed that the maintenance remain vital to the development of the state, pointing out that so far, the army had lived up to expectations.
Governor Wike returned to Port Harcourt on Friday, after few days outside the state, to attend the final lap of the Five-Nights of Glory, an annual revival and deliverance service by Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt. The governor was accompanied by his wife, Justice Suzethe Wike, Speaker of the state House of Assembly and Secretary to the State Government, Chief Kenneth Kobani.
Earlier on Friday, the governor had inspected ongoing road projects in parts of Obio/Akpor. The roads include Eneka-Rukpokwu, Oroigwe Road, Elimgbu and Rumunduru-OroIgwe Roads. The governor was accompanied by Chief Sergant Awuse and Prince Emma Anyanwu.
On Saturday, the governor resumed his inspection of ongoing projects in some public schools including Government Girl’s Secondary School, Rumuokwuta. He promised to develop world class educational system in the state.
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.