Politics
We Will Protect And Defend Our Citizens – Wike
Governor Nyesom Wike started last week on a con
gratulatory note. He congratulated former Senate President, senator David Mark on his victory at the senatorial re-run elections. In a congratulatory message through his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Barrister Wike opined that Senator Mark’s victory at the Benue South Senatorial District elections is an indication that Mark is loved by his people.
The Rivers State governor, however, called on the former Senate President to play his stabilizing role at the National Assembly for the present dispensation to benefit from his vast experience in legislative matters.
On Sunday, last week, Governor Wike visited the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone operated by INTELS Group. The governor said the state government would provide enabling environment to attract major investors to the state.
He commended INTELS Group for its massive investments in Rivers State which have impacted positively on the economy of the state.
On Monday, last week, the governor visited Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. The visit was aimed at finding lasting solution to the violence and mayhem that had engulfed the area since last year.
Irked by the levity and non-challance displayed by the Caretaker Committee Chairmen of Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East and Ahoada-West, Governor Wike announced their suspension. The Rivers State Chief Executive observed that the state of security in the three local government areas should be a source of worry to all stakeholders.
In the light of the insecurity in the area and anxiety it has caused the people, Governor Wike ordered security agencies to be more proactive. He charged traditional, religious and political leaders in the affected areas to work with government in order to return peace in the four LGAs.
On Wednesday, last week, Governor Wike was at the NNS Pathfinder naval base to unveil 25 Epenal Security Boats acquired by the naval high command to boost fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta.
At the occasion attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin and Chief of Naval staff, Vice Admiral Ibok, Governor Wike pledged the support of Govenment in the fight against sabotage on state resources.
Later on the same Wednesday, there was a State Executive Council meeting presided over by the State Chief Executive. Shortly after the State Exco meeting, a statement from the governor’s aide on Electronic Media, announced the lifting of suspension on the three LGA chairmen.
Governor Wike also during the week attended the 50th birthday celebrations of former Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru. He poured encomiums on the state former number two citizen, and urged other politicians to emulate his steadfastness and loyalty.
The governor on Thursday visited Bori and Yeghe communities in Ogoni to ascertain the level of damage to lives and property after Monday’s violence in the area. Wike condemned the level of damage and death and promised that government would ensure that those who lost their loved ones are supported. He, however frowned at the attitudes of politicians who want to grab power by force.
On Friday, Governor Wike had three courtesy calls at a go. First, he played host to the new Methodist Archbishop of Port Harcourt Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sunday Agu and to the new Executive Council of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). He also played host to Miss Nigeria, Pamela Nigboro and from there proceeded to inspect project at Nembe Waterside and Oro-Igwe road.
On Saturday, Governor Wike and his counterpart from Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose addressed crowd at the PDP Special Thanksgiving Service for the Supreme Court judgement that confirmed the Governor Wike mandate at Gowon Stadium Elekahia.
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.
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