Politics
Wike Dissolves 17 LG Caretaker Committees
The successful hosting of the 56th Conference of the
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) reverberated last week as the governor, Chief Nyesom Wike and his counterpart from Sokoto State, Hon. Aminu Tambunal ended the lawyers confab with the commissioning of projects at Rumuagholu and Okrika.
But last Monday the governor, as part of plans to give State burial to late literary icon, Captain Elechi Amadi, announced a 13-man member committee led by former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barister Frank Owhor.
The Committee was inaugurated the next day, Tuesday in Government House by Chief Wike. He appealed to the members to ensure they give a befitting burial to the elder statesman.
The governor further charged the committee to come up with a proposal for a national burial, while urging them to avoid family squabbles, but do everything in its powers to ensure the burial was hitch-free, taking into consideration the personality and contributions of the late nationalist.
On Tuesday, Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo participated at the closing ceremony of the children holiday sports programme organised by Fair Cottage Sports Academy. She was represented by her Senior Special Assistant in Administration, Gilbert Nria as she restated the resolve of Chief Wike-led administration to sports development.
Dr. Harry-Banigo commended the effort of Fair Cottage Sports Academy at the Port Harcourt Club for organising the programme – designed to hunt budding talents in the younger generation.
On the same Tuesday, the first Lady, Justice Suzette Wike and the deputy governor flagged-off a one-day entreprenurship training workshop organized by the State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA).
Justice Wike used the workshop to affirm that the present administration in Rivers State is poised to create an investor-friendly environment for the sustained development of the state.
The weekly State Executive Council Meeting held last Wednesday with the governor presiding. The meeting which held in the evening ended with the suspension of four Commissioners – Chieftaincy Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Finance and Sports. The Head of Service and Special Adviser on Lands were equally suspended. They are to remain suspended for three months according to a statement from the governor’s Media Aide on Electronic Media.
The governor, last Thursday, dissolved 17 Caretaker Committees of Local Government Councils in the State. A Statement from the Special Adviser to the governor on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu urged the affected CTC Chairmen to handover to the most senior official in the respective local government areas.
The governor later visited sites of ongoing projects within Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government and Etche Areas. At the Etche/Chokocho Okehi Road, Chief Wike addressed the people and urged them to ignore claims by the opposition that the road project was being done by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Last Friday, the governor visited project sites, in Ogoni area. He commended contractors handling the renovation of Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori and the Sakpenwa – Kono Road. Before the project inspection, Chief Wike had played host to the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Rachael Shelleng.
The General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi paid a courtesy call to Governor Wike last Saturday and urged him to sustain his good works.
Chief Wike and members of the State Exco attended a massive crusade organised by the Church at Gen. Gowon Stadium, Elekahia.
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.
-
News4 days agoOji Clears Air On Appointment Of 15 Special Advisers By Fubara
-
News4 days agoNigeria Has Woken Up From Slumber Under Tinubu – Shettima
-
Featured4 days agoRivers: Impeachment Moves Against Fubara, Deputy Hits Rock …As CJ Declines Setting Up Panel
-
News4 days ago
Nigeria To Begin Exporting Urea In 2028 -NMDPRA
-
City Crime4 days ago
Health Commissioner Extols Fubara’s Commitment To Community Healthcare Delivery
-
News4 days agoKing Jaja Impacted Beyond Rivers -Deputy Gov
-
News4 days agoRivers Unveils Innovation Hub To Empower Youths, Curb Unemployment
-
News4 days ago
US – Nigeria Security Engagement Translating Into Tangible Operational Gains – NSA