Politics
Wike Assents To Two Bills
The Special award and dinner organised by Knights of
St. John International, Port Harcourt Grand Commandery of the Catholic Church opened activities last week in Government House. Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike attended the occasion held at the Presidential Hotel in honour of Justice Mary Odili, former first lady of the State.
Chief Wike while pouring encomiums on Justice Odili, expressed happiness that the body decided to host their activity in the state which to him was a clear indication that the state was safe and peaceful for business and tourists.
On the honour bestowed on the former first lady together with other personalities, including the State Police Commissioner, Chief Wike remarked that it was a call to greater service to the nation.
Last Monday, the State Governor played host to Muslim Community in the State. The visit of the muslim faithful was part of events to mark the Eid el-Kabir which commemorates the Supreme sacrifice made by Abraham as a mark of obedience to God.
A delegation of muslim clerics led by Alhaji Qasim Okachi commended the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises. He thanked the governor for sponsoring pilgrims on Hajj as a show of commitment to their religious advancement.
Responding, Chief Wike summoned on all Nigerians to work together to ensure peace and unity, and to pull the country out of its current economic downturn.
Consequently, a statement from the office of the deputy governor, Dr. Ipalibo harry-Banigo last Tuesday hailed the prudence exhibited by the Wike-led administration through fiscal policy of , “novariation”. Dr. Harry-Banigo observed that the policy has promoted speedy execution of jobs through judicious management of public-funds.
On the same Tuesday the governor hosted his kinsmen from Rumueprikom Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area as part of Eid-El-Kabir celebrations. He reminded them that politics was not war, but a game of sports that embraced both the loser and the winner.
The State Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) paid a solidarity visit to Governor Wike last Wednesday. The group was led by its Chairman, Bro. Felix Obuah, who is also the State Chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). IPAC comprises of all registered political parties and they expressed a vote of confidence on the Wike-led administration.
But before hosting the IPAC members, the governor had earlier met with protesting community leaders, youth and women of Rumuola Community at the site undergoing construction for Port Harcourt Pleasure Park. He urged them to be calm and support the construction firm, Julius Berger to complete the project since they will benefit.
Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo congratulated former state governor, Sir Celestine Omehia on his 57th birthday. She described the erstwhile State Chief Executive as a team leader with exemplary conduct.
Rivers State First Lady, Justice Eberechi Nyesom-Wike hosted members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers last Thursday. She used the visit to advocate for the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Probibition Act. Justice Wike also said the State needs a family court.
Last Friday, four suspended Commissioners and the Head of Service, including Special Assistant to the Governor on Lands were recalled from a four-week suspension slammed on them by the State Governor during the State Executive Council meeting a forthnight ago. He and the exco visited a new LNG site at Rumuji in Emohua LGA later in the day.
Shortly after, on the same Friday, the governor inaugurated the Rivers State Amnesty Programme Committee, which will oversee proper integration and rehabilitation of repentant cultists and militants in the state.
Last Saturday the State Chief Executive assented to two bills passed by the State Legislature. They are; Local Government Amendment No. 1 Law No 5 of 2016 and Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice. No. 7 of 2015.
In a statement on Saturday, the former Senate Leader stated that the allocation of nominees across states and geopolitical zones falls short of the constitutional requirement for fair representation in the composition of the Federal Government.
The ex-Senate Whip warned that allowing the list to pass could deepen ethnic suspicion at a time when the administration should be consolidating national unity.
He highlighted disparities in the spread of nominees, noting that while some states have three or four slots, others have none. He also cited the inclusion of Senator Adamu Garba Talba from Yobe, who reportedly died in July.
“The entire North-East states have seven nominees in the list. Further checks revealed that the South-West geo-political zone has 15 nominees, while North-West and South-East have 13 and 9, respectively.
“North-Central region has 10 nominees in the list of career and non-career ambassadorial nominee while South-South parades 12 nominees,” Senator Ndume said.
According to him, such imbalances could heighten tensions and undermine Section 14(3) of the Constitution.
“My sincere appeal to President Tinubu is to withdraw this list. At this critical juncture in his administration, he should avoid missteps that could undermine national unity and foster ethnic distrust.
“I know him to be a cosmopolitan leader who is at home with every segment and stakeholder in the country. He should withdraw that list and present a fresh set of nominees that will align with the spirit of the Constitution on the Federal Character Principle,” Senator Ndume added.
He accused the legislators of undermining the sanctity of the legislature and acting as instruments of destabilization.
“The members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have, by their actions since they assumed office, shown that they are political puppets and a clog in the wheels of democratic progress,” Comrade Ememobong stated, adding that “They will go down in history as enemies of democracy and those who made mockery of the legislature.”
“So the easiest way to describe their action is a defection from APC to APC,” he said.
Comrade Ememobong announced that the party would deploy constitutional provisions to reclaim its mandate from those who have “ignobly and surreptitiously” abandoned the platform on which they were elected.
“Consequently, the PDP will take legal steps to activate the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) to recover the mandate gained under the banner of our party which these people have now switched to another platform,” he said.
He urged party members in Rivers State to remain calm and steadfast.
“We urge all party members in Rivers State to remain faithful and resolute, as efforts are underway to rebuild the party along the path of inclusiveness, fairness and equity,” Comrade Ememobong assured.
As the news of the defection of 17 members of Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP )to the All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to make the rounds, a cross section of Rivers people who spoke to The Tide have expressed varying views regarding the development.
At Etche, a senior lecturer with the Rivers State University, who did not want his name in print, said even though defection was the right of politicians, peace and stability remained more fundamental than any action that could further challenge the fragile political situation in the state at the moment.
He also warned that the situation should not be used to witch-hunt any one, adding that the state had suffered enough and needed to be at peace.
In his reaction, Engr Polycarp Geoffrey said even though citizens and residents of the state had cause to be concerned about the decision of the lawmakers, there was nothing to worry about if it was done in good faith.
“I don’t think there is any big deal about it – defection is defection. But people are worried because of past events in the state. So, for me, I don’t see anything about it”, he said.
Engr Geoffrey also urged the Governor Siminalayi Fubara to also openly declare political affiliation in a bid to douse the political tension in the state and to provide clarity regarding his future political direction.
Another respondent, Mr Ebere Alex, alleged ulterior motive behind the law makers’ defection but urged both the law makers and the governor to work for the peace and development of the state.
However, speaking on the development, a chieftain of the PDP in the state, Hon Nname Ewor, told The Tide that said his party would reach out to the remaining lawmakers who have not defected.
He also denied an alleged internal squabble within the PDP, adding that there was no crisis in the party.
It would be recalled that 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Martin Amaewhule, during plenary last Friday, announced their migration from the PDP to the APC, citing internal party crisis.
Other members who also defected were the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Dumle Maol, representing Gokana Constituency; House Leader, Hon. Major Jack, representing Akulga Constituency 1 and Deputy Leader, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, representing Okrika Constituency; Hon. Solomon Wami, Port Harcourt Constituency 1 and Hon Granville Tekena Wellington representing Asari Toru Constituency 1; Hon. Ofiks Kagbang, representing Andoni Constituency; Hon. Peter Abbey representing Degema Constituency; Hon. Arnold Dennis representing Ogu/Bolo Constituency; Hon. Chimezie Nwankwor representing Etche Constituency 2 and Hon. Franklin Nwabochi representing Onelga Constituency 1.
The rest were, Hon. Azeru Opara, representing Port Harcourt Constituency 3; Hon. Smart Adoki representing Port Harcourt Constituency 2; Hon. Igwe Afforji ,Eleme Constituency and Hon. Lolo Opuende representing Akuku Toru Constituency 2.
By: John Bibor
-
Business4 days agoCBN Revises Cash Withdrawal Rules January 2026, Ends Special Authorisation
-
Business4 days ago
Shippers Council Vows Commitment To Security At Nigerian Ports
-
Politics4 days agoTinubu Increases Ambassador-nominees to 65, Seeks Senate’s Confirmation
-
Business4 days agoFIRS Clarifies New Tax Laws, Debunks Levy Misconceptions
-
Business4 days agoNigeria Risks Talents Exodus In Oil And Gas Sector – PENGASSAN
-
Sports4 days ago
Obagi Emerges OML 58 Football Cup Champions
-
Business4 days ago
NCDMB, Others Task Youths On Skills Acquisition, Peace
-
Sports4 days agoFOOTBALL FANS FIESTA IN PH IS TO PROMOTE PEACE, UNITY – Oputa