Politics
Wike Harps On Service
Public condemnation of action of Operatives of the
Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) spilled into last week. Governor Nyesom Wike who was manhandled by men of the DSS for stopping them from arresting a judge Friday night also drew public outcry.
Chief Wike had told the people of the State that he would defend the integrity of Rivers State with the last drop of his blood. Addressing players of Rivers United Football Club, the governor stated that the DSS’s blackmail will not lessen the crime they have committed against the Nigerian State by assaulting the judiciary.
First Lady of Rivers State, justice Eberechi Suzette Wike opened last week with a Centenary Church Thanksiging of St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Rumuomasi Deanery. Representing her husband at the occasion, she underscored the need to train children for leadership. We must encourage children to get involved in the process of leadership. When children are groomed early, they will perfect the art of leadership and contribute to the development of the society,” she said.
Last Monday, Governor Chief Nyesom Wike swore-in 20 local government Care Taker Committee Chairmen in the Executive Chambers of the Government House. The governor said his administration will monitor the pattern of expenditure of the local councils to ensure funds are deployed to areas that will promote the interest of the people.
He noted that the Caretaker Committee Chairmen must get approval before they access their security votes.
In a press statement on Monday, the deputy governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo canvassed for support and development of the “Girl Child”. She stressed the need for the introduction of a speedy process of achieving justice in cases such as rape, early child marriage, and female genital mutilation among other forms of abuses perpetrated against women and children.
Wife of Rivers State Governor had last Tuesday declared open, the 2016 Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Rivers State, Chapter. She noted that the state gives priority attention to the health of the masses.
She urged the people of the state to adopt healthy lifestyles which will promote their physical and mental wellbeing.
On the same day a statement from the aide to the governor on Electronic Media picked holes from reports credited to Sahara Reporters over the electoral victory of the governor at the Supreme Court. The justice or justices to validate his election. The governor has always had confidence in the judiciary to uphold the tenets of the law”.
Last Wednesday, wife of the governor marked the day for the “Girl Child, as part of International Day for the Girl Child” at the Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls Secondary School, Elelenwo. The celebrations started with a visit to the paramount Ruler of Elelenwo Nyeweli Sunny Chukwu. The first lady used the visit to advocate for the fight against harmful practices such as early marriage against girls.
Accompanied by the deputy governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, Justice Wike proceeded to Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls Secondary School, where she delivered a lecture. She advised upcoming girls to choose their role models amongst successful women, so that they can be motivated to aim higher.
Last Friday, Governor Nyesom Wike represented by the Secretary to the State government, Sir Kenneth Kobani, declared three day retreat for the State lawmakers at Uyo Akwa-Ibom State open. He harped on development oriented lawmaking and the need to manage state resources in recession period.
First lady of Rivers State, justice Nyesom-Wike, last Saturday, lauded former Chief Judge, retired Justice Daisy Okocha for her contributions toward the development of golf sports. Justice Okocha had her name to one of the holes (Hole 12) in Port Harcourt Golf Club.
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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