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My Fears For Yakubu’s INEC …Of Partisanship, Bias, Untrustworthiness

Published

9 years ago

November 7, 2016

When the Goodluck Jonathan Presidency appointed renowned academic, frontline civil rights crusader and unrepentant apostle of democracy. Professor Attahiru Jega, as electoral umpire, the political plane in Nigeria agreed that the nation’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would indeed be independent. Adjudged too forthright, no government, anxious to hang-on to power, would have risked considering Jega as first choice.

But because President Jonathan wanted to institutionalize true democracy, even at great risk to his re-election bid, he listened to public opinion which, at the time weighed overwhelmingly in favour of Jega, and went on to make the pronouncement.

The appointment of the current INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu failed to attract that measure of public acceptance. Infact, his, seemed an after-thought when, first attempt by the Muhammadu Buhari’s Prsidency to impose a relation, Amina Zakari attracted fierce public criticism of unimaginable kind. It also revealed the obvious signs that Buhari would not be as ‘careless’ about power, as did Jonathan, to allow INEC be run by an ‘outsider’. If not, being a southerner, since Jonathan appointed a Northerner as INEC Chairman, Buhari was under moral obligation to appoint a Southerner, for purposes of balance.

When Jega exited the office, he handed over to the next most senior, Ambassador Ahmed Wali, as Acting Chairman, but upon assumption of office, Buhari quickly chose a relation in INEC, Hajiya Amina Zakari as Acting Chairman amidst public uproar. It was in her replacement that Prof. Yakubu emerged as INEC Chair without any contributions by the Nigerian public as was the case with Prof. Jega’s appointment.

The immediate implication is the fear that Yakubu may well be working only for the interest of his appointer and not for the furtherance of democracy as was the case with Prof. Jega. Many indeed voiced skepticism over the needed neutrality of Yakubu and the possibility to defend electoral victory against his appointor’s party.

Public fears were proved right, when, within a short time, every election not won by the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared inconclusive but those won by APC, conclusive, even in similar circumstances.

From Kogi to Bayelsa, and Rivers the same pattern of obvious partisanship ran through. When elections were seen going the way of the opposition, a make-belief violent atmosphere is conjured and those elections declared inconclusive for security reasons, to enable the APC more time to replan.

It is often said that one can fool some of the people all the time or even all of the people some of the time, but surely not all the people all the time. This is what INEC’s criminal delay of rerun elections, for Rivers State and subsequent Senate reproach clearly magnifies. INEC bought time, repeatedly claiming insecurity in Rivers as reason for its inability to conduct credible elections, while in fact it was because, its attempts to subvert the people’s will was resisted by voters in every step, even with the deployment of armed security in questionable numbers.

The Ruling APC has never hidden its desperation to control oil-producing states like Akwa Ibom, Edo, Rivers and Delta States. Infact, when the Supreme Court delivered judgement on Governorship polls on both Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, APC Chairman, Chief John Oyegun seemed heartbroken, and was quoted as saying, even with the fall in oil prices, Rivers and Akwa Ibom are not states we should lose to PDP.

With the governorship lost, and legislative seats in Rivers thrown open and up for grabs, by the in Appeal Court ruling, APC’s hopes of controlling the state, by winning majority seats in the 32-member Rivers State House of Assembly and using that to ultimately unseat the elected PDP Governor, Nyesom Wike, was rekindled. That indeed was the calculation of both INEC and APC before the rerun of March 19, 2016.

To the shock of INEC, 10 out of 11 early results of election into the State House of Assembly went the way of PDP and with leads, in nearly all the remaining 21 others. Did that inform INEC’s declaration of those election inconclusive, only to over-dramatize violence, violence not worse than that in Sambisa Forest where, Jega’s INEC conducted elections in 2015?

The same signs followed elections into the three Senatorial seats, and those of 21 House of Representatives. With early favourable results and massive turn-out of Rivers people even in the face of the over militarization of the electoral preccints, it was made very clear that the APC could not win the rerun.

Sadly, after declaring the polls inconclusive, INEC did not see the urgency to conclude its work in Rivers. Meanwhile, for the purpose of the election INEC had carried-out a questionable re-posting of personnel which returned back to the State, the INEC Commissioner, who ran the state office under former Governor Amaechi in office. Did that suggest anything?

What informed that posting just days before the re-run? What special job was the Akwa Ibom Elder brought back to conclude, that he didn’t before he was transferred out of the State?

But most annoying was the reported threat by a leader of the APC that since his party was denied the governorship, he would see how Rivers will be represented in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. A case of the dog in a manger, ‘if cannot get it, nobody else should’.

True to that threat, INEC did not find any urgency in concluding elections to guarantee Rivers representation in the National Assembly. That was in spite of the fact that the PDP had swept nearly all House of Assembly, Senate and Representatives seats in the 2015 polls, but were reprieved by the Appeal Court ruling of December 11, last year.

That ruling had unseated the three Senators, all elected on the PDP platform, 12 House of Representatives members also of the PDP and a huge majority of State House of Assembly members. With the eventual re-run of March 19, 2016 producing 10 out 11 PDP seats, as many as 21 seats are yet to be filled.

That indeed was not only immoral on the part of INEC, it amounted to a grievous breach of the Constitution which emphasizes equal and adequate representation of all states in the Senate (Three each) and of the House of Representatives, according to Federal Constituencies.

The economic and socio-political denial stemming from INEC’s refusal to conduct elections in a timely fashion, as directed by the Appeal Court, is indeed huge, retrogressive and undemocratic. Yet Yakubu’s INEC felt unperturbed, even with repeated appeals and protestations by the Rivers government.

It is indeed condemnable that INEC would allow itself to be used in making Rivers a constant theatre of war, using inconclusive elections as excuse, and rather than claim failure, blames its ineptitude and obvious partisanship on security challenges.

Is not a shame that it would take the intervention of the Senate for INEC to quickly take a December 10 date for another rerun it has politicized for months, just to deny Rivers people their due? This is indeed why many are curious about what INEC hopes to achieve with the Rivers elections this time around.

Some have even asked: “If Rivers State’s governor were APC, all Senators elected were APC and all the House Assembly seats declared vacant were originally won by APC, and also enjoys the amount of support the Wike-led PDP in the State enjoys, will INEC delay any re-run even if Boko Haram were operating in the State? From the Presidential elections to the State Assembly polls, a pattern runs through, that majority of Rivers people are pro-PDP. Expanded further, the same state has also been governed by the same party since 1999 and without jerrimandering of a criminal kind, the support cannot turn APC over-night.

Besides, within his very short period in office, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike, has through massive infrastructural development drive, further endeared himself and his party to the people, which makes rigging of the elections very difficult, event with battalions of armed men.

That is the reality on ground. A reality INEC seems reluctant to behold and has instead been moving against the tide by resorting to partisanship, criminal denial and delay tactics to buy time for a possible reversal of fortunes.

These are why many are uncomfortable with a Yakubu-led INEC conducting a free, fair and credible re-run. And worse still, a national election that would equal that by Prof. Jega’s INEC by half.

My Agony is that a Federal Government that assumed power on the foundation of true democracy, found no reason to call INEC to order all these days even in the face of obvious denial of justice. Instead, it took a pro-active Senate to rekindle the people’s hope for democracy, no matter discomforting the day gone had been.

If I were Prof Yakubu, with so much disapproval by the people and questions raised about my neutrality, I would disqualify myself by resigning honourably, as did members of the bench in Ondo.

Soye Wilson Jamabo

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Oil & Gas: Rivers Remains The Best Investment Destination – Fubara

Published

1 day ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.

Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.

The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.

“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.

“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.

“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.

“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?

Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.

Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”

The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.

“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.

“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.

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Lady Fubara Lauds Rivers Women On Peace, Development

Published

1 day ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, has lauded the commitment, solidarity and pivotal role of women in promoting peace and enterprise development in Rivers State.

Lady Fubara spoke at the second edition of ‘Women Converge,’ a special programme organized by Rivers Women Unite for Sim, an NGO, at the main bowl of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.

She said women in the state had tremendously impacted the state positively through their prayers, careers, contributions to the home fronts, and expressed appreciation to Rivers women, for their unwavering support to her husband, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, while urging them to continue to pray for the state.

“Once again, let me use this occasion to thank Rivers women for their support both in prayers and solidarity with me and my family. You have been wonderful. I can’t reward all that you do, but God in heaven who sees in secret will surely reward you openly.

“Truly today, marks another milestone in our effort to shape the society for good and lending our support for the sustenance of peace and development of Rivers State in particular and Nigeria at large. Without doubt, the prayers of our women avails much in every situation.

“Let me enjoin our women to remain prayerful because God is ever ready to answer our prayers. In all that we do, we must not forget the hand of God and often seek Him for direction and help. You have always been steadfast and I urge you not to relent, and together we will move our society forward. Whatever you do, putting your trust in God will certainly succeed”.

The Rivers State first Lady described the theme of the event, “Women in An Evolving World” as apt and, deeply reflective of the very essence of actions and strategies that women adopt to navigate the new world order.

She noted that despite the complexities of managing the home front and the constraints of economic realities, women had demonstrated formidable strength and resilience to confront the odds of life.

“This Converge underscores the resilience of our women to succeed no matter the odds, especially with absolute faith in God and determination for greater accomplishments.”

“Whether in the industry, business, agriculture, public service or even in politics, they have always shown strong determination to adapt and to accomplish like others.

“Our natural state notwithstanding our focus has always been to reach for the sky like every other person and as Rivers women we have always been pacesetters.

The Keynote Speaker, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, described women as the foundation of every society, noting that the development of every society depends on the strength of womanhood.

In their good will messages, notable Rivers women who attended the event expressed optimism over the prospects of sustainable peace and development in Rivers State, and reiterated their support for the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Some dignitaries that attended the event include former Commissioner for Environment in Rivers State, Prof Roseline Konya; foremost activist, Ann Kio Briggs; wife of the former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Mrs Christie Toby; President of the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHACCIMA, Dr Chinyere Nwoga; Pastor Ene Secondus, among others.

Highlights of the event were ministrations, cutting of cake and special prayers for Rivers State.

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Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed

Published

3 weeks ago

November 14, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.

Addressing newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor noted that the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.

He was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the Governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.

Governor Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. He, therefore, hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.

“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” the Governor said.

The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which forms a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.

Governor Fubara stated that the bridge will serve as a key link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.

He emphasised that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access, which are central to his development vision for Rivers State.

“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele.

“Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.

Governor Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines.

He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.

The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.

He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.

“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” Governor Fubara said.

Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.

He explained that his government is executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.

Governor Fubara stated that the administration will soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.

“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.

Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that provides value for public funds and meets the aspirations of Rivers people.