Politics
Wike Sacks Two LG CTC Chairmen
The Golden Jubilee Anniversary events took the shine off other activities in Government House last week. With a Church interdenominational service at St Paul’s Cathedral Diobu, last Sunday, the state dedicated its 50 years celebration to God.
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike read the only lesson at the church service. He told the congregation later that there was need for reconciliation in order to move the state forward.
In his words: “Irrespective of our affiliations, we should come together. It does not matter the party that we belong. Let us work together to move Rivers State forward”.
On his part, the Archbishop of Niger Delta Province (Anglican) Most Rev Ignatius Kattey said God has placed the governor to reposition the state.
Last Monday, the Appeal Court, in Port Harcourt upheld the legality of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Rivers State Governor Chief Nyesom Wike, to probe the sale of Valued Assets owned by the State Government by the immediate past administration of Chibuike Amaechi. The Appeal Court, in a lead judgement by Justice O.F. Omoleye, held that the Rivers State House of Assembly has the power to make the Commission Inquiry Law (CAP 30) under which the governor established the judicial panel of Inquiry.
Last Tuesday, another Golden Jubilee event took centre stage. The wrestling event was held at the Sharks Stadium. Participating local government areas were Obio/Akpor, Abua/Odual, Tai, Oyigbo, Etche, Omuma, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Khana and Gokana.
Presenting trophies to the winners, the State Governor said every wrestler who participated in the event was a winner. He noted that traditional wrestling is a sport with potentials, pointing out that the State Ministry of Sports will be empowered to improve on it.
Chief of Staff, Government House, Engr Emeka Woke received medical doctors on Wednesday. The doctors were on an awareness trek following the killing of their colleague by criminals. Speaking through the chief of staff, the State Governor assured that his administration is committed to the security of every person living and doing business in the state. That is why we have made massive investments in security”.
Chief Wike expressed worry that the state health sector will be affected if medical doctors continue to become victims of kidnap.
Last Thursday, the governor, his wife, Suzette and two former first ladies, Dame Patience Jonathan and Prof Uche Azikiwe attended the Women’s Day State Golden Jubilee Anniversary. Chief Wike used the event to clear the air that the women folk are being held back by men in participating in politics and governance. He urged women to stand up and get what belongs to them.
On Friday last week Governor Wike was at Bakana and Abalama in Degema and Asari-Toru local government areas, respectively to flag off shore protection and land reclamation projects in both communities. At Bakana, he told the people that the project was in fulfillment of his campaign promises, and assured that within six months, the project will be completed. At Abalama, he urged the chiefs and community leaders to help monitor the project to ensure quick completion.
Last Saturday witnessed the Golden Jubilee Boat Regatta Competition. The event was held at the Tourist Beach. Governor Wike lauded the participating local government areas, and announced the sack of two local government caretaker chairmen of Ogu/Bolo and Akuku-Toru.
The governor said the duo did not show commitment and failed to participate in the event, Akuku-Toru, Degema, Opobo/Nkoro Andoni, Ogu/Bolo and Okrika participated in the event.
Later on, the governor took former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedoha to project sites.
Former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Matters and Social Events, Dr Waripamowei Dudafa, has praised the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri on his formal defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dr Dudafa, who is also a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and one time commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Development, described the governor’s decision as a wise and well-considered move that aligns the State with the centre for accelerated development and greater political inclusion.
“Governor Diri’s decision reflects his pragmatic leadership style which has always been guided by consultation, inclusiveness, and the pursuit of the common good.
“Your Excellency, your decision to work in harmony with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which is in synergy with your ‘Assured Prosperity’ vision will undoubtedly bring about the needed transformation and development for the people of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta at large.
“Since assuming office, your guiding principle has been clear and consistent — to consult widely, act in the public interest, and deliver measurable development outcomes. That same principle has informed your latest political alignment, and it will continue to serve as a compass for your Assured Prosperity Administration”, he said.
He further praised the governor’s performance in office, stating that Gov. Diri’s administration has been characterized by purposeful governance and tangible results, reaffirming his continued loyalty and support for the governor, while also assuring that he and his associates will keep identifying with the Gov Diri’s administration in the collective effort to sustain peace, unity, and progress in the state.
While restating his continued solidarity with the governor’s leadership in the state, Dr Dudafa promised to lend his support to ensure that he finishes strong.
“Governor Diri’s political maturity and developmental focus have repositioned Bayelsa for a brighter future”, he added.
The Tide further learnt that Dr Dudafa once served as Special Adviser to a former governor of the State on Youth Mobilization and Empowerment.
“I want to again commend the governor for his courage and vision. His alignment of the State with the federal government under the Renewed Hope Agenda is a step toward ensuring inclusive governance and attracting more federal presence to the state”, he said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
A publication circulating online had quoted Alhaji Sheriff as saying, “It’s not me; it’s Shettima who created Boko Haram.”
But in a statement issued on Saturday, Alhaji Sheriff dismissed the report as a “complete fabrication” aimed at misleading the public and stirring political discord.
“The said story is a complete fabrication, devoid of truth, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, malign the person of Senator Sheriff, and sow discord within the nation’s political landscape,” the statement read.
Alhaji Sheriff said he never granted any interview or spoke to any journalist on the matter, adding that the falsehood was designed to undermine his long-standing commitment to peace and national unity.
“This false report is not only mischievous but also a dangerous piece of fake news aimed at undermining years of Senator Sheriff’s contributions to peace, national unity, and development, both in Borno State and across Nigeria,” the statement added.
The former governor urged members of the public and the media to disregard the publication, noting that he had directed his legal team to identify and pursue those behind the story.
“Senator Sheriff has instructed his legal team to take immediate steps to identify all individuals, bloggers, or media outlets responsible for the dissemination of this defamatory material.
“Should the false publication not be retracted and taken down forthwith, the Senator will not hesitate to seek full legal redress under the law”, his media office said.
Alhaji Sheriff reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s security, stability, and democratic values and vowed to ensure that the spread of misinformation does not go unpunished.
Politics
Anambra Guber: I’m Not Impressed, LP Candidate Says …As Observers Lament Vote-buying, Low Voters Turnout
Mr Moghalu spoke to journalists on Saturday shortly after casting his vote at Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rise to its responsibility of making the process credible.
He also alleged voter apathy, attributing it to people’s lack of confidence in the electoral process.
Mr Moghalu said that even though it was too early to say whether the process was free, fair, and credible, he was not impressed.
“I am not impressed; there were no issues of glitches, at least for now. As we go along to monitor the process, we’ll confirm. In terms of voting, there’s an improvement over previous elections.
“I can’t say it’s free and fair because if you monetise a process, you weaponise poverty. What’s free about it? There’s no doubt there’s low voter turnout, and that has been the trend,” he stated.
The LP’s flag bearer stated that it was incumbent on INEC to continually improve the process, as voter apathy is a manifestation of a loss of confidence in the people.
Reports from Yiaga Africa, European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) II, and other partner organisations indicated that voter turnout was low in most polling units across the 21 local government areas of the state.
Speaking to journalists in Awka, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, identified vote-buying and low turnout as recurring issues observed in the thematic areas of the election.
Also, Asabe Ndahi of the Kukah Centre decried logistical challenges, including the late arrival of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security officials in high-risk areas, such as Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Ihiala, Ogbaru, and Nnewi South.
She added that incidents of vote-buying and voter intimidation were recorded in several local government areas.
that votes were being traded for between N15,000 and N30,000.
“It is sad that bad governance is fuelling vote buying and selling.
“For an unemployed youth who sells his vote for ?30,000, what will he be paid next month when there is no election?
“By selling your vote, you are saying no school, no hospital, no jobs and selling away your future. This is worrisome”, he said.
He called on journalists to play an active role in exposing and curbing the menace.
The former presidential candidate also described all the hopefuls in the governorship race as his friends.
“Whoever wins, let him serve the people. Nigeria needs service now. We need to pull our people out of poverty,” he said,
Earlier, Mr George Moghalu, LP governorship candidate, said despite the heavy deployment of security personnel for the election, he had received reports of widespread vote-buying.
He also described the trend as “most unfortunate”, and warned that the crime undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
Mr Moghalu added that he remained optimistic on the outcome of the election, as he had campaigned extensively and presented his manifesto to the electorate.
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