Politics
Wike Hands Over Ecumenical Centre To CAN
The newly commissioned Ecumenical Centre heralded last week in Government. The beautiful architecture was finally unveiled and handed over to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) by the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
Worldwide Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and other men of God were at the dedication of the building located at the former Obi Wali Cultural Centre at Abonnema Wharf Road.
Chief Wike during the handover of Certificate of Occupancy (COfO) to Chairman of CAN, Archbishop Isaac Anyanasikike charged Christian leaders to see the centre, a place for unity amongst different denominations, and not a place for division and quarrel.
On Tuesday last week, the governor delivered a state address, where he enumerated the achievements of his administration in the past two years. Chief Wike remarked that moribund businesses are gradually returning to the state. He maintained that his administration has placed the state on the path of rapid development after the failure of the immediate past governor.
Shortly after, in a press statement, the state deputy governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo commended the governor for his scintillating performance in the past two years, reasoning that it’s the result of determination and focus.
On Tuesday last week, the governor through his Special Assistant on Electronic Media announced the appointment of a new Senior Special Assistant on Protocol. He is Mr Harold Augustus Koko, former Nigerian Ambassador to Serbia.
On the same Tuesday last week, Chief Wike was at Choba to inaugurate the Igbogo Road. The road links Choba to adjoining communities of Rumuoparali, Rumuekini and Alakahia.
At the occasion to unveil the Igbogo Road, the governor commented that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost face in Rivers State. He noted that the non-performance of the APC has made them lose electoral value, as no Rivers person will vote a party that has failed to touch their lives.
On Wednesday last week, the governor in company of Senate Deputy President, Ike Ekweremadu were at Ulakwo in Etche Local Government Area to unveil the 8-Kilometre, Ulakwo/Afara/Nihi Road.
Impressed with the different projects executed and completed by Chief Wike, Senator Ekweremadu announced the endorsement of of Wike for a second term in office caucus of National Assembly.
Ekweremadu said, “A lot more will still happen over the next six years of Governor Wike’s leadership. Governor Wike is creating economic corridors which will enhance economic development. More of Wike will transform Nigeria”.
On Friday last week, Special Adviser to Governor on Inter Party Affairs, Barrister Itamunowala responded to claims by 2015 Guber candidate of Labour Party, Prince Tonye Princewill that Chief Wike administration lacks vision.
According to Barrister Itamunoala, Prince Tonye Princewill lacks the moral backbone to criticize Wike following his constant change of parties just to realise his guber ambition.
The SA on Interparty Affairs further condemned Princewill’s remarks considering his pedigree as one who is not ready to sacrifice his time and effort, but would rather jump ship in order to assuage his business inclinations.
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
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