Politics
Rivers APC Resorts To Blackmail, Falsehood – Rivers Patriots
As Nigerians who were hoodwinked to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), in 2015 become restives because of their unfulfilled electoral promises and manifest incompetence, the Coalition of Rivers Patriots says the party especially in Rivers State is resorting to dubious predictions, blackmail and more falsehood against reality and self deception.
In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary, Barr. Barilede Thompson, the Coalition of Rivers Patriots said Nigerians no longer have confidence in the APC, and that the party is on its way out of power at the centre.
It regretted that Nigerians, who are pained that the APC has put the nation’s development on the reverse gear in the last two years, failing in all fronts, as well as setting new records of governance by proxy.
The groups further maintained that Nigerians are now wiser, having realised that APC do not have a credible road map to take Nigeria to greater heights.
It described as laughable a press statement issued by the APC in the state, showcasing as usual its traditional hallucination, but rechristened as prediction, that Governor Ezenwo Wike of Rivers State is destroying the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at state and federal levels.
The Patriots said Rivers people have not forgotten in a hurry how Senator Magnus Abe and other APC chieftains in Rivers almost set the state on fire a couple of days ago because of the party’s fraudulent non – elective congress, but for the intervention of the police in the state, dismissing the APC as a balkanised party, lacking in credibility.
The group contends that the lies that brought APC to power can no longer sustain them in office, as disappointed Nigerians are now rooting for the PDP, having realized that it is a better platform for the transformation of Nigeria.
The Patriots recalled how former Governor, Rotimi Amaechi destroyed governance in Rivers State by not only selling off valued assets of the state, but by mismanaging the proceeds, insisting that the Rivers State Government had no option than to prosecute him and his collaborators.
The group advised Amaechi to prove his innocence in court if he strongly feels that the documents being used to prosecute him are forged, adding that no amount of blackmail will stop the state government from going ahead to ensure that those who betrayed the trust of Rivers people do not go unpunished.
It stated that while Amaechi inherited a robust state, he left behind an empty treasury for his Wike who he had boasted will not be able to pay salaries.
The group expressed joy that Wike, right from his inaugural, began to roll out plans, programmes and policies that quickly reversed the enormous damage done by Amaechi and his co-travellers, restoring the glory of the state which is now playing host to visitors and investors from all over the world.
Among the steps that Governor Wike took to right the wrongs of former Governor Ameachi and restore the confidence of Rivers people in government, according to the Patriots included the opening of courts that were shut by Amaechi for more than one year, restoration of the dignity of the legislature and payment of arrears owed civil servants, as well as the reconstruction of all the abandoned roads in the state.
“APC in Rivers can only be advised to embrace Governor Wike to increase the tempo of infrastructural development in the state as that is the only option open to them rather than resort to cheap blackmail, given the fact that he has shown that he has the capacity and capability to run the affairs of the state and promote inter ethnic harmony for the benefit of the people of the state”, the Patriots emphasised.
Victor Tew
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.
-
Politics3 days agoEFCC Alleges Blackmail Plot By Opposition Politicians
-
Business3 days ago
AFAN Unveils Plans To Boost Food Production In 2026
-
Sports3 days agoJ And T Dynasty Set To Move Players To Europe
-
Business3 days ago
Industrialism, Agriculture To End Food Imports, ex-AfDB Adviser Tells FG
-
Politics3 days ago
Datti Baba-Ahmed Reaffirms Loyalty To LP, Forecloses Joining ADC
-
Politics3 days ago
Bayelsa APC Endorses Tinubu For Second Term
-
Business3 days ago
Cashew Industry Can Generate $10bn Annually- Association
-
Entertainment3 days agoAdekunle Gold, Simi Welcome Twin Babies