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‘INEC, Police, APC Gang-Up, Threat To Democracy’
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has stated that the conspiracy between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Police is a threat to the nation’s democracy.
Wike said this last Friday when he granted audience to the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
According to the governor, following the use of the Police to deny the people of Rivers East Senatorial District their mandate, the APC has made it their official policy.
“The strategy has been adopted by the APC as experienced in Rivers state during the re-run elections. We have to alert all other Nigerians about this strategy.
“The alarm we have raised on the printing of fake result sheets was correct. They used Special Anti-Robbery Squad to abduct INEC officials and smuggle in fake results”, he said.
He called on all political parties to be vigilant and stop the actualization of the plot of APC to rig the 2019 polls.
“They know Nigerians are tired of being deceived. That is why they will plan to massively rig the 2019 elections. As IPAC members, you must be vigilant. They will do everything possible, including killing dozens of persons to remain in power. This is because the people have rejected them”, he said.
Despite the anomaly that greeted the Rivers East Senatorial District election, the governor said INEC had remained silent and stressed the need for the electoral body to offer explanation on the fraud APC used the Police to perpetrate.
He charged all other political parties participating in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election to be vigilant as the APC is planning to rig the polls.
He said, “Democracy is under threat. We must defend it”.
In his remarks, the Secretary of IPAC, Chief Perry Opara said Rivers State is working because Governor Wike is investing in development projects.
The IPAC scribe commended Governor Wike for carrying all political parties along and urged the Federal Government to imbibe the same spirit as it would help to reduce tension in the country.
The 46 Political Parties of IPAC conferred on Governor Wike, “most Opposition- Friendly and Eagle of Nigeria”.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, NyesomEzenwoWike has stated that unless Nigerians experience good governance at the federal level, agitations will continue across different parts of the country.
Speaking during the 57th Independence Church Service at the Saint Mark’s Anglican Church in Port Harcourt yesterday Sunday, Governor Wike said that Rivers State is not part of any agitation for secession.
He said: “In as much as you continue to have bad governance, people will continue to agitate across the country.
”We give God the glory that we are still one, despite the agitations and challenges. God has blessed this country. We are not part of those who want to secede. Rivers State will never be part of that.”
The governor, however, pointed out that the country cannot continue with the current level of impunity and injustice, saying that it is time for the right thing to be done.
According to him, “People must speak out that what is going on is not correct. Under this dispensation, votes no longer count. I have faith that we will come out of the present predicament “.
The governor explained that one of the reasons why politicians act irrationally is because they know that Police and INEC can manipulate results in their favour.
He called for better security and justice for all federating units to give all Nigerians a sense of belonging and de-escalate tension across the land.
He reiterated his call for the investigation of the criminal activities of the Special Anti-robbery Squad, which he said has become a notorious criminal gang.
In his sermon, Anglican Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt Rev Innocent Ordu said Nigeria has developed despite her many challenges.
He urged Nigerians to respect the laws of the country, support constituted authorities and work for the growth of the country.
The church service attracted top government officials, security agencies and traditional rulers.
Chris Oluoh
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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