Politics
RVHA Fails To Reconvene
The Rivers House of Assembly did not reconvene last week as expected after one month recess by the legislators. Although no reason was given by the House over the development, House Committee Chairman on Information and Training, Hon Sam Ogeh told newsmen that the leadership will communicate to the public when it will commence activities.
Hon Ogeh who presents Emohua Constituency in the House said, the House’s resumption was not “cast on stone”, but will depend on issues and other matters that will be discussed by the Assembly leadership.
He said the house was always ready to sit and attend to pressing issues, recalling that penultimate week, it briefly called off its recess to screen and clear commissioner and local government caretaker committee- member nominees.
In the same vein, the member representing OgbalEgbema/Ndoni Constituency II, Hon Nathaniel Uwaji has assured that the assembly will resume soon. He however, said that the speaker will communicate appropriately, when activities of the assembly will kick-off.
Hon Uwaji however assured that he was ready ensure that his constituents enjoyed the dividends of good governance through effective and efficient representation.
“I will help my constituents by making good laws in tanderm with their expectations”, Uwaji further assured.
The Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni II law maker reiterated the resolve of the Assembly to give impetus to the Wike-led administration in developing the state, adding that all the things the governor was doing were in line with the vision of the assembly .
Against this backdrop, he promised that the legislators were ready to give the governor the necessary backing to ensure that he succeeded, and that the current tempo of development was sustained across the state.
Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Bonny Constituency, Hon. Abinye Pepple has promised that the Assembly will sustain a robust and effective legislation that will drive governance in the state.
Said Pepple, “when we resume, we will give voice to Rivers people”, pointing out that the Wike-led administration had brought succour to the people, especially those in Bonny who can ply the sea route conveniently without fear of sea pirates and other criminal activities.
The recent donation of eight gun boats by Chief Wike to the Naval command to boost sea patrol and security received plaudits from Hon. Pepple.
The Bonny lawmaker also commended the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Company and the Federal Government, following agreement to resume and complete the Bonny/Bodo Road which has been abandoned by governments over the years.
In the words of Hon. Pepple, “I am excited about the Bonny-Bodo Road, it’s a high display of social corporate responsibility by NLNG when you look at what we are contributing to national purse, that project is key”.
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.
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