Politics
‘Wike’s Achievements, Unsurpassable’
A Commissioner of Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Mike Elechi says Governor NyesomWike’s achievements has surpassed all those that has held the affairs of the state.
Elechi, a retired permanent secretary in the state, in an interview with newsmen recently said the Governor deserved another tenure to deliver more projects for the state.
He commended the Governor for the judicious use of the state’s resources, saying his administration has spread and distributed amenities equitably in the state.
“Wike has done extremely well; we are talking of politics but not playing politics with the resources of the state. Looking at the governance of the state, in terms of security, in terms of well being, in this era of nepotism where people will appoint their people in positions, Wike has done well in state through spread of appointments.
“The Governor has done well more than any governor that has governed Rivers State, take it from me. And if politics is to distribute amenities equitably,Wike had done extremely very well without knowing that”, he said.
He said there is no local government in the state that has no presence of the present administration’s dividend of democracy “both in appointment and in distribution of amenities. If he indicates his interest and election has to go on casting of votes and votes count in Nigeria, Wike can go home and sleep, he is going to win election, anytime, any day in Rivers state”.
On whether Wike’s good governance was as a result of the mounting pressure from the opposition party in Rivers State, Elechi explained it could be as a result of the pressure of the opposition or that Wike wanted to come for second term and that it could also be that he is doing what he wants to do to improve the state of Rivers State through good governance.
But “when there is no opposition people might go home to relax, when there is no second tenure in mind people might also go home to relax and when somebody does not want to do something the way he wants to do it, he can also relax, but Wike is an achiever”, Elechi stated.
He continued: “Checking the Nigerian policy from where we are coming from that Wike has tried, and if Wike is given chance to govern the state without distractions from the opposition he could do more because there is still room for improvement”.
Elechi insisted that Wike stands in a good position to win with overwhelming majority in a free and fair governorship election in Rivers State any time, any day, though he has not indicated his interest in running a second term come 2019.
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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