Politics
APC’s Boycott Of LG Polls, A Non-Event -EX-CTC Boss
The immediate past Caretaker Committee Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Barr. Tubotamuno Dick has described his three-month spell as very eventful and fulfilling.
Speaking with The Tide on the sidelines of the local government elections in Buguma, headquarters of the local government area last Saturday, he pointed to his efforts at resuscitating water transportation with the acquisition of outboard engine boats and the conclusion of arrangements for the advent of a commercial bank in the area as the high points of his administration.
“I came in with the mindset that three months was enough for me to make a mark and I have done my bit,” he said, adding that the incoming elected administration would be in a better position to transform the lives of the people of the area through the execution of impactful projects and programmes due to the length of time at its disposal.
“We have been using Caretaker Committees to run the affairs of the local government but there’s a limit to which a caretaker government can go.
This is an elected executive government that is about to come in and can do projects that will better the lot of the people”, he said, and wondered why any group of persons would choose to stay away from such an opportunity.
While thanking Governor Nyesom Wike and the people of the area for giving him the privilege and the cooperation to serve, the former Asalga boss commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, security agencies and other stakeholders for the conduct of orderly, peacefeul and violence free polls in the area.
He described the boycott of the elections by the All Progressives Congress, APC as a non-event, arguing that the Chairman of the party in Rivers State, Hon. Ojukaye Flag-Amachree was not competent to make any valid pronouncements on behalf of the party since he had been denied recognition by a competent court of law.
Meanwhile, education of the youths has been identified as key to curb cultism and usher in peace and socio-economic development in Asari-toru Local Government Area.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, councillorship candidate for ward three, Asalga, Tubotamuno Otto stated this in an interview with The Tide at Buguma, last Saturday.
“You can see that most of the persons causing problem are uneducated. So those who can’t afford to sponsor themselves through school have to be helped to acquire education and those who want to engage in small scale business have to be assisted as well to keep them busy. That is the way to curb cultism to the barest minimum”, he said.
Opaka Dokubo
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.