Politics
Researcher Tasks Political Leaders On Empowerment
A research fellow at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, (NILDS), Abuja, Dr. Charles Alfred has flayed the lack of proper documentation in the Niger Delta region.
This is as he called on political leaders in the region to make conscious efforts to empower people in the zone who will speak on their behalf and defend them when they would have left public office in the event of any attack directed at them.
Alfred spoke during the public presentation of a book ‘Footprints of Nkpoo Sibara, Dele Giwa and Ken Saro-Wiwa’ written by a Niger Delta activist and author, Patrick Naagbanton in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
He explained that it was one of the reasons the region cry of being marginalised over the years because of the failure of those who have the privilege of holding key political offices to do what was expected of them.
Alfred said, “The people of the Niger Delta have been complaining of marginalisation. But you cannot talk of marginalization when you yourself are not doing the things you are supposed to do for yourself. For instance we do not document our problems.
“We do not document our successes and we do not document and refute allegations against us. That is why the region is so porous in terms of documentation,” he stated.
Dr Alfred who edited the book expressed worry that such cavalier attitude towards documentation may affect the coming generations, saying, “Because we do not document, we and our children and children, children may not get a clear idea of what to follow.
“That is why for an issue like resource control now, it is difficult for one to get a proper definition of that because of the absence of accurate documentation.
“But if you talk about Arewa or the issues that concern the South West, a good number of the people can tell you what they want. So, we (Niger Delta) are suffering from a lot of documentation deficiency. Even in our universities we do not do it. We do not celebrate our own”.
The research fellow expressed unhappiness that nobody is speaking for the former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Allison-Madueke in all her travails, because she did not empower someone to be her official spokesperson.
Diezani Allison-Madueke do not even have a spokesperson. All the allegations against her like the issue of her health, nobody is talking because she failed to empower any of her people. Spokesperson goes beyond the tenure.
“You must empower the spokesperson. We have a lot of media people in Bayelsa, Rivers State and even the South South. She never deliberately cultivated the help and that is why nobody is talking. That is the problem of documentation I am talking about. All what she did there were no documentation. What we hear is that she is a thief.
“Is she really a thief? What is it she stole? It is not known and cannot blame the journalists that are not from the zone for feasting on it,” the research fellow noted with concerns.” He stated, pointed out that a serving or former President, a serving or former governor as well as minister should have an official spokesperson that will outlive the office.
Today, if you attack the immediate past Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonji Iweala, somebody will come out and refute it. If you attack late former President, Musa Yar’adua, Segun Adeniyi is there.
He however expressed happiness that the book addressed some of these issues, saying, “It is one of the finest works from the Niger Delta. It covers almost fifteen years of our lost history,” describing the book as a must read.
Dennis Naku
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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