Politics
APC’s Cole Doesn’t Exist After Court Judgement – PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that Tonye Cole, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State no longer exists after Monday’s Federal High Court judgement which nullified all congresses conducted by the opposition party in the state.
PDP chairman in Rivers State, Felix Obuah who stated this in a statement issued by his media aide, Jerry Needam in Port Hacourt, described a recent remark against the State Governor, Nyesom Wike by spokesman of the State APC’s campaign, Ogbonna Nwuke as a mere outburst.
Obuah said as long as the judgement of the High Court judgment which nullified the congress that produced Mr Cole that has not been set aside, his candidature no longer exists.
The statement reads, “Mr Ogbonna Nwuke, a self-acclaimed spokesman for a party’s campaign organisation and candidate that does not exist by reason of a High Court judgment that has not been set aside, as a mere outburst.”
He said it is regrettable that Nwuke who ought to be more civilised in his approach to issues as a member of the respected ink and pen fraternity has allowed himself to be ‘infected and blindfolded’ in his bid to find relevance.”
The State PDP Chairman however advised Nwuke to learn how to talk about his superiors and leaders with some respect, decency and most importantly, imbibe the spirit of humility.
The statement further advised him to put his emotions in check while seeking relevance as an election casualty that has left him apparently demoralised.
“My first thought after reading the junk written by Nwuke against the people’s Governor was not to join issues with him because I understand his frustrations after he was rejected by his own people in the attempt to return to the House of Representatives for the second time to no avail.
“But to put the records straight and educate Mr Nwuke who has since relocated to Abuja to feed on the crumbs from his master’s tables, Governor Wike has made history in the governance of Rivers State, having fulfilled all his promises before, during and after the elections which have earned him unprecedented accolades and attracted awards nationally and internationally.
“His developmental strides traverse all sectors of the State economy, notably the education, health, judiciary, infrastructure, human Capital and so on,” he said.
The State PDP chairman noted that under Governor Wike administration, security has received top attention which accounts for the low rate of crime across the State compared to what the situation was under the immediate past administration.
Obuah noted that infrastructurally, Wike’s administration has performed far more than past administration and therefore advised Nwuke to put aside political sentiments and appreciate these rare landmark developments brought to the State by Wike.
“It is only when Ogbonna Nwuke has shown sufficient proof that he has grown above these infantile sentiments can he say something and have some audience from the more enlightened Rivers people”, Bro Obuah stated.
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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