Politics
LP Candidate Pledges Effective Representation Of Constituency
A Labour Party House of Representatives candidate in Imo, Mr Ikenna Chukwuocha, says he will end what he described as abysmal representation of his constituency, if he is elected.
He said this in an interview with newsmen in Owerri yesterday.
Chukwuocha wants to represent Okikwe South Federal Constituency, which comprises Obowo, Ehime/Mbano and Ihite Uboma Local Government Areas.
Chukwuocha, a renowned philanthropist and human rights activist, said that he decided to contest for the legislative seat because of his desire to end abysmal representation of the people of the constituency by those who represented them in the past.
He said that the initiation of human development initiatives, people-orientated laws and capacity building schemes would be his major focus, if elected into the House of Representatives.
He also pledged that if elected, he would work assiduously to attract more federal projects for the constituency, while also partnering with the Federal Government in efforts to reduce poverty in the three local governments.
Chukwuocha said that poor representation of constituents and selfishness on the part of the leaders could be blamed for the myriad development challenges facing the constituency in the last 19 years.
He said that if elected, he would ensure transparent representation, adding that he would organise periodic constituency briefings to keep the constituents informed about prevailing happenings.
Chukwuocha, who condemned electoral irregularities such as vote-buying, warned the youth against any form of hooliganism.
He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be neutral while conducting the forthcoming elections, so as to guarantee the credibility of the outcome of the polls.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made on genocide.
The Fellowship described the demand as unjustified and a threat to constitutional freedoms.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN insisted that Prof Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to express his views on matters of national concern, irrespective of the public office he occupies.
According to the PFN, the comments attributed to the INEC Chairman were made in his personal capacity and had no link whatsoever with his official responsibilities or electoral duties.
The Fellowship stressed that elections and electoral activities were not involved in the matter, arguing that there was no basis to connect the alleged comments to Prof Amupitan’s role as INEC Chairman.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a Nigerian, has the right to make comments on what he observes to be happening in the nation, regardless of his appointment or assignment,” the statement read.
The PFN said it condemned “in every ramification” the suggestion that the INEC Chairman should be removed from office on the basis of his personal views, warning against attempts to punish public officials for expressing opinions outside the scope of their official duties.
The Tide source reports that the Fellowship also cautioned against what it described as a growing tendency to interpret national issues through religious lenses, noting that such an approach only deepens divisions and undermines peaceful coexistence.
“We must resist the temptation of profiling or judging people based on their religious beliefs or positions. Prof. Amupitan has a right to bear his mind, and this should not be at the cost of his job,” the PFN added.
The PFN called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, understanding and mutual respect in national discourse, particularly on sensitive issues.
It emphasised that unity and peace must remain paramount in addressing national challenges.
The Fellowship reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice and mutual respect, urging that these values guide public engagement and responses to issues affecting the country.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
-
Oil & Energy4 hours agoNNPCL Unveils Gas Master Plan 2026 …….Targets 10bcf/day production
-
Business3 hours agoNCDMB, Jake Riley Empower 250 Youths On Vocational Skills
-
News5 hours agoGovs Move To Prioritise Sugar For Industrial Growth
-
Sports4 hours agoEkitike Stars As Liverpool Upstage Newcastle
-
Politics2 hours agoPFN Rejects Call For INEC Chairman’s Removal Over Genocide Comments
-
News5 hours agoLand ownership disputes are civil matters, not police cases – FCID
-
Sports4 hours agoVilla Falter In Title Race After Home Loss
-
Oil & Energy3 hours agoNUPRC Pledges Transparency In 2025 Oil Pre – Bid Round