Politics
PDP Berates APC Over Unfulfilled Promises
The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that its major rival, the All Progressives Congress (APC) led Federal Government does not stand a chance in this year’s general elections due to its inability to fulfil the myriad of the promises made to Nigerians.
Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Rivers State, Darlington Orji, stated this during an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.
Orji stated that unlike the APC government at the center, the Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike was given an opportunity to serve Rivers people and he has returned with a scorecard which would give him another chance to govern for another four years.
He said: “The Governor of Rivers State was given an opportunity to govern and based on that he is now going to ask the people for another opportunity and questions will be thrown at him.
“The one we gave to you what did you do? He will be able to present his scorecard to them. That is why we (PDP) are saying that in all the 23 local government areas of the state, we have something to show. Anyone project that has not been completed there is an ongoing project.
“So it is the people that will make the decision to select based on the scorecard and what they have seen on the ground. So also we are asking the APC if they are in the ballot, let them remove crisis and intimidation and allow the people to access them and ask questions.
“Why is the President running away from a public debate? What will he tell people? That he promised to make one Dollar to one Naira. When he was outside government he was speaking as if he has the magic wand.
“Today, he has been in government for over three years and he is still blaming the PDP. I have said that this election in 2019 will be a revolution between poverty and those that are eating with golden spoon. It is going to be between the blood of innocent Nigerians that are being killed on daily basis and those that believed that Nigeria, our territorial integrity can be protected.
“You said you have defeated Boko Haram. How, when our soldiers are dyeing daily in the North East? You say you are fighting corruption. What happened to the former Minister of Finance that was holding a forged document while in public office?’’
“What happened to the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the grass cutting deal running into several millions of Naira? What about the monies found in Ikoyi apartment? These are questions that Nigerians will ask?
“Why is Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje not being probed? He (the President) said you will bring down the price of fuel from N87 to N45. Instead you increase it to N145 per liter.
“If you want to lead us again no problem. It is not to say you must win. But you need to answer some questions within the period you have been in office have you fulfil the promises you made to Nigerians? Show your scorecard for Nigerians to access you,” Orji stated.
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.