Politics

Wike Reassures On PDP Victory

Published

7 years ago

February 11, 2019

As the flag-off of PDP campaign in the 23 local government areas of Rivers State came to an end yesterday, the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that the party is sure of victory in the state.
Governor Wike made this declaration Saturday at Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, venue of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area Campaign Rally.
He said that he is sure of the party’s victory because it has satisfied the people who gave him their mandate.
He noted that only those who have impacted positively on the state should either contest or promote candidates.
Governor Wike wondered why the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi failed to attract development to the state in spite of the opportunities he had, and stressed that when he ( Wike) was a Minister, he attracted development to Rivers State.
He called on the people of Obio/Akpor to ensure that the party wins in all the 359 polling units in the area and to also make sure that they protect their votes.
The Governor revealed plans by APC- led Federal Government to deny the state access to cash during the weeks of the 2019 general elections.
Wike explained that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Chairman of t Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, have directed Managing Directors of banks to effect the plan.
Making the disclosure Tuesday at the flagg- off rally for Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, the governor added that the CBN Governor and the EFCC chairman invited the MDs of the banks and ordered them to strangulate the state by denying her the needed cash.
Another major event last week in the Government House, Port Harcourt, was the presentation of reports from theJudicial Commission of Inquiry to Investigate the Seven-storey Building Collapse in Phase 2 GRA, Port Harcourt, and the JudicialCommission of Inquiry to Investigate the Management and Affairs of the Integrated Medical Industries Limited ( Auto Syringe Factory).
Governor Wike who officially received the reports, commended the committee members for timely conclusion of work and vowed that the State Government would deal with all those indicted according to the law.
He announced the setting up of a seven-man white paper committee to take immediate steps for the implementation of the recommendations of the two commissions.
Within the week under review, Governor Wike’s reelection got another major endorsement. This time, from the Women’s Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN).
Thousands of WOWICAN members from the 23 local government areas of the state were in Government House Port Harcourt on Saturday to expressed their satisfaction to the governor for impressive performance at his first term in office.
Leader of the group, Pastor Ene Secondus , assured the governor that all PVCs of members are for him to enable him continue with his good work to the state.
There was an interactive session last Friday between the governor, the Civil Societies and Non Governmental Organisations in the state.
The governor emphasised that for the success of the forthcoming general elections, civil society and NGOs have critical roles to play .
He charged them to monitor the activities of INEC and security agencies during the elections to ensure that they work in accordance with laid down rules.
The Brick House was a mecca of sort to foreign embassies last week as Governor Wike played host to the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Ketil Karlson, the United States Consul General to Nigeria , John Bray, and the new British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing.
The ambassadors who came at different times were united in their concern for nonviolent, free and fair elections during the 2019 poll.

Chris Oluoh

Politics

EFCC Alleges Blackmail Plot By Opposition Politicians

Published

2 days ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

In what could be described as a proactive measure, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised the alarm that some opposition politicians were allegedly plotting to undermine the agency ahead of the 2027 general election.

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.

Politics

Datti Baba-Ahmed Reaffirms Loyalty To LP, Forecloses Joining ADC

Published

2 days ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has dismissed speculation about a possible defection from the Labour Party (LP), declaring that he will not follow his former principal, Mr Peter Obi, to any new political platform ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Baba-Ahmed said his political allegiance remains firmly with the LP, the platform on which he emerged as vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election. He stressed that his future political aspirations are anchored on party loyalty and personal conviction, not shifting alliances.

The former senator representing Kaduna North stated that although he shared a joint ticket with Mr Obi in the last presidential race, he has no intention of joining him following Mr Obi’s recent alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party now being positioned by an opposition coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing journalists at the LP national headquarters, Senator Baba-Ahmed made it clear that he would not take the same political path, insisting that his decision was informed by long-term goals and a clear sense of purpose.

He expressed scepticism about the ADC-led coalition, describing its promoters as “disgruntled politicians” and arguing that the platform does not offer the kind of political vision Nigeria urgently requires.

Senator Baba-Ahmed also reaffirmed his commitment to national service, noting that he remained willing to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at fixing the country and would make himself available for service as the 2027 elections approach.

While acknowledging his past partnership with Mr Obi, he emphasised that political choices must be guided by principles rather than personal relationships.

According to him, his priority is to strengthen the LP and position it as a credible and enduring alternative for Nigerians.

It would be recalled that Mr Obi recently exited the LP and embraced the ADC as part of a broader opposition coalition seeking to unseat the APC in the next general election.

Politics

Bayelsa APC Endorses Tinubu For Second Term

Published

2 days ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement was made on during a special stakeholders meeting of the party convened by Governor Diri in Yenagoa, the State capital.

Senator Konbowei Benson, incumbent Senator representing the Bayelsa Central, moved the endorsement motion, and was seconded by a former Speaker of the House of Assembly and one time deputy governor, Peremobowei Ebebi.

The Tide reports that Chairman of the new caretaker committee of the party, Dr Dennis Otiotio, Senator representing Bayelsa East, Chief Benson Agadaga, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, attended the endorsement meeting.

Other attendees were, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samson Ogbuku, Managing Director, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, other stakeholders as well as the ex-officio member (South South) of the APC National Working Committee, Hon. Godbless Diriware.

The Tide also gathered that the meeting was the first expanded stakeholders gathering convened by the governor since becoming a member and leader of the party in the state in October 2025.

In his speech, Governor Diri expressed delight that the State’s APC was one big family which has resolved to work together to deliver President Tinubu for another term in office.

He underscored the need for the members to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, humility and rise above politics of bitterness and divisive tendencies for the sake of peace, development and progress of the state.

The governor also urged the members to play by the rules and engage in politics of consultation, stating that those interested in political offices in the next election should shelve their ambitions for now.

“Here we are today in a very big family of the APC. Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the old members of the party for the reception accorded me and other Peoples Democratic Party members who crossed over. It was a welcome like no other.

“Political parties are vehicles for development. Let us truly be progressives. Whatever positions you want to contest for, whether governorship, House of Assembly or National Assembly, please put it on hold for now. Power comes from God. What should be uppermost is that we are all gathered here to make sure that President Tinubu returns for a second term”, he said.

In a brief remark, Senator Lokpobiri expressed joy to be part of the meeting and acknowledged that the Bayelsa APC now had one united and indivisible objective to wholly deliver the party for all elective offices in 2027.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, former APC governorship candidate in the state, Mr David Lyon, and Prince Ebitimi Amgbare lauded the governor for his maturity, noting that his inclusive governance style would lead the party to achieve its objectives.

Also, the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, commended Governor Diri for uniting all facets of the party’s political leadership in the state, which he noted had been fragmented for over a decade.

Dr Otiotio stated that the purpose of the meeting was to enjoin members and supporters to participate in the party’s electronic membership exercise in order to capture genuine voters.

Meanwhile the stakeholders observed a minute silence in honour of the former Bayelsa West Senatorial District representative in the 5th National Assembly, Senator John Brambaifa, who died on Saturday, January 3, 2026 in Abuja.

By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa