Politics
Group Hails Wike’s Victory
President of Royal Ladies Association (RLA) of Port Harcourt, Mrs Franca Ikechukwu, has stated that the outcome of the March 9, 2019 governorship election in Rivers State, which Governor Nyesom Wike won after its suspension, was an affirmation of the love and support of the people of the State for the G.overnor
Speaking with The Tide in Okoloma Afam, headquarters of Oyigbo LGA, recently, she stated that the reelection of the Governor speaks volumes about their love for him,
“By this election, Rivers people have once more affirmed their love and support for you, Governor and your administration, and” now expect greater and more appreciable developmental footprints in the next four years of your quality leadership.
“While RLA is united with Rivers people in this dream of a greater Rivers State, we are not unmindful of the enormity of the task before you, but we are encouraged by your known zeal to change the developmental narratives of Rivers State for the better she said.
Assuring the Governor of the support of members of the group to the government, she called on to run an all-inclusive government that will accelerate the development of the state.
“As we rejoice with you in this wholesome victory, let us remind Your Excellency that your election is a call to rise above your political party and be a father to all people irrespective of political affiliations.
“In this regard, RLA humbly requests of your Excellency to reach out to all political divides, professionals, groups and persons with good ideas and run an open and all-inclusive leadership unconstrained by political leaning within the next four years.”
She also assured that RLA will galvanise all groups and opinions behind Governor Nyesom Wike’s administration, and called on all political groups within the state to let go of all grievances and join forces with the governor to making Rivers State the development haven in Nigeria in the next four years.
Mrs Ikechukwu described Governor Wike as, “Nigeria’s foremost political gladiator”, who was able in his first tenure turned the fortunes of Rivers State around despite the lean financial base of the state, as well as political wars by the opposition parties against his leadership.”
She used the opportunity to urge the governor not to retaliate all the ploys against his government by some mischief makers who never wish the state well, but should rather hand all to God Almighty while in the course of service to God and humanity.
Bethel Toby & Chidinma Ojekwe
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
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.
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