Politics
Lawmakers Condemn Army’s Misconduct At Polls
The outcome of the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Army, Police Affairs, Justice and Human Rights’ public sitting over the violence that rocked Rivers State during the last presidential and guber elections is still reverberating.
The two-day public sitting was as a result of motion moved by Hon. Kingsley Chinda of Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency on the floor of the green chambers, as he decried the manner Ogoni youth leader and academia, Dr. Ferry Gberegbe and one Mrs. Ibisaki Amachree were killed during the polls.
Hon. Chinda lamented that over the years elections had become a theatre of war, as the opposition has always led the onslaught to cause mayhem in the state.
The Obio/Akpor federal lawmaker observed that the role the army and police(SARS) played during the general elections was out of the constitutional mandate given to them and wondered how soldiers got involved in supervising elections in the country.
Chinda insists that the army were supposed to protect the territorial integrity of the country and not to conduct elections.
Speaking for the state government, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Zacheaus Adango told the committee that death toll and arrest of persons during the elections stood at 75.
While 13 persons died in Akuku – Toru Local Government Area, 20 persons sustained injury. In Ahoada West 30 persons were arrested by the army with Gokana having 44 and Tai 11 , Opobo/ Nkoro 15.
The attorney general submitted that the state demands justice for its citizens, as he sought for compensation and apology by the military authorities to those manhandled and killed during the elections..
He said” the state government seeks a public apology from the Nigerian Army to the people of Rivers State for the trauma caused them by the misconduct of the soldiers in the course of the general elections. ”
In reaction, Army representative at the panel, Brig Gen Felix Omogui explained that the role army played during the polls was to protect lives and property.
” The internal security is done by the police, but we support them”, Omogui maintained.
He told the House of Rep panel that on request by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), the army was engaged to provide security for sensitive electoral materials, especially in riverine areas.
Omogui held that the army adhered to the rules of engagement and code of conduct, arguing that most of the violent acts were done by fake soldiers and hoodlums.
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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