Politics
Monarch Decries Military’s Role In Rivers Polls
A monarch in Rivers State, HRH Christopher Wonodi has criticised the role of the military during last Saturday’s Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in the state.
Wonodi, who is the Eze Mbam Abali X11, Eze Risiohia, Rebisi, Port Harcourt stated this during a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt
The Traditional Ruler, who said he voted in Port Harcourt Ward 1, unit 13, however expressed unhappiness at the low turnout of voters during the exercise, attributing to the huge presence of soldiers across the state.
He stated, “I voted in Port Harcourt Ward 1, Unit 13 and there was peace. But my worry was that there were not much people that came out to vote compared to the Presidential and National Assembly election.
“Maybe the military presence scared people from coming out. I want to use this opportunity to say that military involvement in politics is killing the electoral process.
“The Military is not supposed to be used during elections. The Police that we use and even civil defense merely observe the process without necessary brandishing arms. But when you see the military with guns seating around the place put fear in the electorates.
“Using the military in an electoral process is wrong. It is not done anywhere in the world. We watch elections conducted in the United States, do you see police at polling units? All they do is that they just stay around and watch what is going on. They do not even come close to the voting centers,” he said.
On his expectations for the next Governor, the Traditional Ruler expressed delight that Governor Nyesom Wike has done well in the last four years in office.
“We are happy with who God gave to us in the last four years because we have really benefitted from good governance. I can drive from here to Eleme without any pothole. In fact I went to Opobo town recently and I drove straight into the community.
“So, for me I would prefer that the Governor continues the good works he is doing and complete his second term.
“Like I always say it is important to perform when you are given the opportunity to serve the people. Look at our roads, hospitals and public schools they are wearing a new look with quality and people are happy because of the kind of Governor we have.
“These things should be made available so that the children of the poor can also access them and compete with the rich. That captures the essence of good governance,” HRH, Eze Wonodi explained.
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.
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