Politics
Emir Tasks Politicians On Security Of Lives, Property
The Emir of Zazzau and Chairman, Kaduna State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, Dr Shehu Idris, yesterday urged elected officers to prioritise security of lives and property of Nigerians above any other issue.
He made the appeal while delivering a speech to mark the 1440 AH/2019 Eid-el-Fitr celebration at his palace in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Eid-el-Fitr celebration signals the end of Ramadan fasting performed by Islamic faithful across the world.
The traditional ruler observed that security of lives and property was paramount, hence the need for government at all levels to accord it the desired attention it deserves to attain peace and prosperity.
He said: “We want to appeal to all elected officers to do everything possible to fulfill their campaign promises and endeavour to carry all manner of people along toward all-inclusive government for peace and tranquility to prevail.
“We want them to accord special attention to security of lives and property, they should also ensure the provision of sound and quality education, ease access to healthcare and farm inputs and implements, and other social amenities.”
The Emir appreciated Gov. Nasiru el-Rufai for executing meaningful and developmental projects across the state in the last four years, especially in the area of peace, education, fight against drug abuse and banditry, among others.
“We want to use this medium to extend our Sallah message to His Excellency, Gov. Nasiru el-Rufai, and applaud him for his zeal and determination to restore lasting peace in the state.
“It will not be out of order to use this opportunity to congratulate you for taking oath of office for the second term, we pray and hope Almighty Allah will guide you aright and give you wisdom to take Kaduna to greater heights.
“We pray Almighty Allah will give you the strength to build upon the successes already established and we urge our subjects to continue to cooperate with the security agencies by providing useful information toward stemming criminality,” he pleaded.
The monarch appealed to federal and state governments and lawmakers to be united to pursue a common goal of rebuilding the economy toward making it among the top economies globally.
He also advised government to introduce more programmes to empower people to enable them become self-reliant in both rural and urban areas.
The Emir encouraged Muslims to sustain the lessons learnt during Ramadan such as humility, fear of Almighty Allah, forgiveness, obedience, care for the poor, needy and orphans, among other good virtues.
“These are good lessons worthy of retention by Muslims. As good Muslims, you are not expected to indulge in social vices after the month of Ramadan.
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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