Politics
Wike Seeks Unity Of Christians
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has called on Christians to remain united as a body of Christ bound in a common faith.
Governor Wike made the call Friday, when His Eminence, Baba Aladura, Dr David Bobmanuel, Moses Orimolade 1X and Prelate of the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Port Harcourt.
The Governor stated that being united will not only strengthen their faith but will also lead to rapid expansion of the church.
“There are too many divisions in the faith. Look at the Christian Association of Nigeria in Rivers State, it has been divided into factions.This is not necessary.
“We cannot be the body of Christ and we are not working together. Working as a team will make the church grow faster than it is doing right now”, said the governor.
He reaffirmed that Rivers State is a Christian state and that his administration is in partnership with the church, hence, he would support the church in its programmes.
He urged the church to join his administration in its fight against negative impact of cultism in the state.
Wike congratulated the Baba Aladura on his emergence as the Prelate of the Eternal Order of Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, noting that as a Rivers man, Rivers people were proud of him.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation , His Eminence, Dr David Bobmanuel, said they were in the state for the International Youth Conference of the church.
He thanked the governor for his administration’s consistent support to the Christian community.
The Baba Aladura also congratulated the governor on his election victories and monumental achievements recorded so far and urged the governor to use the second term to consolidate on his first term achievements.
Last week, the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor, Engineer Emeka Woke, was honoured with a Special Birthday Church Service at the First Baptist Church , Rumuoakunde, in Emohua Local Government Area.
The Service was organised by Mr Israel Uchendu and his family. Friends, well wishers and top government officials were in attendance.
The Chief of Staff thanked God for his blessing over the years and vowed to continue to serve God and humanity all the days of his life.
In his sermon, Rev Harrison Igwe Icho, urged people to always make God, the object of their worship, so as to attract several blessings.
Also in the week under review, the Chief of Staff, was among dignitaries that attended this year’s edition of Egwu Ogba, the traditional New Yam Annual Festival of Erema Ancient Town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area held last Tuesday.
He commended the Paramount ruler of Erema , Eze Azubuike Princewill and the people of the area for promoting their rich culture.
Woke further called on traditional rulers to partner the state government to ensure sustained peace across the state.
He urged traditional rulers to key into the Operation Sting to promote security in all communities in the state, stressing that the state government will not tolerate any form of cultism or insecurity in any community.
He stated that Rivers State Government was working hard to build investors’ confidence in the state to boost youth employment.
Chris Oluoh
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.