Politics
100 Days In Office: PDP Scores Wike High …Says He Is A Promise Keeper
As part of their assessment of the Rivers State governor’s first 100 days in his second term in office, the People Democratic Party (PDP) has passed a vote of confidence on Chief Nyesom Wike, scoring him high in project delivery, infrastructural development and human capital development, among others
The state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Darlington Orji stated this while speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt, at the weekend.
Orji recalled that Governor Wike himself had said that he was elected to solve problems and not to complain, noting that he has kept the promise he made to the people across the state.
He stated that the various projects being commissioned were eloquent testimony that he (Wike) has done well and that he will continue to do more for the state and Rivers people.
According to Orji, “As a political party, our assessment of the governor’s first 100 days in office is 99-99 per cent. The remaining point one per cent is left for human error. By the special grace of God, this is a governor that told us that he was not elected to complain but to proffer solution to problems.
“So judging by the projects lined up for commissioning and some already commissioned, he has done well.
“Look at the commissioned Rumuokwurusi-Elelenwo-Akpajo dual carriage way, look at Community Secondary School, Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area where former Governor Rotimi Amaechi comes from. These are laudable projects initiated and completed by the present administration. What about the Rumu-Woji, Mile One Market and the Fruit and Vegetable Market in D/Line, Port Harcourt. This is why Governor Wike is called Mr. Quality Projects.
“As a party, we are happy and we have no regrets that we nominated him to fly our flag in the last election. We are so comfortable and we are confident that he is going to do more for Rivers people as God will permit.”
He called on the All Progressives Congress (APC), the main opposition party in the state to support the governor to enable him succeed rather than engaging in unnecessary criticism.
“The way I see opposition is a kind of opponent that will engage in constructive criticism for you to do more and not a group of people that will condemn at all times, including the best that the man at the helm of affairs is doing,” the state PDP spokesman said.
Describing 100 days in office as a ritual which has come to stay, Orji recalled that in 2015/16, “what we were hearing was that he (Wike) was completing the administration of the previous projects. Don’t forget that he has declared free education for public primary and secondary schools in the state.
“Today a man that completed the past administration’s projects is also doing his own, and you say he should not be celebrated. I want to appeal that when you want to ask for more, always appreciate the little he has done.
“Governor Wike has proven that he is a prudent manager. Look at the list of states that received bailout funds that will refund. Is Rivers State there? The APC sang it like a song that Rivers took bailout funds. At the end of the day, the list was published and Rivers State is not there.
“Today states like Kogi are indebted to about N50 billion or thereabouts and Rivers State is still moving on. For us as a people we believe in the capacity of the governor. We believe in a man that has decided to use the resources of Rivers State to develop the state, “he stated.
Dennis Naku
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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