Politics
COVID-19: Mpigi Lauds Wike’s Proactive Approach …Pledges N8.5m Support
The Senator representing Rivers South East District in the National Assembly, Senator Barinada Mpigi, has lauded Governor Nyesom Wike for taking proactive steps to stem the spread of the deadly Coronavirus disease in Rivers State.
Mpigi, who disclosed this during a chat with newsmen appealed to his constituents, especially the people of Eleme not to panic following the siting of the Covid-19 treatment centre there, urging them to take precautionary measures to avoid being infected.
“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Nyesom Wike for being proactive in checking the spread of the Coronavirus Disease in Rivers State. The isolation centre in Eleme could have been anywhere else. But now that it is in Eleme, the virus will not jump from the position to people’s houses.
“I want to assure the people of Eleme and the people of Ogale especially, that this thing is like a centre. The hospital is ongoing and the people that are working there are human beings. They should be peaceful and calm. Sometimes things like this happen and it may be for their benefit.
“For them to allow such a centre to be sited there definitely more development will come back to Eleme,” the Senator stated.
Mpigi also promised to provide logistic support to the Rivers State Covid-19 team and the seven local government areas that make up his senatorial district, even as he solicited more support for the State Government.
“I am calling on everyone living and doing business in Rivers State to see how we can support the Governor and to that effect, I will donate the sum of N5million to the Covid-19 team working tirelessly in Rivers State. To my very powerful teams that are working across the seven LGAs of my Senatorial District as they say ‘charity begins at home. I am also donating a sum of N3.5million making about N500, 000 per LGA.
“These sums have been made available and will be handed over formally on the 30th March, 2020 to all these people so far mentioned,” the federal lawmaker said.
By: 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.