Politics
Edo 2020: APC Plotting To Write Fake Election Results -PDP
Ahead of the Edo State governorship election slated for September 19, 2020, the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has alleged that it has uncovered a plot by its All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart to write fake election results in the comfort of hotel rooms and smuggled same in at the point of collation of results and at the tribunal.
The party also alleged that the APC has also perfected plans to disrupt voting in certain units and wards across the state as the election is going on with the aim of presenting fake results at the tribunal.
The Edo State Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Chris Nehikhare while addressing a press conference in Benin City, yesterday, said that the plot which they termed, “Hope Uzodinma Template” will be resisted by the Edo people who he said are now wiser.
However, reacting to the allegation, Imo State Commissioner for Special Projects, Mr. Simon Ebegbulem said, “It’s clear that Obaseki and his PDP is finding it difficult to market themselves to the Edo electorate after four years of failed promises, signing frivolous MoUs and Ponzi government, therefore, have resorted to blackmail and lies to cover his shameful outing so far.
“His Excellency, Governor Uzodinma is not an INEC staff, therefore, has no business keeping result sheets.
“Our governor believes in the rule of law and he has strong belief that only the Edo electorate will vote out Obaseki and not rigging. Rather Obaseki is only disclosing what he and other PDP Governors have perfected to execute.
“It is on record where Obaseki boasted that only himself and his deputy has monopoly of rigging and maiming because they have immunity. So, they are only rehearsing their evil plots seeing that Edo electorate has rejected them.
“Telling lies and Propaganda will not save Obaseki and through the ballot, he will be voted out on September 19, 2020. And the APC will resist any attempt by the failed PDP government to manipulate the election as they are plotting. Governor Uzodinma has no business rigging Edo Election but he will surely stop Obaseki from rigging the forthcoming election”.
Nehikhare further said that Edo people were prepared to defend their results, saying that if they smuggled the fake results into the Election Petition Tribunal, it would be rejected.
On the allegation that the APC was allegedly spreading fake rumours about arms build-up ahead of the election by the PDP, Nehikhare described it as nonsensical, saying “that their aim is to scare aware voters from participating in the election”.
He urged the electorate to come out in large numbers and exercise their civic rights.
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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