Politics
April Date For LG Polls, Sacrosanct, RSIEC Vows
The Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Hon Justice George Omereji (rtd), has vowed that the Saturday, April 17, 2021 date slated for the forthcoming local government elections in the state remains sacrosanct.
Speaking to newsmen after an interactive session with the Council of Government Recognised Traditional Rulers, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, Omereji assured that the election would hold according to the timetable, adding that so far, there was nothing to suggest otherwise.
“There is nothing like shifting of election. Some people are saying shifting, postponing. We are not postponing anything. We are still in order, according to the timetable”.
Commenting on dissident political parties, the RSIEC chairman said the commission has been talking with all political parties, adding that there has been mutual understanding.
“I have been talking to them. I have even told them that it is not RSIEC’s fault. It is INEC’s fault. That if they want to go to court, they should go to court, and sue INEC because it was INEC that delisted them, not RSIEC. RSIEC has no right to delist any party”, he argued.
He described the interactive session as a success, noting that the traditional rulers have assured the commission of support to make the election peaceful.
“It was a very wonderful interactive meeting with the royal fathers. They have assured us that they are going to talk with their community people so that there will be peaceful election”, he said.
Earlier in his opening address, Omereji had noted the key role which traditional rulers play in maintaining peace, order and security in various communities, and solicited their support in making the forthcoming local government polls peaceful.
“It is our strong conviction that you know how better to communicate with them, to persuade, to nudge, to influence them unto the right path.
“We want Rivers people to use the opportunity offered by the forthcoming elections to choose who their ward councillors should be; who should be their LGA chairman.
“They should elect credible and responsible people who can deliver to them the dividends of democracy. Leaders who will conceive, plan and execute meaningful projects to enhance the living standards of the people”.
In his reaction, the Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Dandeson Douglas-Jaja, expressed the readiness of the traditional rulers in the state to ensure that there would be peaceful election.
The royal father, who is also Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, charged the commission to give a level playing ground to all political parties and candidates contesting in the election.
“Though this is a local election, but it is expected that they show good example to other states by giving level playing ground to all parties and candidates”, he stated.
By: 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.
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