Politics
A’Ibom Is PDP, Gov Tells Political Dissidents
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has told political dissidents to leave Akwa Ibom people alone as the state is Peoples Democratic Party and nothing less.
He said the politics of 2023 would not divide the state even as he urged the people not to allow partisan politics to destroy the progress the state had made so far.
The Governor stated this on Friday at the Nest of Champions Stadium in Uyo, during the inauguration of the Maintain Peace Movement (MPM) and its National Executive Committee.
The governor who noted that peace in the state was responsible for the development it had witnessed, urged Akwa Ibom people not to accept any political party whose aim was to destroy the achievements the state had recorded, saying the state belongs to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
He said the peace in the state should be replicated in all the states in Nigeria.
”What message are we giving to the outside world, leave us alone. Politics cannot divide us. I stand in the gap for Akwa Ibom SAtate and declare peace on all parts of the State. I declare peace in all LGAs of Akwa Ibom State. This message started here in Akwa Ibom is needed in all the 36 states of Nigeria. This message must go round that we need peace, we need brotherhood. This symbolises the hallmark of our movement.
“Without peace, there is no development, without peace, there is no progress, without peace, nothing can be done. The absence of progress is the absence of peace. What are we saying to the world? Leave us alone.
“Politics will never divide us, political parties will never divide us. If we, citizens of the state agree that there will be peace, there must be peace. For any place to have peace, one party must decide to play a fool and that is you. We are saying no to armed robbery, conflict, inter-religious wars.
“Even the politics of 2023, the politics of partisan war will not divide us. This is a socio-political movement. Peace must be sustained and multiplied so that we can move forward.
“Akwa Ibom is PDP and PDP is Akwa Ibom. The only political party that can ensure peace in Akwa Ibom is PDP. As we go into 2022, politics will gather momentum. Any party which would not preach peace to you, don’t open your doors to them.”
While declaring the occasion open, the Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, said the gathering was without discrimination, as everybody present was bonafide members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Ekpo said the peace enjoyed in the state was as a result of Governor Udom Emmanuel who had properly laid the foundation for peace, saying whoever God has destined to lead the state after him would be peaceful.
He said the peace movement was open for all to join, noting that the progress the state had made under the leadership of the state superintended by the Governor was not in doubt.
He said the person who would take over the State in 2023 must pursue peace, fairness, equity and justice, adding that people were able to gather for the inauguration of the MPM because people of the state were mindful of the need to put the state together.
Speaking on behalf of the inaugurated committee, National Chairman of MPM and immediate past National Legal Adviser of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Emmanuel Enoidem, said the committee had in the past three months already gone round preaching the message of peace in the state.
Enoidem explained that the people were prepared to stand with the Governor in his succession plan, as they were in support of him, saying the tradition in which the Governor picks his successor will be upheld.
He promised that members of the committee at the state, local government and ward levels were committed to the success of the PDP in the 2023 general elections.
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.
-
News2 days ago2026 Budget: FG Allocates N12.78bn For Census, NPC Vehicles
-
Featured5 days agoTinubu Hails NGX N100trn Milestones, Urges Nigerians To Invest Locally
-
Politics2 days agoWike’s LGAs Tour Violates Electoral Laws — Sara-Igbe
-
Sports2 days agoAFCON: Osimhen, Lookman Threaten Algeria’s Record
-
Politics2 days agoRivers Political Crisis: PANDEF Urges Restraint, Mutual Forbearance
-
Maritime2 days agoMARITIME JOURNALISTS TO HONOUR EX-NIWA MD,OYEBAMIJI OVER MEDIA SUPPORT
-
Sports2 days agoPalace ready To Sell Guehi For Right Price
-
Sports2 days agoArsenal must win trophies to leave legacy – Arteta