Politics
Uzodinma, Okorocha Trade Blames Over Killings
Former Imo State Governor and the Senator representing Imo WestSenatorial District, Rochas Okorocha, has said thousands of Imo youths have lost their lives under Governor Hope Uzodinma’s government.
Okorocha said this through his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemeodo, in Owerri, in reply to Uzodinma who said that Okorocha ordered the killing of an 11-year-old boy during the demolition of Ekeukwu market in the state.
Okorocha said Uzodinma’s statement was one of the ways he wanted to justify the killings of youths in the state.
According to Senator Okorocha, “We have read the press release, from Governor Hope Uzodinma, through his Information Commissioner, Mbadiwe Emelumba, talking about an 11-year-oldboy, Somtochukwu.
“ln the release, Governor Uzodinma said that Okorocha ordered the killing of the 11-year -old boy during the relocation of Ekeukwu Market in Owerri. They failed to tell their audience what was the co-relation between the relocation of the Ekeukwu market and the death of the young lad.
“Using the death of the innocent 11-year-old to justify the carnage or massacre in lmo, under Governor. Uzodinma only shows the pitiable state the government in lmo has degenerated.’’
“Okorocha did not go after those strongly opposed to his government for the 8 years he was governor. He didn’t go after the police icons behind the resistance to the relocation of the Ekeukwu market. Then, he should not have bosom against an innocent boy. A very tender and innocent boy.11- year old boy.
“The operators of the camp hope government in lmo have become very insensitive. Otherwise, they would not have imagined using the boy to justify their wickedness to the people of lmo State.
“The government in lmo is just a counterfeit of what a state government should be. They have been trying to explain away or justify the mindless killing of lmo people under their government. Thousands of more people have lost their lives under the gov camp hope of Uzodinma, including vibrant and potential youths, men, women and traditional rulers. In their thousands.”
“There is nothing lmo State and her people have not seen since Chief Uzodinma became governor. They have only been hearing stories of killings, arson, kidnapping, invasion, rituals. What they never witnessed when the righteous ones were in power or on the throne.
“The government of Governor Uzodinma is not bothered that since 1976, when lmo was created, this is the only time lmo people would be slaughtered in their thousands like chickens. And the governor and his government are not bothered about the ugly development,” Okorocha said.
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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