Politics
VAT: Wike Harps On Speedy Justice Delivery
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has stated that the Judiciary remains the strongest and most dependable foundation of Nigeria’s democracy and must not be allowed to falter in the face of any evolving challenges.
Speaking at the public presentation of a book titled, “Contemporary Essays in Legal Practice”, in Port Harcourt, to mark the retirement of Justice Anwuri Chikere, a Rivers-born retired Justce of the Federal High Court, Governor Wike said the VAT dispute between Rivers State Government and the Federal Government pending before the Supreme Court was a litmus test for the nation’s Judiciary to exercise its statutory functions as the protector and guardian of the rule of law by expediting the speedy processes of hearing and delivery of justice in the matter.
Governor Wike who alerted on the constitutional implications of the VAT contention on Nigeria’s democracy, decried the tendency of armtwisting of judicial processes in the country through the intimidation of judges by the National Judicial Council (NJC), a supposed flawless judicial arbitre on the dictates and vested concerns of powerful individuals and parties in the outcome of a litigation.
He urged judges not to yield to such intimidations but remain firm in the discharge of their duties, adding that the NJC should protect its integrity by refusing to be used as amenable tool to intimidate judges in matters of judicial complaints and discipline, thus undermining the system of justice delivery in the country.
Governor Wike pointed out that any attempt to subvert the Judiciary was a deliberate onslaught on democracy and as such signals the loss of hope of justice for the citizens.
The Rivers State Governor, who earlier attended a valedictory court session held at Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, in honour of the celebrant, Justice Anwuri Chikere (rtd), commended her for her courage and independent mindedness during her, years in service.
Meanwhile, Governor Wike has reiterated the commitment of his administration towards the fight against illegal oil refining which he likened to the war against terrorism.
Addressing the Chief of Defence Staff (CODS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, who was on courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday, Governor Wike said his administration owed it as a duty to ensure that illegal oil refining which posed serious health threats to Rivers people and destroyed the nation’s economy was stopped.
He urged the CODS to direct the security operatives to join in the war against illegal oil refining and assured that necessary logistic supports would be given to security agencies to fight against the illicit act,
He added that all security personnel found to be involved in the act should be prosecuted.
On his part, the CODS, Gen. Irabor, said the visit to Port Harcourt was part of the tour of military formations in the Niger Delta to assess security strategies and to motivate officers for greater efficiency.
He commended the Rivers State Governor for his bold efforts in the fight against illegal oil refining, describing the oil theft as a major threat to the nation’s oil and gas industry.
Also within the week, the Rivers State Government gave approval for the state to assess its share of the Healthcare Support Credit Fund established by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The approval was given at the state executive council meeting, presided over by Governor Wike at the Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Rivers State Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, said the fund was introduced by the CBN to cushion the effects of the Corona virus on the health of the people.
He explained that out of the N2.5billion fund, N2billion would be channelled into healthcare infrastructural development while N500million would be a revolving credit for medical consumables.
By: Beemene Taneh
The Tide source reports that the committee, reportedly backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, is making moves to reclaim the Wadata Plaza headquarters months after it was sealed following a violent clash between rival factions of the party.
Senior officers at the FCT Police Command told our source that while they had not received an official briefing, police personnel would be stationed at the secretariat and other key locations to maintain peace.
The Acting National Secretary of the Mohammed-led committee, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, announced last week that the secretariat would reopen for official activities on Monday (today).
He dismissed claims that ongoing litigation would prevent the reopening, saying, “There are no legal barriers preventing the caretaker committee from resuming work at the party’s headquarters.”
However, the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) has fiercely rejected the reopening move, insisting that Sen. Anyanwu and his group remain expelled from the PDP and have no authority to act on its behalf.
Speaking with The Tide source, the committee’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, declared: “They are living in fool’s paradise. The worst form of deceit is self-deceit, where the person knows he is deceiving himself yet continues with gusto.
“Even INEC, which they claim has recognised them, has denied them. They are indulging in a roller coaster of self-deceit.”
Mr Ememobong further revealed that letters had been sent to both the Inspector-General of Police and the FCT Commissioner of Police, stressing that the matter was still in court and warning against any attempt to “resort to self-help.”
“The case pending before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik was instituted by the expelled members. They cannot resort to self-help until judgment is delivered,” he said.
He warned that reopening the secretariat would amount to contempt of court.
A senior officer at the FCT Police Command, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that officers would be deployed to the area to avert a repeat of the November 19 violence that led to the secretariat’s initial closure.
“The command would not stand by and allow a breakdown of peace and order by the party or anyone else. Definitely, the police will have to be on the ground,” he said.
Another officer added, “There will definitely be men present at the secretariat, but I can’t say the number of police officers that would be deployed.”
When contacted, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, said she had not been briefed on the planned reopening and declined to comment on whether officers would be deployed.
Asked to confirm whether the secretariat was initially sealed by police, she responded, “Yes,” but refused to say more about the current deployment plans.
The Kano State House of Assembly has debunked the purported impeachment plan against the Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo.
The Tide source recalls that the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, recently sparked controversy during an interview session with a local radio station.
Mr Waiya called on the deputy governor to resign for failing to follow his principal, Gov. Abba Yusuf, in defecting from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the spokesperson to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Kamaluddeen Shawai, while addressing journalists in Kano on Saturday, described reports circulating in some media outlets about Mr Gwarzo’s impeachment as baseless and misleading, emphasising that no such plan is underway.
Mr Shawai further stated that the House remains focused on its legislative duties and oversight functions rather than engaging in speculative political manoeuvres.
The spokesperson urged members of the public and the media to verify information before sharing it, stressing the importance of accurate reporting in maintaining political stability in the state.
He said, “There is absolutely no motion or initiative within the House to remove the deputy governor.
“These reports are false and should be disregarded by the public. The deputy governor continues to serve in his capacity with full support from the House.
“Our priority is good governance and serving the people of Kano, not circulating rumours.”
She made the declaration during an interview with Nigerian football legend, Mr Segun Odegbami, during a live radio interview on Saturday.
Prof. Obasanjo, who is also former commissioner in the state, ruled out a return to the Senate, stating that her focus was firmly on the governorship race.
“So, moving ahead, I’m not going to be Commissioner. Like I said, I’m not even going back to the same party because I think that’s old and I don’t see the use of it. And I’m not going to go back to the Senate,” she said.
“Like the Americans would say, there’s no need. And this is what I told my associates, when this all started. I said, the only thing I’ll come back to do is the governorship.
“And we have started that journey. We are going to see it through. And so that’s the journey I’m on. And we are very serious about it. I mean we are very dedicated to it.”
The politician also confirmed that she recently joined the APC, explaining that her return to active politics followed persistent calls from supporters.
“Like I told you, a group of people who I did not bring together, have been working, I think, for two years now. And then they started talking to me about a year ago, saying, ‘Look, we think you are the best candidate. We want you back,’” she added.
Her declaration sets the stage for what may become a keenly contested governorship race in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections.
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