Politics
Ekiti: CSOs Task APC, PDP On Good Conduct
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations, Ekiti Democratic Movement, has advised political gladiators in the state to desist from any act that could truncate the democratic process.
The Convener, Akinola Busuyi, told newsmen in Ado-Ekiti that the call became necessary due to the violence that followed the conduct of the All Progressives Congress and People’s Democratic Party governorship primaries.
Busuyi said that aside from the violence that characterised the governorship primary of the PDP on Wednesday, the APC governorship primary of Thursday also failed to comply with the democratic norms.
“It has been reported that certain people had bought over the Governorship Primary Electoral Committee led by Gov. Abubakar Baderu of Jigawa and also used top government functionaries to hijack the exercise,” he said.
The Secretary to the Committee, Victor Olabimtan, however, described the allegations as not only untrue but a figment of the imagination of the group.
Busuyi also said some aggrieved APC governorship aspirants alleged that top government functionaries and appointees were used as returning officers for the election in the 16 local government areas and 177 wards across the state.
He decried the ways and manners the process was characterised with politics of bitterness and acrimony.
He said, “We condemn the violence, brigandage, unlawful abduction of perceived opponents and undue harassment of innocent party members.
“Heating up of the political atmosphere in the desperation to get the governorship ticket of the party by the gladiators is condemnable.
“We make bold to say that these activities are critically threatening the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria, to the extent that the gains of the nation’s democracy may be eroded, if proper care is not taken.”
Busuyi, therefore, called on the leadership of both APC and PDP to ensure that the electoral process was peaceful, transparent, fair and devoid of manipulation.
He urged the major parties to prevail on their supporters to shun any act of violence before, during and after the election in the state.
The convener, however, commended the APC National leadership for the adoption of a direct mode of primary for the governorship primary in Ekiti.
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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