Electoral Act: Buhari Was Protective Of His Aides – Wike

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, during a press briefing, last Friday, reacted to President Mohammadu Buhari’s assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill with the observation that the President’s call for the amendment of Section 84 (12) of the act was intended to protect serving members of his administration with political ambitions.
Governor Wike said the President knew that the resignation of such political appointees before contesting for any position would neutralise their plots to influence decisions of selection of candidates at party congresses and  primaries in their favour, and not to disenfranchise them as stipulated by the President.
The Rivers State Governor who faulted the President’s call for the amendment of Section 84(12)  of the Electoral Act, said those who felt unprotected by the Act should challenge it in court and not to hide under executive coverage to vent their fears and frustration.
He pointed out that the Electoral Act would  enhance a level playing ground in the electoral process, particularly by reducing the involvement of security agencies in hijacking ballot boxes as well as facilitating the electronic transmission of result by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Governor Wike who also attended a special  reception organised in honour of the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, by the Imo State chapter of the party, in Owerri, last Wednesday, took a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the inability of the partys to conduct its national convention.
Governor Wike said the failure of the APC to conduct its national convention was a sign of ineptitude which showed that the party was not qualified to rule Nigeria and should be voted out.
He urged members of the PDP in Imo State not to be intimidated by the APC, but it should remain firm and resolute to vote out APC which had failed in States and in the country at large.
Governor Wike also attended the formal opening of the February meeting of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Standing Committee of the Mother’s Union Executive at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Rumuobiakani in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Addressing the congregation, Governor Wike said the Church should play active role in the political process by mobilising its members to enthrone good governance in the country.
He noted that the indifference of the church in political participation had led to the emergence of bad leadership in the country.

By: Beemene Taneh