Politics
2023: Former Community Chief Urges Anambra Youths To Secure Future, Collect PVC
Former President General, Nkwelle-Ezunaka Community, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Chris Eluomunoh, has called on youths to secure their future through equipping themselves with their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).
Eluomunoh, also a member of the Igbo Apex Social-Cultural orgainsation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said this in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Awka.
He said that in 2019, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had a total of 84,004,084 registered voters, while only 28,614,190 turned out to vote, which made way for President Muhammadu Buhari to win with 15,191,847 votes.
The community chief said that Nigeria is a political establishment that has grown to a level to engage its youths in the political map of the country, and to also allow them measure up with their peer groups to garner enough inspiration to lead the country.
He said that more than 48 million Nigerian youths of voting age are yet to have a voter’s card, and “these future leaders should be encouraged to go and obtain their PVCs if the country desires a political growth”.
Eluomunoh said that Nigeria needed a political movement that would astronomically turn the political story of Nigeria around to enthrone a youthful leadership which would promote Nigeria’s economic and social development.
“It is time for youths to wake up and take political leadership positions with their voters cards to make a much better place than what it currently offers the citizens.
“We need to enjoy safety of lives and properties, educational prowess, social and economic emancipation, all these would be achieved with the voters card,” he said.
He said that government changes would be achieved through the power of votes, and advised the youths to get their PVCs in order to vote for transformational leadership.
According to Eluomunoh, youths need to come together to have a formidable structure that would not consider ethnic, religious and political afflictions or barriers, but to build up on the structures that would bind all together.
“The days of political domains playing with the future of Nigerian youths are numbered if the youths take their civic duties right, get their cards and come out to vote to secure their future.
‘It is time for the youths to shift from their abode in the social media to real life, especially now that their votes can count and provide for themselves needed opportunity to create a progressive world around them,” he said.
The community chief urged the youths not only to get their PVCs, but to ensure active participation during the general elections.
Eluomunoh reminded the people that INEC had promised to register every Nigerian willing to vote, which implied that a new Nigeria was possible.
“Nigerians, 2023 elections give us time to walk our talk, give life to your prayers and produce the president, governor, senators House members of our dream. We now have the power in our votes,” he 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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