Politics
PDP Ready For Victory In Osun, Says Jegede
Two term Ondo State candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede, has expressed confidence that the party will emerge victorious in the upcoming Osun State governorship election, following the truce brokered among party stakeholders in the state.
Jegede spoke while presenting an interim report of the reconciliation committee set up by the PDP National Working Committee to reconcile feuding party members in Lagos and Osun States.
He said, “We were there with members our colleagues who are here today because what we are submitting today is an interim report.
“We concentrated for now on Osun because of the election that is coming by the grace of God on the 16th of this month. And we’re quite hopeful with what we have seen because we were there.
“We interacted with contending factions that are there and we believe that working together will guarantee us victory.
“I can tell you that the people of Osun are waiting. And they are quite anxious about this. Expecting that come 16,17 of July will ursher in a new PDP administration in the state by the grace of God.
“What we’re able to do is to bring the parties together, and we’re able to bring them all around the roundtable. We spoke to all the stakeholders, we spoke to all the groups, we harmonise positions that will should, we’re able to at that point.”
“We are hopeful that the two parties have agreed that they were going to work together for the interest of the PDP, we were also able to extract commitments from all the sides, that the only way to achieve success is if we have a united front. “
Jegede urged the party leadership to ensure a proper follow up in order for the party to achieve the desired result.
In response, the acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagun, expressed gratitude to the panel while promising that the NWC would play its part in ensuring that the party comes out victorious.
He said, “On behalf of the NWC, I want to sincerely thankyou for a speedy response to our request”.
“The assignment was really one of the best we can say in terms of reconciliation. And less than six to seven weeks the assignment was given, and to be sincern, we have seen your handiwork.
“The moment you were inaugurated, you hit the road, it has yielded fruits greatly, and we are sure of victory.
“However, we want to enjoin you, even there was no election in Lagos, the part of your assignment is for Osun and Lagos.
“ I want you to take this opportunity, just like in Osun, to hit the ground in Lagos, because even Lagos too, you have ample time to go to Lagos and make sure what you did in Osun will repeat the same. This your report will go all long way, not only in Osun but also in other states.”
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.
-
News2 days agoNigeria Has Woken Up From Slumber Under Tinubu – Shettima
-
News2 days agoOji Clears Air On Appointment Of 15 Special Advisers By Fubara
-
Featured2 days agoRivers: Impeachment Moves Against Fubara, Deputy Hits Rock …As CJ Declines Setting Up Panel
-
News2 days ago
Nigeria To Begin Exporting Urea In 2028 -NMDPRA
-
City Crime2 days ago
Health Commissioner Extols Fubara’s Commitment To Community Healthcare Delivery
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Tinubu, Leading Nigeria To Sustainable Future – Okowa … Lauds Oborevwori Over Uromi Junction Flyover Construction
-
News2 days agoEFCC Indicts Banks, Fintechs In N162bn Scams
-
News2 days ago
Situation Room Decries Senate’s Delay On Electoral Act, Demands Immediate Action