Politics
Consider Hardship Under Buhari, Group Tells Tinubu Promoters
Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, COSEYL, has advised promoters of the presidential candidature of the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, to remember the current economic hardship Nigerians are passing through under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari promoted and sold to Nigeria by Tinubu.
COSEYL in a statement jointly signed by its President General, Hon. Goodluck Ibem and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru, argued that Tinubu’s administation would not be different from Buhari’s whom he had severally boasted of bringing to power.
The group further alleged that Tinubu’s age may not enable him effectively tackle the challenges of the office of the President.
The statement made available to The Tide source read in part: “We advise groups and persons promoting the presidential ambition of Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu to retrace their steps in the interest of Nigeria.
“On June 3, 2022:Tinubu while on a visit in Ogun State, openly boasted that he made Gen Muhammadu Buhari President in 2015 after several futile attempts.
“But, driven by his own personal political ambition, Tinubu persuaded Buhari to try again and then made him President in 2015 and brought the disaster the country is grappling with at the present.
“The implication of his statement is that the hardships Nigerians are facing today were brought upon us by none other than Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
“So Tinubu owes Nigerians a sincere apology for bringing a disastrous plague upon the nation. His presidential ambition has increased the fears of Nigeria’s suffering masses, especially the youth population.”
The group lamented that under the watch of the man packaged and promoted by Tinubu, Nigeria’s economy which was among the leading economies in Africa in 2015, had nosedived almost irredeemably.
“In 2015, a dollar was exchanged for N160 naira. A litre of fuel was sold for N65, a litre of kerosene was sold for N50, diesel was sold for N50 a kilogram of cooking gas was sold for N100 a kilo but today, a litre of kerosene is sold for N900, a litre of diesel for N1000, a kilo of cooking gas for N1000.
“Everything in the market used by Nigerians has increased by over 1000 per cent to what it used to be and the same person who brought this misery on Nigerians wants to be President?”
COSEYL vowed to mobilise Nigerian youths against the ambition of any presidential candidate that would be a continuation of the “current misery”.
“We the youths will not allow affliction the second time upon us. Never! We have made our mistakes in 2015 but we are wiser now.
“Youths cannot be deceived again with the usual monetary inducement; it is the time of the youth to take back our nation.
“We call on any organization, groups or persons promoting the presidential ambition of Senator Tinubu to come back to their senses and engage in meaningful endeavours instead of marketing a very bad product.”
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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