Politics
Wike Hosts More Nigerian Political Leaders
For several weeks now, there has been a steady stream of Nigeria’s top political leaders paying consultative visits to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, in Port Harcourt.
The most recent was the visit to his country home in Rumueprikom, ObioApor Local Government Area, on Saturday by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Bachir Lawal, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Yakubu Dogara.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the closed door meeting, Rt. Hon. Dogara said the visit was in the quest for building an all inclusive Nigeria.
He described Governor Wike as an indispensable political leader who has contributed immensely to the political development of the country and whose input to national development can not be ignored.
On his part, the former SGF, BachirLawal said they were in Rivers State on a brotherly visit to Governor Wike, adding that such rapport was needed to foster national cohesion and integration.
It could be recalled that the Rivers State Governor had previously played host to prominent Nigerians such as the former governor of Zamfara State, AbdulazizYari, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Kastina State, Sen Yakubu Danmark Lado, the governorship candidate of PDP in Kano State, Mohammed Abacha.
Others include the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Ekiti and Ondo States counterparts, Kayode Fayemi and Rotimi Akeredolu, etc.
Meanwhile, Governor Wike has faulted the comments of the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, while appearing on Arise TV interview programme, recently.
The Rivers State Chief Executive also condemned what he described as the “unguarded” utterances of some associates of the PDP presidential candidate and some favour seeker against his person, stating that he would not tolerate such disparagement of his personality.
Speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Friday, shortly after his return from Spain, Governor Wike pointed out that the PDP Presidential Candidate, AtitkuAbubakar and the National Chairman of the Party, Sen Iyorchia Ayu, had not reached out to him after the presidential primary election in which he keenly contested and emerged second position.
Rather, Governor Wike said Atiku’s men had resorted to casting aspersions on him but he had maintained a dignified silence, adding that he was not aware of any committee set up by Atiku or the PDP to reach out to him.
The Rivers State Governor who emphasized that he had not been a vacillating political character but a consistent, staunch party faithful and stakeholder, cautioned against the antics of “ favour seekers and scavengers” in the PDP, and disclosed that for the sake of posterity and to put the records straight, he would respond to the emerging issues appropriately after the next phase of commissioning of projects in the state.
Governor Wike also condemned a viral report alleging that the Rivers State Government has set up a Marriage Monitoring Task Force in the state, and made it mandatory for a prospective husband to have the sum of N5 million or property worth the amount.
A statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Kelvin Ebri said the Rivers State Government will not hesitate to take necessary legal action against the peddlers of the “ fake news”, if they do not desist from the morally reprehensible act.
By: Beemene Tanee
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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