Politics
PDP Leaders Hail Ariolu’s Performance On Infrastructure, Human Capacity Dev
The leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area has passed a vote of confidence on the administration of Barrister George Ariolu’s owing to his sterling performance in his first one year in office.
Speaking at the council headquarters, Rumuodomaya, member representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, described Ariolu’s one year in office as laudable.
He said this when he led a delegation of PDP leaders from Obio/Akpor extraction on a courtesy call to the chairman at the council headquarters, Rumuodomaya, commending Ariolu’s efforts in promoting infrastructure development, human capacity upgrade and tackling touting in the area.
Ogundu, in his speech, commended the chairman for deploying his vast knowledge and experience in administration for the enhancement of quality programmes and policies which had impacted greatly on education and infrastructure.
He eulogised the council boss for his uprightness and steadfastness towards achieving a better Obio/Akpor, commending him for his prudence in management of scarce resources to develop key sectors in the area.
According to him, Ariolu’s one year in office was a clear indication to the good people of Obio/Akpor that he came prepared with a blueprint to develop, reconstruct and transform the area.
Other leaders, who spoke at the sideline of the council headquarters’ inspection,last Wednesday, affirmed the huge impact that Ariolu’s administration has had in the area of security, stating that the local government area was now a safe haven for citizens to live and carry out their businesses.
The leaders stated that Ariolu’s scorecards in his first one year in office have demonstrated his desire to reposition and re-engineer Obio/Akpor to an enviable height to the envy of others, noting that his actions and performance has proved naysayers and agents of destabilisation in the area wrong with his landmark achievements in human capacity development throughout the nooks and crannies of the area.
The Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu, who conducted the leaders round some projects being undertaken by his administration, expressed delight with the visit which he noted is in the interest of the people and will spur his administration to carry out more people-oriented projects.
He used the opportunity to appreciate Rivers State Governor, Chief NyesomWike, for entrusting such a tasking job on him and recognising his administrative capabilities, which is being put to good use for the benefit of the people, acknowledging the roles of the governor in ensuring that he emerged as chairman of Obio/Akpor.
Ariolu equally used the opportunity to appreciate the leaders for the trust and confidence reposed on him during the electioneering period.
He described his achievements as superlative while affirming support of his administration to Wike’s leadership which has transformed the state and placed it in the comity of states in Nigeria.
The leaders, who spoke included, Majority Leader, Rivers State House of Assembly, representing Obio/Akpor State Constituency 1, HonMartin ChikeAmaewhule; member, Rivers State House of Assembly representing Obio/Akpor State Constituency II, Hon Michael Chinda; and Deputy Chairman, Rivers State PDP,Chukwuemeka Aaron.
Others includeformer Special Adviser to Rivers State Governor on Lands, Dr.AnugbumOnuoha; Chairman, PDP, Obio/Akpor Chapter, Hon. ChidiAmadi; PDP Leader, ObioAkpor Constituency 1, Elder Peter Chinwo; PDP Leader,Obio/Akpor Constituency II, Elder Lawrence Amadioha.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
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.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.