Politics
G-5 PDP Governors Epitomise Integrity, Patriotism, Justice – Ortom
The principles driving the group of five (G-5) governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been revealed to symbolise integrity, patriotism, equity, fairness and justice.
The Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom, made the disclosure during a cultural night dinner organised by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for his colleagues at the Government House, Enugu, over the weekend.
Other members of the G5 at the event were the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, while Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State was out of the country for an official engagement.
Thanking Governor Ugwuanyi for the warm reception he accorded them, Governor Ortom said that the G5 PDP Governors also known as Integrity Governors were passionate about the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria, stating that “we want things to work.”
The Benue State Governor stressed that “our passion is how can we make things work here in Nigeria by being disciplined,” adding: “It is not about ourselves; it is not about our ego; it is about what we would do to turn around things and ensure the rule of law, due process and integrity in what we do so that we will have other people visiting us; so that there will be security; so that our economy will be on the right path.”
Pointing out that proffering solutions to the present situation of Nigeria is beyond political affiliation, Governor Ortom harped on the need for all hands to join together to make the country work for the interest of the people.
“The challenge is that we can see that we are going beneath the bottom. But, by the Grace of God, we will all put our hands together.
It is not just President Buhari, it is not just about political parties, APC, PDP and all other ones, but it is how can we come together and cause things to work for our country, Nigeria.
“God has blessed us. We have everything that is needed to make Nigeria, not just the giant of Africa, but also the giant of the world if we are able to put ourselves together and work together for our common interest,” he said.
Gov. Ortom on behalf of the G-5 Governors, appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi and stakeholders of Enugu State present at the dinner including the Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, the PDP State Chairman, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, his running mate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, and the Director General, PDP State Campaign Organisation, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, for their hospitality and support and promised that the governors will reciprocate the gesture during the flag off of the PDP state campaign in Enugu.
“We are grateful once again. God bless you and may God continue to bless this union of G5,” he added.
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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