Politics
Wike’s Appointment Of 200,000 SAs Excites Stakeholders
The decision of the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to increase the number of Special Assistants on political units across the twenty three LGAs of Rivers State from 100,000 to 200,000 has been described by stakeholders and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state as an uncommon gesture, unparalleled in Nigeria’s political history.
The stakeholders said Governor Wike had through the rare decision blazed another trail in political leadership in the comity of Nigerian states by opening vistas of opportunities for grassroots participation in democratic governance.
Some of the Rivers stakeholders who spoke with newsmen at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, during the inauguration of the SAs from the three Sanatorial Districts in the state applauded Governor Wike for the appointments which they described as an inclusive political vision and strategic administrative policy that will bring governance close to the people and enhance the social, political and economic status of the beneficiaries.
Former Senator that represented the Rivers South East Senatorial District, Sen Adawari Pepple, described the appointments as a step in the right direction and a deliberate grassroots empowerment program which will enhance community participation in governance and also lead to the economic empowerment of the people. He added that the mass based policy will translate into landslide victory for the PDP in the 2023 general elections.
Member representing Khana / Gokana Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon Dumnamene Dekor commended Governor Wike for the appointments, stating that it portrays the Rivers State Governor as visionary leader with sound leadership acumen that has enthroned good governance in Rivers State by directly touching the lives of the people at the grassroots. He said Rivers people were happy with Governor Wike for carrying them along in his administration, and will remain grateful to him for his people-oriented policies, and for defending the interest of Rivers State at all times.
In his remarks, foremost Youth Leader and PDP stalwart, Comrade Marvin Yorbana lauded Governor Wike for the appointments which he described as a “whopping political opening for the people of the grassroots to play active roles in political leadership in addition to putting smiles on the faces of the litany of beneficiaries. He said Rivers people were highly appreciative of the Governor’s gesture and would show their gratitude by voting massively for candidates of the PDP in Rivers State come 2023.
Some of the LG Chairmen who spoke with newsmen at the venue of the inauguration thanked Governor Wike for the opportunity given to the grassroots people to serve in his administration and to contribute to the development of the state.
Chairman of Emohua LGA, Hon Chidi Loyd said by this singular decision, Governor Wike had brought governance to the grassroots by making the people to be at the core of political leadership. The Emohua council chairman urged the SAs to see the appointments as an opportunity to serve the state and ensure that they live up to the demands of their positions as clearly stated by the Governor.
On his part, Chairman of Khana LGA, Dr Bariere Thomas, said apart from the giant strides of Governor Wike in infrastructural development, he had also expanded the scope of human capital development through the appointments. He said the people of Khana in particular and Rivers State in general would remain grateful to Governor Wike for his developmental strides in the state, and urged the appointees who are closest government officials to the people to deliver on their mandates.
It could be recalled that Governor Wike had specifically mandated the appointed SAs, who are abreast of the happenings and needs of the various communities in the state to interface with the people and bring effective feedbacks on measures of promoting good governance to the office of the Governor through the Constituency Liaison Officers who are to oversee the Wards and the units.
Apart from the economic impact of the opportunities, Governor Wike said the appointments have added to the credentials and dossiers of the beneficiaries as official aides of the Governor, and urged them to use it judiciously.
Recall that Governor Wike, had earlier within the week, Inaugurated Constituency Liaison officers across the three Senatorial Zones in the State at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, with a charge to get feedbacks from the SAs on Political Units Affairs and relate to the Government.
One of the Liaison officers from Khana LGA, Dr Mbube Nwiakori who spoke with newsmen shortly after the inauguration thanked the Gov Wike for giving them the opportunity to serve and assured that they would deliver on their mandates.
By: Taneh Beemene
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.
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