Politics
2023: Only Politicians With Good Intentions Will Win – Cleric
The Catholic Bishop of Ogoja Diocese in Cross River State, His Grace, Most Revd Donatus Akpan has asserted that only politicians with good intentions for Nigerians will emerge victorious at next year’s general elections.
Bishop Akpan stated this in his homely during the dedication of the Building of St Daniel’s Parish Nsofang, built and donated by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governorship Candidate, Senator Sandy Onor.
The Cleric asserted that God will harken to the prayers of Nigerians by enthronning his preferred choices across the country in order to terminate the reign of sufferings and wanton killings bedeviling the country.
He said : “If you are aspiring for a political office with the mind to do good, the God of goodness and mercy will see you through, given your genuine political aspiration. Power comes from God only”
The cleric who took his text from 2 Chronicle 7:16-22 expressed delight at the gesture noting that “God has accepted the sacrificial offering and will act accordingly”
“Having dedicated this tabernacle according to the norms and rites of the Catholic Church, the ever abiding presence of God is here ,therefore , do yourself good by coming here to pray always to God in appreciation of His goodness and place a demand for divine intervention in any issue troubling you”
Similarly, Rt Revd. Joseph Effiom Ekuwem, the Arch Bishop of Calabar thanked Senator Onor for listening to the prompting of God’s spirit to build a house for Him.
Arch Bishop Ekuwem who spoke through Charles Erin said, “like Solomon, you listened to God and built a house for Him.
“My prayer is that the light of God will shine night and day, also listen to the petition of his people here and answer them”, he said.
In a brief history of the parish as compiled by Terence Ndifon Okey, the church secretary, he said Catholicism entered southern Etung (the area covered by St. Daniel’s parish) in the 1930’s.
He thanked the PDP governorship candidate for helping ensure that the project came into fruition stressing that he has Catholic blood in him and keeping his words as regards the project.
“Senator Sandy has a Catholic blood and is of the lineage of late Pa Daniel Okey Ori. (1914) of Nchofang who was one of the pioneer Catholics of Nsofang area.
“Sandy is a man who has seen his position as his “ministry to serve God and humanity in his own way.
“What he says he will do in the house of God, he does to completion and this is evident in this church building”, he said.
On his part, Senator Sandy Onor thanked God for giving him the ability to help in seeing the project through.
He said the project is a product of a covenant he made with God years ago and thanked God for the love and protection he has showered on his family.
“We are happy as a family and then the Nchofang people are also very happy and I am sure our friends are also happy with us.
“I won’t let this opportunity slip without using it to thank God for His many blessings upon us”, he said.
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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