Politics
Rivers Remains PDP Stronghold – Wike
As the campaign train of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) moves round the various Local Government Areas of the state, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has maintained that Rivers State remains a stronghold of the Party, and as such its candidates will win all the elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.
Speaking at Omoku in Ogba Egbema Local Government Area on Monday during the official flag-off of the PDP campaign in Rivers State, Governor Wike said the PDP Government in the state had kept faith with the social contract with the people of the state, having performed exceedingly well in the delivery of critical infrastructures in the state.
To consolidate on the achievements and gains of his administration, Governor Wike urged the people of ONELGA to vote for the Governorship candidate of the PDP, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and other candidates of the party in the state.
He urged the people to be cautious against the moves by the ‘enemies’ of the state whose only interest in contending for political power is to plunder the resources of the state.
Governor Wike recalled that the people of Ogba /Egbema /Ndoni, Abua/ Odual, Ahoada West and Ahoada East LGAs were abandoned to their fate by the ‘enemies’ of the state who showed no empathy at a dire moment when the people experienced a ravaging flooding and needed assistance most, noting that there was no justification for them to earn the people’s vote.
Governor Wike further declared that the unprecedented and unparalleled achievements of his administration in the state were glaring evidence and testimonials of good governance which will be sustained by his successor, adding that other political parties seeking elective positions in the state were unpopular and unserious, and as such have nothing to offer the people.
The PDP campaign train on Tuesday moved to Ikwerre LGA with an explosive turn out of party faithful and supporters.
Addressing the mammoth crowd at St Martin’s Anglican Church, Omagwa Town, the Rivers State Governor said the beauty of the forthcoming general elections is that the people will have the opportunity to participate actively in the electoral process with the confidence of having their votes secured against any form of manipulation and intimidation from security personnel.
Governor Wike said the PDP government in Rivers State had done well and urged the people to reciprocate the gesture by voting massively for all PDP candidates in the state. On the preferred Presidential Candidate for Rivers people to vote for, Governor Wike maintained that Rivers State has a significant political bearing which cannot be undermined or glossed over, and as such the state must take its pride of place in Nigeria’s political space.
He urged the people to be patient as he would not compromise on the interest of Rivers State.
The Emuoha campaign rally which held at Community Primary School field Rumuji, Odegwe Town, on Wednesday also witnessed a massive turn out.
Governor, Wike who described Emuoha LGA as one the major beneficiaries of his administration, used the opportunity to implore the people of the LGA to vote for the candidates of the PDP in the general elections.
At the Oyigbo rally on Friday, there was a high display of funfare among the teeming PDP supporters.
Speaking at the rally, Governor Wike urged the people of Oyigbo to vote for Siminalayi Fubara and other PDP candidates to attract more dividends of democracy to the area.
The PDP rally in Khana LGA on Saturday was also a huge success. Governor Wike said the huge turn out was an indication that the PDP leaders in the area were working in unity.
The Rivers State Governor who kicked against the desolution of the PDP executive in Ekiti State and the suspension of some PDP members by the Iyorchia Ayu led national executive of the party, described the action as illegal and has the potential of causing more damage to the party.
By: Taneh Beemene
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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