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Rivers PDP Campaign: Wike Rates Obio/Akpor, Khana, Akuku Toru Best In Mobilisation

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State on Saturday concluded its campaign rallies in a grand finale at Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The Obio/Akpor campaign rally, which held at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, was attended by a mammoth crowd of party supporters and other stakeholders who thronged the venue to register their solidarity with the party.
Impressed by the huge turn out, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, while addressing the crowd, described the Obio/Akpor outing as the ‘Mother of all rallies’.
In his assessment of the entire campaign across the 23 LGAs of the state, Governor Wike rated Obio /Akpor, Khana and Akuku Toru LGAs respectively as the best in organisation and mobilisation and applauded the PDP leaders in these LGAs for their tactfulness and great capacities for coordination.
Governor Wike urged the people of Obio/ Akpor to convert their huge voting strength to victory for all candidates of the PDP in the state.
On the forthcoming Presidential polls, Governor Wike urged Rivers people not to vote for those who arrogate exclusive political powers to themselves without considering other parts of the country.
He reiterated that Rivers State  would not trade its votes away without proper recompense and recognition in the scheme of things, noting that those who do not have Rivers State at heart should not expect votes from the state.
In similar vein, the Rivers State PDP last Friday held its campaign rally at Ngo, headquarters of Andoni LGA where Governor Wike used the opportunity to express his discontent over the implementation of currency swap policy by the President Muhammadu Buhari government, stating that the manner of implementation of the policy was insensitive to the plight of the masses.
He pointed out that the President’s decision to flout the orders of the Supreme Court was a threat to the rule of law and a constitutional democracy and therefore a prelude to anarchy.
The Rivers State Governor dissociated himself from the policy which he noted had caused Nigerians severe hardship.
In his campaign message, Governor  Wike said a new era of political freedom and liberty that will fast-track development had heralded in Andoni.  He urged the people to protect their political freedom from the shackles of bad leadership that previously denied them democratic dividends.
He described the completion of Andoni axis of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road which led to the successful driving to Ngo Town for the campaign as a major breakthrough for the people and urged the people to vote for Siminialayi Fubara and other candidates of the PDP in the area to attract more development projects to Andoni.
The PDP campaign train also landed at Tai LGA on Thursday with Gov Wike insisting that the PDP in Rivers State would refuse to be distracted by opposition forces but galvanize its support base to coast home to victory for all its candidates.
The Governor charged the people of Tai to remain supportive of the PDP by voting massively for Sir Siminalayi Fubara and other candidates of the party in the state to consolidate on the development gains already achieved by his administration.
AkukuToru and Ahoada LGAs also on Monday and Tuesday respectively, hosted the campaign rallies of the PDP, with Governor Wike charging the people to vote for Siminialayi Fubara and other candidates of the party for continuity and consolidation.
The Governor on Wednesday played host to Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his entourage who were on a courtesy call in Government House, Port Harcourt, shortly after the presidential campaign rally of the APC in the state capital.
Addressing the APC Presidential Candidate, Governor Wike expressed concern over the unfolding events in the country which he noted were not palatable to the country’s democratic transition.  He called on the APC presidential candidate to prevail on his party to exercise restraint and caution in their policies in order not to derail the present transition process.

 

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Oji Clears Air On Appointment Of 15 Special Advisers By Fubara

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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

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Rivers Political Crisis: PANDEF Urges Restraint, Mutual Forbearance

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The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for restraint and mutual forbearance over the recent political development in Rivers State.
The Forum has also set up a high level Reconciliation Committee chaired by a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).
This is contained in a press statement released in Abuja on Saturday.
The statement was jointly signed by PANDEF’s Board of Trustees Co-Chairmen, Chief Alfred Diete-Spiff, and Obong Victor Attah (a former governor of Akwa Ibom State), as well as PANDEF’s National Chairman, Chief Godknows Igali.

 

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.

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Wike’s LGAs Tour Violates Electoral Laws — Sara-Igbe

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A prominent Ijaw leader and former spokesperson of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, of violating Nigeria’s electoral laws through what he described as premature and unlawful political mobilisation across local government areas in Rivers 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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