Politics
Implementation Of Naira Redesign Policy, Threat To Democracy – Wike
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Woke, has described the implementation of the new Naira design policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a threat to democracy, and frowned against the decision of the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to applaud the policy which has inflicted pains of the populace.
Governor Wike who spoke at the PDP campaign rally in Eleme LGA on Friday said the endorsement of the anti-people’s policy portrays the national leadership of the PDP as insensitive to the plight of the people.
According to Gov Wike, the PDP as an opposition party seeking to wrest power from the ruling party ought to defend the interest of the people, and stated that the PDP in Rivers State will not support the CBN policy.
Governor Wike further disclosed that the PDP in Rivers State was committed to alleviating the plight of the people through its people’s oriented policies, and this has endeared the party to the heart of Rivers people.
The Rivers State governor, while speaking at the PDP campaign rally at Emilaghan , Abua Central, in Abua /Odual LGA on Wednesday, also commended the Supreme Court of Nigeria for stopping the CBN from banning the use of the old naira notes of N200, N500 and N1000 after February 10, 2023.
The governor said the decision of the Supreme Court to stop the implementation of the Naira redesign policy will avert the plot of some cabals to thwart the ongoing transition process and save the country’s democracy from derailing, and declared that the Rivers State government will join the three northern states in the suit that is already challenging what the CBN is doing.
“And let me commend my brother states like Kogi state, like Kaduna, like Zamfara state who took it upon themselves to go and challenge the Federal Government at the Supreme Court”, he said.
The Governor urged the people of Abua Odual to vote massively for the candidates of the PDP in the forthcoming general elections in order to attract development projects to the area.
Governor Wike was also, on Thursday, conferred with a chieftaincy title, Okokocho K’ Idomo by the Paramount Ruler of Idoma Kingdom, Agaba- ldu HRM Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John Och’ Idoma V.
The title which means the “ Unbreakable One” was conferred on Gov Wike at the Commissioning of a Palace built for the Idoma King by the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.
Governor Ortom and a former Governor of Benue State, Lawrence Onoja also bagged chieftaincy honours from the Idoma Kingdom.
Governor Wike, in his response, thanked the Idoma Monarch for the honour and commended the Benue State Governor for building a befitting palace for the King.
He described Gov Ortom as a patriotic Nigerian and ardent believer in equity, fairness and justice.
The PDP campaign rally earlier held at Asari Toru and Ogu Bolo LGAs, respectively on Monday and Tuesday with the Rivers State Governor canvassing support for the candidacy of Sir Siminialayi Fubara for Governor and other candidates of the PDP in Rivers State.
Addressing stakeholders and party supporters at the events, Governor Wike said the PDP government in Rivers State has performed exceedingly well in the transformation of all sectors of Rivers economy.
He pointed out that voting for Sir Fubara and other PDP candidates would consolidate the developmental strides of his administration which has earned Rivers State a pride of place among the comity of states.
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.