Politics
Wike, Symbol Of National Unity – El- Rufai
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has been described as a great Nigerian leader who believes in the unity and progress of the nation.
Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai made the remark while inaugurating the Eneka/Igbo Etche Road at Eneka in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, last Thursday.
El- Rufai commended Governor Wike and the people of Rivers State for voting a president of southern extraction, noting that the decision was in the interest of national unity and justice rather than political sentiments.
The Kaduna State governor pointed out that the decision of the Northern APC Governors that power should shift to the South after the eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari was not only in the interest of national unity but based on the onerous need to make Nigeria a prosperous and egalitarian society.
El-Rufai who commended Governor Wike over his development strides in Rivers State, urged him to work with other patriotic leaders in the country to work for the common good of Nigerians.
Governor Wike, still on Thursday, inaugurated the new library, archive and museum project constructed by the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council at its Secretariat in Port Harcourt.
Speaking during the inauguration, Governor Wike said the facility would preserve the cumulative cultural heritage, norms and values of Rivers people for posterity.
Describing Rivers State as rich in divers culture and historical precepts, Governor Wike lauded the vision of the Traditional Rulers Council under the leadership of the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Dauglas Jaja (Jeki V) for puting in place the monumental project that would serve as the custodian of customs, practices, artifacts, and indigenous values of Rivers people, noting that history will be kind to the Opobo monarch and his royal colleagues for their initiative.
On Wednesday, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State inaugurated the newly constructed Mgbuoba/Ozuoba/Ada George junction flyover.
In his remark, the Benue State Governor who described Governor Wike as a bridge builder and an epitome of good governance, said the litany of projects delivered by him in Rivers State has impacted positively on the lives of the people.
He rated Governor Wike as foremost among the 36 state governors in the delivery of critical infrastructure and commended the Rivers State Governor for his uncommon leadership vision.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, Governor Wike had in company of his Benue counterpart, among other dignitaries, inaugurated the newly reconstructed Government Secondary School, Kpor in Gokana Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, Governor Wike has, in commemoration of the 2023 Easter celebration urged christians to use the period of Easter to emulate Jesus Christ by making sacrifices that will advance the course of development.
In an Easter message, signed by the Governor’s Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, Governor Wike said that Easter exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ to save mankind, noting that as individuals, Christians must take into consideration the welfare of others.
He called on the people of Rivers State to re-dedicate themselves to the service of the state as they reflect on the ideals of Good Friday and Easter celebrations.
Governor Wike, who thanked Rivers people for their unflinching support, assured the people that he will continue to make sacrifices for the state and Nigeria as a whole, defend her interests and ensure that the people always enjoyed good governance.
By: Taneh Beemene
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made on genocide.
The Fellowship described the demand as unjustified and a threat to constitutional freedoms.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN insisted that Prof Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to express his views on matters of national concern, irrespective of the public office he occupies.
According to the PFN, the comments attributed to the INEC Chairman were made in his personal capacity and had no link whatsoever with his official responsibilities or electoral duties.
The Fellowship stressed that elections and electoral activities were not involved in the matter, arguing that there was no basis to connect the alleged comments to Prof Amupitan’s role as INEC Chairman.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a Nigerian, has the right to make comments on what he observes to be happening in the nation, regardless of his appointment or assignment,” the statement read.
The PFN said it condemned “in every ramification” the suggestion that the INEC Chairman should be removed from office on the basis of his personal views, warning against attempts to punish public officials for expressing opinions outside the scope of their official duties.
The Tide source reports that the Fellowship also cautioned against what it described as a growing tendency to interpret national issues through religious lenses, noting that such an approach only deepens divisions and undermines peaceful coexistence.
“We must resist the temptation of profiling or judging people based on their religious beliefs or positions. Prof. Amupitan has a right to bear his mind, and this should not be at the cost of his job,” the PFN added.
The PFN called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, understanding and mutual respect in national discourse, particularly on sensitive issues.
It emphasised that unity and peace must remain paramount in addressing national challenges.
The Fellowship reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice and mutual respect, urging that these values guide public engagement and responses to issues affecting the country.
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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