Politics
Speakership: Abbas, Kalu Meet Sanwo-Olu For Support
The anointed candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Speakership of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has visited Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, to seek his support.
Abbas visited Sanwo-Olu in Lagos, on Saturday, in the company of Benjamin Kalu, the party’s choice for Deputy Speaker.
The decision of the APC to nominate Abbas and Kalu as candidates for the leadership of the green chamber for the forthcoming National Assembly has since sparked controversy within the party.
Speaking during the visit, Abbas said he and others anointed by the party needed the support of Sanwo-Olu to “reach out to all the contestants and governors”.
He added that the governor’s guidance would also be needed to “heal the wounds” created by the ongoing National Assembly leadership tussle.
“We are here for your prayer. Being one of the most loyal party governors, we believe your prayer and support will go a long way in actualising our goal,” the lawmaker said.
“We need your prayer to ensure that we will not only win come June 13 but that we will be able to stabilise the house and heal the wounds, particularly from various contestants in this race.
“We know you are a true Nigerian, you can reach out to all the contestants and governors and ensure we have unity of purpose in this particular project”, he added.
Also speaking, Kalu, who is also the spokesman of the House of Representatives, said their leadership would ensure equality while the demands of Nigerians would direct its decision-making.
“We are preaching the balancing of inequalities between members and gender and will ensure that.
“We are going to project institutional trust driven by credibility, competence and capacity so that people can see that the National Assembly is an institution they can rely on.
“The incoming Speaker had told me that the gavel shall go in the direction of Nigerians and not his emotions or sentiment”, he said.
Last Tuesday, Abbas also visited Bola Tinubu, president-elect, in Abuja.
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.