Politics
Ahead Guber Polls: APC Boasts Of Victory In Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has vowed that his party will claim victory in the forthcoming off-season gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states.
The APC chair made this known while commissioning newly constructed road projects in the Sokoto metropolis, while also inaugurating the distribution of relief materials to 2022 flood victims.
Ganduje expressed excitement over developmental strides recorded by Governor Ahmad Aliyu within the span of 100 days’ stewardship.
He congratulated Sokoto citizens for electing Aliyu, saying, “he has demonstrated capacity to transform the state to better.
“With the developments he recorded within 100 days in office, the next four years will surely be fruitful.”
The party leader said that with the recent victory of President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, Nigerians should expect more developments and they have an assurance that their votes had been genuinely counted.
Ganduje, who was the former Governor of Kano State urged Nigerians to be steadfast in prayers for the president to overcome all challenges to transform the nation to more greatness.
He enjoined the opposition parties to accept destiny and consider the court’s verdict as a victory for democracy in recognition that all legs of the petitions were perused and decided by the reputable Judges.
Ganduje urged State Governors, especially APC members, to emulate Aliyu on his determination and courage to execute viable projects for the benefit of the citizens.
He further commended Federal and Sokoto State Governments for the distribution of relief materials to 15,668 victims of 2022 floods and vulnerable persons in the state, which he described as succour to them.
The APC national chairman also urged the beneficiaries to ensure the judicious use of the items aimed at cushioning the hardship they faced as a result of the disaster.
Ganduje said that the party was fully prepared for victory in the forthcoming off-season governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo States and other future elections.
He urged party loyalists to remain committed as well as shun all activities that might cause disunity among its members nationwide.
Meanwhile, Ganduje has met with APC state executives at the party’s secretariat in Sokoto where he stressed the need for unity and support to Aliyu and others for maximum successes to be recorded.
In his address, Aliyu extolled the leadership of Ganduje for uniting the APC in all strata and reassured his support to Tinubu and the party”s leadership.
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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