Politics
Ohanaze Ndigbo Endorses Diri In Bayelsa Poll
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, the Ohanaze Ndigbo, Bayelsa State Chapter, on Monday endorsed the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for a second term.
The Tide gathered this at a meeting convened by the group in Yenagoa, the State capital, in which the leadership of the group said though the group is apolitical, they have resolved to work with the incumbent administration of the state governor, Senator Diri, and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, due to their track record of achievements in the past three years in office.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after their meeting, the national financial Secretary of the Ohanaze Ndigbo Youth wing (Worldwide), Hon. Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, said the unity of Igbos in the state was paramount, noting that though there were leadership crises which has hitherto rocked the state Chapter of the group, the national Secretariat of the Ohanaze Ndigbo has waded in and has therefore accorded recognition to the Mr Ekwem Remitus-led chapter of the Ohanaze Ndigbo in the state upon fulfilling the mandatory requirements for registration.
“As a National Executive of the Ohanaze Ndigbo Youth wing (worldwide) and the South-South coordinator of the Ohanaze Ndigbo Youth wing, I told the leadership of the body here in the state that I’ll not work with any unregistered group or affiliate body of the Ohanaze Ndigbo until they’re registered with a proof.
“However, while the Mr Onuma Johnson’s led faction of the Ohanaze Ndigbo went about parading itself without registration even after being suspended, the other group led by Mr Ekwem Remitus was able to secure registration by the national Secretariat of the Ohanaze Ndigbo, and so I’ll like to work with them.
“I’ve been preaching peace, I took the matter to the State Deputy Governor, and he has been doing all within his powers to bring lasting peace and unity to the Ohanaze Ndigbo, Bayelsa State Chapter.
“Our unity as an ethnic group is important to us as a people. I’ve always called on all to work together for a peaceful and united Ohanaze Ndigbo in the State”, he said.
The Tide reports that at the endorsement meeting, Barr. Agama Vitus Okonkwo was also unveiled as the Chairman of 2023 Igbo day celebration in the state.
In his acceptance speech, Okonkwo promised to give the group a befitting Igbo day celebration, saying the event would be held on the 29th of September, 2023, in the state.
He advised Igbos to be wary of any body or group who comes under the guise of Igbo day celebration to collect levies or demand for money from any person of Igbo extraction in the state.
Meanwhile, the duo of the Chairman, Igbo Traders Association, Bayelsa State Chapter, who also doubles as the Chairman of Phone village, Yenagoa, Prince Williams Eze, and the Ohanaze Ndigbo Women Wing Coordinator, Gbarain Clan, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Mrs Chika Okonkwo, have restated their continued commitment to the unity and progress of the Igbo ethnic nationality in the state.
In their separate responses while fielding questions from newsmen during the meeting of the group, they thanked Hon. Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa and others for ensuring a peaceful resolution of the lingering crises in the state chapter of the Ohanaze Ndigbo.
They also called on the Mr Onuma Johnson’s faction of the group to toe the path of Peaceful coexistence.
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.
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