Politics
Rivers SDP Leader Dumps Party, Declares Support For Fubara
The Rivers South East Chairman of the Social Democratic Party ( SDP), Chief Mike Amakiri, and his teeming supporters have dumped the party and declared their support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking at an event organized by Ida Obolo Sim Vanguard in Port Harcourt, Chief Amakiri said his decision to support the Governor was in appreciation of his excellent performance within the few months in office.
He said it was incumbent on all ethnic nationalities in Rivers State to support Governor Siminialaye Fubara as the Ijaws had as well supported other Governors before him.
According to him, power comes from God and Rivers State cannot have two governors at the same time, adding that Governor Siminalayi Fubara deserves the support of all ethnic nationalities to enable him develop the State.
Chief Amakiri who was also the leader of SDP in Andoni Local Government Area emphasmed that the Ijaws in Rivers State had supported other Governors since 1999, stressing that it was time for other ethnic groups in the state to reciprocate by giving their full and unflinching support to the state governor.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Edison Ehie, has declared that Governor Fubara’s eight years tenure as Governor of Rivers State was already guaranteed in view of the monumental development projects going on across the state.
The Speaker who was represented by a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Evans Bipi, also said equity and justice demand that Sir Fubara completes his eight years as other governors before him had done
Rt Hon. Ehie who spoke while welcoming Chief Amakiri into the fold of the ‘Simplified’ family noted that power comes from God and there was nothing any body could do about it.
He said the time had come for Rivers people to speak up, adding that this was not the time for people to sit on the fence.
The Speaker urged the former SDP leader to show both in words and actions that he belongs to the Fubara political family by reaching out to those who are still sitting on the fence.
He commended him for being the first to declare public support for Governor Fubara and charged him to ensure that Andoni Local Government Area is ‘Simplified’.
Also speaking, the leader of Ida Obolo Sim Vanguard, Engr Kingston Silvanus said the occasion was an indication that men of value and influence were beginning to identify with Governor Fubara.
He also said with the defection of Chief Amakiri to the Sir Fubara political family, the Governor had no more opposition in Andoni Local Government Area.
Engr Silvanus who is a former Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area described Chief Amakiri as one of the greatest politicians in Andoni, adding that his defection was a big sign of relief to the Ida Obolo Sim Vanguard and the entire Sir Siminalaye Fubara political family in Rivers state.
“Men of value and great people of wisdom and influence are identifying with the Governor.
“Iam happy that Chief Amakiri has identified with the Governor and the people of Andoni are happy to see chief Amakiri and his teeming supporters identify with the Governor”, he said.
The Ida Obolo Sim Vanguard leader also said the organisation was happy over the victory of Sir Fubara and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP ) at the Court of Appeal.
Earlier, the Coordinator, Ida Obolo Sim Vanguard, Chief-elect Fred Uwuikor Usende, said Chief Amakiri had taken the right decision, stressing that he was entitled to all rights and privileges as far as Ida Obolo Sim Vanguard is concerned.
He urged Obolo sons and daughters to emulate Chief Amakiri by also coming out to support the Governor.
By: John Bibor
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.