Politics
Imolites Defy IPOB’s ‘Sit-At-Home’ As Gov Uzodinma Is Sworn In For Second Term
There was jubilation at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Monday as a massive crowd of supporters turned up to witness the inauguration of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s second term in office.
Governor Uzodinma, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, was returned winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the November 11, 2023 gubernatorial election in Imo State.
Bus loads of women and various support groups from rural communities in the 27 local government areas shunned the weekly “sit-at-home” order to witness the ceremony hours before it commenced.
Security operatives turned people away as the stadium was filled to capacity.
Petty traders selling snacks, cold drinks and handkerchiefs had a field day due to massive patronage from the crowd.
One of the traders, who identified himself as Uzochukwu, expressed surprise at the turnout, stating that he expected a less crowded ceremony on a Monday.
According to him, many people, especially from the villages, were afraid of travelling on Mondays because of the usual “sit at home” order.
Similarly, Maria Abiah, also a trader, said she had not expected people to show much support to the governor, judging from how he was received in his first term.
However, public transport operators who spoke to journalists said the jubilation was to be expected as the governor had performed reasonably well in his first term despite facing various challenges.
A bus driver, Julius Duruanyiam, commended the governor on the roads he had completed, especially in the state capital, noting that it had made their business easier.
Obinna Nwaoha, also a bus driver, added that the governor should do more during his second tenure to ease the life of the people.
A senior civil servant, Charles Ibeh, said Governor Uzodinma had done well for state civil service employees and commended him, especially for approving the promotion of staff, which had been delayed for years in some cases.
“Uzodinma understands what it means to uplift people, even if it is in a little way. We, as civil servants, are happy with his performance so far, and we expect even more,” Mr Ibeh said.
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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