Politics
Diri Making Impact In Devt, Leadership – Ibori
Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, has given thumbs up to the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his impressive performance in office in the last four years.
Chief Ibori, who gave the commendation during his visit to Government House, Yenagoa, said Governor Diri had made significant impact in governance of the state and in leadership in the Niger Delta.
The former Delta Governor, who is fondly called ‘Odidigborigbo’ for his political sagacity, described his visit to Bayelsa as homecoming as he had been a friend of the state since the days of the former governor, late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
Describing Bayelsa as the heartbeat of the Niger Delta, Chief Ibori commended Governor Diri, not only for his developmental strides in the state, but also for his leadership qualities and for fostering peace and unity in the Niger Delta.
“I am glad to be home. I came here last in 2017 and coming in now, I am impressed with the level of development I saw. I thank you for all you are doing for our people and we pray that God continues to guide you.
“This is the heartland of Niger Delta and let me recognise the contribution of Bayelsa people to the well-being of the region and I know you are not relenting.
“I encourage you to continue to perform. You did very well and that is why you got a second term. We all score you very high.
“You know how to unite people. You have the maturity and temperament to know when politics starts and ends. God will continue to give you more success”, Chief Ibori said.
The ex-Delta state governor was, last Saturday, honoured with a chieftaincy title by the king of Ogboin Clan, His Royal Majesty Oweipa Jones-Ere, at his palace in Amassoma town.
In his remarks, Governor Diri hailed Chief Ibori for his contributions to the Niger Delta struggle.
He recalled how Chief Ibori was in the forefront of agitations for resource control by states of the region and expressed delight that he had continued to fight for the region’s interest.
The state chief executive noted that the former Delta governor left lasting legacies in his state and the region at large, stressing that true sons of the Niger Delta were proud to have him as leader.
He also stated that the injustices Chief Ibori fought against as governor still existed today and appealed to him to continue to join forces with other stakeholders in the region to right the wrongs.
The Bayelsa helmsman restated the need for Nigeria to practice true federalism based on equity, fairness and justice.
”We’re so happy to host you as we hold you in very high esteem. Your leadership is not only in Delta State but across our region. The bonding between you and Alamieyeseigha was second to none.
“Looking at your contribution to the Niger Delta struggle, which you are still doing, makes us happy. When we had issues with the former governor of Rivers State, you were the first to call us to settle. That is what an elder does.
“You were one of my strong external support during the election. I appreciate and thank you very much.
“You left your name in gold in Ijawland and Delta State as you are one person whose hands are open to everybody. We still need your knowledge. The struggle is still on. There is imbalance in our federal system”, Governor Diri said.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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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