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
In a statement on Saturday, the former Senate Leader stated that the allocation of nominees across states and geopolitical zones falls short of the constitutional requirement for fair representation in the composition of the Federal Government.
The ex-Senate Whip warned that allowing the list to pass could deepen ethnic suspicion at a time when the administration should be consolidating national unity.
He highlighted disparities in the spread of nominees, noting that while some states have three or four slots, others have none. He also cited the inclusion of Senator Adamu Garba Talba from Yobe, who reportedly died in July.
“The entire North-East states have seven nominees in the list. Further checks revealed that the South-West geo-political zone has 15 nominees, while North-West and South-East have 13 and 9, respectively.
“North-Central region has 10 nominees in the list of career and non-career ambassadorial nominee while South-South parades 12 nominees,” Senator Ndume said.
According to him, such imbalances could heighten tensions and undermine Section 14(3) of the Constitution.
“My sincere appeal to President Tinubu is to withdraw this list. At this critical juncture in his administration, he should avoid missteps that could undermine national unity and foster ethnic distrust.
“I know him to be a cosmopolitan leader who is at home with every segment and stakeholder in the country. He should withdraw that list and present a fresh set of nominees that will align with the spirit of the Constitution on the Federal Character Principle,” Senator Ndume added.
He accused the legislators of undermining the sanctity of the legislature and acting as instruments of destabilization.
“The members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have, by their actions since they assumed office, shown that they are political puppets and a clog in the wheels of democratic progress,” Comrade Ememobong stated, adding that “They will go down in history as enemies of democracy and those who made mockery of the legislature.”
“So the easiest way to describe their action is a defection from APC to APC,” he said.
Comrade Ememobong announced that the party would deploy constitutional provisions to reclaim its mandate from those who have “ignobly and surreptitiously” abandoned the platform on which they were elected.
“Consequently, the PDP will take legal steps to activate the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) to recover the mandate gained under the banner of our party which these people have now switched to another platform,” he said.
He urged party members in Rivers State to remain calm and steadfast.
“We urge all party members in Rivers State to remain faithful and resolute, as efforts are underway to rebuild the party along the path of inclusiveness, fairness and equity,” Comrade Ememobong assured.
As the news of the defection of 17 members of Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP )to the All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to make the rounds, a cross section of Rivers people who spoke to The Tide have expressed varying views regarding the development.
At Etche, a senior lecturer with the Rivers State University, who did not want his name in print, said even though defection was the right of politicians, peace and stability remained more fundamental than any action that could further challenge the fragile political situation in the state at the moment.
He also warned that the situation should not be used to witch-hunt any one, adding that the state had suffered enough and needed to be at peace.
In his reaction, Engr Polycarp Geoffrey said even though citizens and residents of the state had cause to be concerned about the decision of the lawmakers, there was nothing to worry about if it was done in good faith.
“I don’t think there is any big deal about it – defection is defection. But people are worried because of past events in the state. So, for me, I don’t see anything about it”, he said.
Engr Geoffrey also urged the Governor Siminalayi Fubara to also openly declare political affiliation in a bid to douse the political tension in the state and to provide clarity regarding his future political direction.
Another respondent, Mr Ebere Alex, alleged ulterior motive behind the law makers’ defection but urged both the law makers and the governor to work for the peace and development of the state.
However, speaking on the development, a chieftain of the PDP in the state, Hon Nname Ewor, told The Tide that said his party would reach out to the remaining lawmakers who have not defected.
He also denied an alleged internal squabble within the PDP, adding that there was no crisis in the party.
It would be recalled that 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Martin Amaewhule, during plenary last Friday, announced their migration from the PDP to the APC, citing internal party crisis.
Other members who also defected were the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Dumle Maol, representing Gokana Constituency; House Leader, Hon. Major Jack, representing Akulga Constituency 1 and Deputy Leader, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, representing Okrika Constituency; Hon. Solomon Wami, Port Harcourt Constituency 1 and Hon Granville Tekena Wellington representing Asari Toru Constituency 1; Hon. Ofiks Kagbang, representing Andoni Constituency; Hon. Peter Abbey representing Degema Constituency; Hon. Arnold Dennis representing Ogu/Bolo Constituency; Hon. Chimezie Nwankwor representing Etche Constituency 2 and Hon. Franklin Nwabochi representing Onelga Constituency 1.
The rest were, Hon. Azeru Opara, representing Port Harcourt Constituency 3; Hon. Smart Adoki representing Port Harcourt Constituency 2; Hon. Igwe Afforji ,Eleme Constituency and Hon. Lolo Opuende representing Akuku Toru Constituency 2.
By: John Bibor
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