Politics
Silence Over Rivers Bomb Blast, Stain On Tinubu’s Gov’t – APP
The Action Peoples Party (APP) has said that the alleged silence of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Department of State Services (DSS), over the deadly bomb blast by some protesters in Rivers State was becoming a stain on the image of the President Bola Tinubu-led government.
The opposition party said this while reacting to the detonation of an explosive device during a protest march in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, last Tuesday, by supporters of a gladiator in the Rivers political crisis, culminating in the death of one person and others seriously injured.
APP, at a press briefing by Comrade Achilike A, said the deafening silence of the security agencies, which are expected to take action against the masterminds and perpetrators of the violent incident, was casting aspersions on not just them alone but the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government for being insensitive to the security of lives and property of people of the State.
It said though Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the Chief Security Officer of the State, he lacks powers to control the relevant security agencies as only President Tinubu, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, can direct the heads of the agencies to bring those behind the dastardly act to book.
“We as an opposition party are worried about the continued silence of the NSA, IGP, CP and DSS since Tuesday when protesters believed to be supporters of the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, allegedly detonated an explosive device in Rivers State, killing one person and injuring several others.
“Ordinarily, we would have kept quiet in order not to meddle into the affairs of what looks like clash of interest of the main opposition PDP and its siamese twin, the APC. But as one of the vibrant opposition in the country, we are living up to our responsibility of holding the government and the two bigger political parties to account”.
“Therefore, we make bold to say that the prolonged silence of these security agencies, apart from emboldening the supposed Wike supporters to further foment trouble in Rivers, their action or rather inaction is a dent on the image of the Tinubu government because it shows careless attitude to security and welfare of the people of Nigeria from any state of the federation.
“We therefore call on President Tinubu to rise up to the letters and spirit of the oath he took to uphold the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which made security and welfare of the people the primary responsibility of government.
“The earlier the President orders his appointed heads of security agencies to secure the people of Rivers state and bring the masterminders and perpetrators of the ugly incidence in Rivers, the better for his image and perception as the leader who can protect their lives and spirit,” the APP stated.
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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