Politics
Goodboy Sokari, A Principled People’s Representative
Clearly, the state of affairs in our country is such that it has become compelling to salute the few compatriots who stretch out their necks for the guillotine in their quest to serve the common good.
It is evident that, in order to make impact in the Nigerian political turf, one must be made of a sterner stuff mentally, emotionally, morally, intellectually, physically, ideologically and every other relevant material credentials. This is why a great many decent men and women have steered clear of the “rumbling in the jungle”, not being certain of their calling and conviction for genuine leadership.
It is against premise that one cannot but recognize and identify Hon. Goodboy Sokari Goodboy as one of the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy today, and particularly in Rivers State, alongside Rt Hon. Edison Ogaranya Ehie (DSSRS), Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, and other members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who are standing for the emancipation of the less privileged in society against politics of goodfatherism.
Hon. Goodboy is presently the House Leader who has demonstrated steadfastness along with his colleagues in the Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Rivers State House of Assembly, writing their names in gold in the political sands of time by the way they have stood for truth, and against falsehood, deceit and dishonesty in the highest echelon of management of state affairs.
Certainly, when bookmakers re-write our history, his contributions will be included. He has represented his constituency, Ahoada West Local Government Area, very well and the people are happy.
Hon. Goodboy Sokari Goodboy had meritoriously served as the President of Abua/Odual, Engenni and Ogbogolo special area of the highly respected Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide. He is a proud son of Ijaw from Engenni extraction who has vowed to make Ijaw proud in any field of human endeavour he is called upon to serve humanity.
Hon. Goodboy Sokari believes that now that the nation is paying attention to the advocacy that governance be entrusted on the youth to protect and preserve, it behoves on youths like him in positions of authority to uphold that trust for posterity. This singular line of belief is the driving force for his firm and unflinching support for our indefatigable governor, Sir Siminialayi Joseph Fubara (GSSRS) and his Chief of Staff, Rt Hon. Edison Ehie.
He maintains that his constituents are stoutly behind the governor because of his people centered policies, programmes and projects aimed at changing the ugly developmental narrative of the people since his Inauguration as the Chief Executive Officer of the state.
Hon. Goodboy Sokari Goodboy, without doubt, is of the school of thought that His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has started well. He has, as expected, shown that he knows the collective yearning and aspirations of the people and his constituents are proud they gave the governor their mandate.
Hon. Goodboy Sokari is a man to be relied upon; he knows that laws are meant to protect and better lot of the general public, not to satisfy individual needs.The truth is that Ahoada West Local Government Area and all patriotic citizens of Rivers State are happy with the bold step the lawmaker has taken to stand for the undiluted truth in line with the oath of office he took at his inauguration, not minding whose ox is gored.
Hon Goodboy, the Rivers State needs you around; your constituency desperately needs your wisdom, your raw courage, your inextinguishable energy and zeal to fight the good fight of Democracy and justice.
To say the least, the youth and your teeming supporters in the Ijaw nation, as well as established and up coming politicians, are proud of you whenever they remember that, in their feeble state, they see a political pillar in you to lean on.
Hon. Goodboy Sokari, and your fellow lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly, it’s an understatement to say that people of the State are grateful to you for standing tall behind our governor in the time of trouble till now. Your firm position on the struggle to emancipate our state from economic hostage and mental slavery by imperial powers of darkness, definitely stand you out as crusaders who are not afraid confront evil behaviours of some of our leaders.
You and your eminent colleagues are being variously described by society watchers as passionate, focussed, humane and highly committed to any cause you believe in for the betterment of society. It shows that you have undying love and passion for politics and the people you represent. You have proven to be true democrats of the finest order.
I dare say that for Rivers State to join the league of progressive and prosperous States in Nigeria, our people must resolve to live up to the highest moral creed expected of them and that includes shunning godfatherism and keeping to our conscience instead of their pockets or bank accounts.
As Rivers people, we must be willing and ready to stay with the best by supporting the present administration of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
No two people can captain a ship. Today, as it stands, Governor Sim Fubara at the helm of leadership of the State and he is the captain. He is the number one citizen of Rivers State according to government and governance. The power and authority of implementation of policies and programmes are domiciled with him as the governor.
Hon.Goodboy Sokari Goodboy, your constituents are hugely proud of you for your solid support and determined resolve to be counted among the courageous few on the side of the governor and the people of Rivers State when it mattered most. God bless and give you the wisdom of King Solomon to stay the course and win for (and with) the people.
OSUNDU, Public Affairs Commentator, writes from Port-Harcourt.
The outspoken lawmaker was barred from legislative duties, entry into the National Assembly, and access to official resources after being accused of breaching Senate rules.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, has consistently dismissed the sanction as politically motivated, insisting it was triggered by her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Her suspension sparked weeks of tension, climaxing in July when she stormed the National Assembly complex with her lawyers, brandishing a court judgment she claimed ordered her recall.
With the suspension now expired, attention has shifted to how her re-entry into the chamber will play out amid lingering friction with the Senate leadership.
Hon. Jibrin, who was expelled by the faction loyal to former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso over alleged anti-party activities and non-payment of dues, described the decision as shocking and unjustified.
In an official statement made available to The Tide source, Hon. Jibrin said the interview he granted recently in both English and Hausa should not have attracted such a “heavy penalty,” noting that dissenting views were part of the party’s core principles.
“I strongly believe the contents of the interview I granted few days ago should not warrant such a penalty because it is in tandem with the core principles of our party and movement which allows for dissenting views,” he said.
The lawmaker accused the party of violating the principles of fair hearing and due process by expelling him without giving him the opportunity to defend himself.
“No invitation was extended to me to explain myself. Even under military dictatorship, an accused is subjected to a court martial,” he said.
While stressing that he would have preferred to remain in the NNPP despite differences, Hon. Jibrin said he accepted the party’s decision in good faith and would not challenge it in court.
On allegations of non-payment of dues, Hon. Jibrin insisted he never refused to fulfil his obligations, saying he was ready to clear any outstanding payments if presented with an invoice.
“There is no need to go to court. I respectfully request the party to send me the invoice and I will promptly pay,” he said.
Taking a swipe at the party’s leadership style, the former Director-General of the Tinubu Support Groups accused the NNPP of failing to value its members.
“The party does not believe anybody has political value and comes short in treating people with respect. No matter what you bring on board, you are a nobody,” he said.
Hon. Jibrin, however, thanked the NNPP for the support he enjoyed during his stay, and called on his supporters to join him in his “new journey,” while maintaining peaceful ties with those who choose to remain in the party.
He concluded by saying he would carefully weigh his options before deciding on his next political home.
“I welcome all my supporters who wish to join me in my new journey… I will carefully weigh all the options before me as I decide on my next political home. So help me God”, he said.
The development marks another major twist in Kano politics, where the NNPP is battling internal schisms between the Kwankwasiyya faction and other stakeholders.
Hon. Jibrin’s exit comes just months after he hinted that he might leave the party, fueling speculation about a possible return to the APC.
Mr Rhodes-Vivour formally joined the ADC at an event in Lagos on Saturday.
He accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of sealing a venue approved for the event.
“It is truly disappointing that the Lagos APC is abusing state institutions by sealing off the venue where the ADC was scheduled to hold a meeting tomorrow after obtaining the necessary approvals,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“This is not only an abuse of power, it is a clear attempt to stifle opposition voices in Lagos. We understand that the APC is jittery about the momentum the ADC and obidients are building across the state, but deploying state security agencies to frustrate lawful political activities is unacceptable and undemocratic.
“Lagos belongs to all of us, not a select few. And it is our constitutional right to assemble lawfully. Let it be clear that no amount of intimidation or harassment will stop us from engaging with the people of Lagos. Our movement is powered by the people, and no barricade or show of force can weaken their resolve for a better Lagos”, he added.
On August 30, suspected thugs disrupted the inauguration of an ADC transition committee in Kaduna, attacking participants and damaging property.
The hoodlums, armed with cutlasses, clubs, and stones, were said to have injured several people and destroyed vehicles.
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