Politics
LG Election: Abia LP Rejects Abure’s LG Election Committee List
Ahead of the November 2 Local Government election in Abia State, the state chapter of the Labour Party has called on the public to disregard an announcement by the party’s former chairman, Mr Ceekay Igara, regarding the sale of nomination forms.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party’s acting chairman in the state, Mr Emmanuel Otti, urged party members to obtain their nomination forms from the Labour Party secretariat in Umuahia, the state capital.
Otti emphasized that all official statements or instructions concerning the party’s activities in the state must come from the Caretaker Committee.
He added that any contrary information should be regarded as an act of impersonation and reported to the appropriate authorities.The statement read,”The attention of the Labour Party, Abia State chapter has been drawn to a radio announcement issued by the former chairman of the Labour Party in the state, Mr. Ceekay Igara directing members of the public on where to purchase nomination forms for the Party’s Primaries ahead of the forthcoming Local Government Election in the state. “The public is hereby enjoined to disregard the unauthorised and misleading announcement because Mr Igara’s tenure had expired alongside other members of the state and National Working Committees led by Julius Abure, which prompted the Independent National Electoral Commission to cease to recognise them. It is on this basis that the party set up a National Caretaker Committee chaired by Senator Esther Nenadi Usman.
“The Labour Party in Abia State is not interested in extorting members of the public nor obtaining money from them by trick, hence we are poised to ensure that the sale of forms and selection of candidates is done in a responsible, orderly and peaceful manner to ensure that peace reigns even after the exercise”.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party has announced its schedule of activities for the Local Government election primary election in the state.
Otti stated that the sale of nomination/expression of interest forms would commence on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
It added that the submission of completed forms and screening of aspirants will take place on Thursday, October 3, while the primary election for chairmanship and Counselorship candidates will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024.
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.