Politics
New Party To Contest Kogi, Bayelsa Guber Polls
The newly registered
Democratic Peoples’ Congress (DPC), says it will field candidates to contest governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states.
The elections are scheduled to hold on November 21 and December 5, respectively.
This resolution formed part of the communiqué issued at the end of its inaugural National Executive Committee (NEC), meeting held in Abuja last Saturday.
DPC was registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on June 9, this year.
The communiqué signed by the DPC National Chairman, Rev. Olusegun Peters, showed that primaries to decide candidates for the Kogi and Bayelsa seats would be held on September12 and September 28, respectively.
“The NEC resolved that our great party shall field candidates to contest the forthcoming Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections.
“NEC also urged credible Nigerians, who desired to contest these elections on the platform of the DPC to obtain the party’s nomination form for a fee of N5 million,” the communiqué stated.
It said that the sale of nomination forms for Kogi State governorship would starts from August 12, while the nomination form for Bayelsa governorship poll would be on sale from from September 1. ’’
The party resolved to strengthen its structures in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, and directed state chapters to embark on massive sensitisation and mobilisation of new members.
The DPC also resolved to uphold internal democracy at all levels in its determination to be “the third force” in Nigeria’s political equation.
“The party also urged INEC to improve on electronic voting system as obtainable in most democracies around the world.
“This will eliminate electoral malpractices, and violence that have characterised elections in Nigeria since independence in 1960,’’ the communiqué stated.
The party appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to consider patriotic citizens outside the ruling All Progressives Congress APC for appointments as ministers and heads of federal government agencies in line with the federal character principle.
The DPC urged Buhari to intensify the war against corruption by strengthening the EFCC, ICPC, the Police and the Judiciary to ensure speedy trial of persons suspected to have looted the nation’s treasury.
“The war against corruption should be holistic, irrespective of political party affiliation. There should be zero tolerance for corruption that has impeded Nigeria’s development and dented its image around the world.’’
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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