Politics
Litigation Against Saraki May Be Withdrawn – Lawal
The new Senate Majority Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan, has indicated that the new development in the Senate would facilitate reunion of his faction in the Senate caucus of the All Progressives Congress, the Unity Forum with the other factions and perhaps, the subsequent withdrawal of the litigations against the Senate President and other officers of the National Assembly earlier spearheaded by the group led by Senator Marafa.
Senator Lawan also said his choice and installation as Senate Leader was the decision of his party, the APC.
Lawan who made this known while addressing newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, said that he had no choice but to have accepted the position since it was the party’s position.
He noted that the office of the Senate leader is an assignment to create and sustain a kind of good relationship, and unify the APC caucus after the mergence of the senate leadership.
Senator Lawan stated that he would carry all lawmakers along irrespective of party differences to achieve positive results, saying, it is going to be a symbiotic relationship.
The Senate leader said that he would ensure that the senate evolved a system whereby executive communication especially bills were good products that would be easily digested.
He noted that the Senate had always been bi-partisan, adding that the contribution and support of every single Senator was important.
He however, called for synergy between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to achieve good results adding that such cooperation should be extended to the House of Representatives. ý
Speaking earlier at the plenary session , the Senate’s Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio had congratulated the new Senate Leader, Lawan on his appointment, and pledged the support of the PDP on issues that would serve the general interest of Nigerians.
Akpabio who maintained that his party caucus remains the best as it has displayed decorum in all its caucus affairs noted that the minority party would not hesitate to resist every move to sideline the opposition.
On a lighter note, the Minority Leader advised the new Majority Leader to “allow Saraki run the Senate and not to run Saraki”.
Meanwhile, the deposed Leader, Ali Ndume has protested his removal and expressed surprise that his colleagues voted for his removal and cautioned that such treatment would not grow the Senate . He noted that a precedence has been set and that it could be anybody next.
“It is me today ,it could be Ekwerremmadu tomorrow,” Senator Ndume said.
Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja
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.
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