Politics
Politician Decries Violence In Kebbi
Political leaders in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State have decried the level of acrimony and political thuggery by party supporters in the area.
The Tide On Sunday reports that, a cross section of politicians, including the PDP Chairman Alhaji Musa Dakwaya, in Argungu. warned aspirants and their supporters to exhibit restraint in the quest for victory during the 2011 general elections. He advised politicians to shun violence and thuggery while campaigning for support, adding that guidelines for campaigns and elections required to be followed strictly.
The Sole Administrator of the Area, Alhaji Salisu Ahmed, also expressed dismay over the activities of some supporters of aspirants, saying that those who disrupted public peace would be prosecuted. He said some politicians in the area had given assurances that they would avoid violent campaigns. In a similar development, suspected political thugs in Katsina are defying the state government’s order against placement of posters on public buildings in the state.
The government had constituted a committee to ensure that no posters or bill boards were placed on roundabouts, road kerbs and electricity poles. Our correspondent investigation in Katsina metropolis and other major towns, showed that youths, especially political thugs, continued to deface some roundabouts and other public buildings with politicians’ posters. To worsen the matter, some of the posters were placed on the roads along the Government House, the wall fence of primary and secondary school buildings, in clear defiance of the order.
The investigation further showed that the posters were usually posted in the midnight, to avoid possible arrest by the police and other security agents. Efforts to contact Alhaji Bashir Gula, Chairman of the state Committee on Sanitation and Environment, which is charged with the responsibility of enforcing the order failed as he was said to have travelled out of the state.
However, a member of the committee who pleaded anonymity, said that the committee would do its best to ensure total compliance with the order.According to the member, the committee has also been mandated to ensure that posters or billboards are placed only at political party offices, candidates’ campaign offices and private residences.
“The whole idea behind the setting up of the committee is to ensure that the state capital and other towns in the state remained clean and tidy,” he said.
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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