Politics
Lloyd, Wihioka Bicker At Burial Ceremony
The crisis in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State may not end before the 2019 general elections as the two opposing camps are not ready to shift ground.
The party has been divided into two different factions over who gets the governorship ticket. One of the factions is headed by the former Governor of Rivers State and Minister for Transportation, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi while the other faction is being led by the Senator representing Rivers South East in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe.
At the burial of late Mrs Juliana Nweneka Mgbegwarum last Saturday in Ndele in Emouha Local Government Area of Rivers State, the two factions of the APC met and proved that they were not to shift ground or give room for peace.
At the burial ceremony which took place at the residence of a member of the party and former Special Adviser to Amaechi when he was the Governor of the state, Goodliffe Nmekini, both groups refused to acknowledge greetings to each other.
It was gathered that former Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Chidi Lloyd who arrived at the venue with his supporters were happy and cracking jokes left immediately upon the arrival of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Chidi Wihioka, to the surprise of the host and other unsuspecting visitors.
The federal lawmaker who represents Ikwerre and Emouha Federal Constituency had on arrival exchanged greetings with other visitors but tactically avoided Hon. Lloyd and his faithful.
No sooner after Hon. Wihioka took his seat, than Lloyd left with his supporters without informing their host, Nmekini whom sources said had just returned from abroad.
Nmekini was surprised when he came out with more drinks for entertainment and could not find Lloyd and others.
Meanwhile, some members of APC who were present at Nmekini’s residence expressed sadness over the factionalisation of the party which they say is frustrating APC in the state.
Mr Ismeal Opara who observed the conduct of members of the two factions condemned the attitude of the two politicians and said if that continues, it may be difficult for APC in 2019.
According to him, ‘’the two camps are not ready to shift ground and this may rob them of 2019 because, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is far ahead of them’.
Opara however condemned the attitude of most politicians who always protect their interest rather than the interest of the people, state and the country at large.
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.