Politics
Group Condemns Candidates’ Imposition In Bayelsa
Peeved by the imposition of candidates in the concluded primaries in Bayelsa State, a non-partisan group, G24 Embasara Foundation, has raised an alarm over the practice, particularly as most candidates were allegedly forced on the people by godfathers.
The practice, according to them, would continue to weaken democracy, as the choice of the people is often subverted to allow for mediocrity.
Contained in a statement by Co-conveners, Iniruo Wills and Geoffrey Kwale, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Denzel Kentebe and Lead, Media Committee, Ayakeme Whiskey the group said the alleged imposition led to the exclusion of other aspirants, thus depriving Bayelsa people the benefit of a robust engagement.
The foundation frowned on indiscriminate, lawless and unfair practice where during the conduct of party primaries by some political parties, delegates of well-favoured aspirants were reportedly given preferential treatment over and above other delegates, thus breeding distrust, rancour and acrimony among hitherto loyal party men and women.
The group said, “We note that the gale of defection sweeping across the two dominant parties in the state lately is perhaps not unconnected with the growing number of disgruntled party faithful who have been denied their legitimate right to participate in primaries free from manipulation, imposition, harassment and intimidation.
“It is particularly irksome that whereas political parties raked in hundreds of millions of naira from aspirants, some of whom perhaps had to sell personal effects to be able to purchase the exorbitant nomination and intent forms, the parties on their part, failed to provide the required level-playing field to test their popularity.
“Since the Independent National Electoral Commission is by law empowered to supervise party primaries and ensure strict compliance with approved prudential guidelines and extant laws, the commission must share in the blame and take responsibility for ensuring that future primaries are well monitored.”
The foundation noted that as the political tempo heightened, it was calling on the Bayelsa State Government and the Bayelsa State Police Command to swing into action and play the role of an impartial arbiter by creating the enabling environment for the smooth conduct of election that would not only be credible, but free and fair.
It noted that with the open rascality, and non-adherence to the rule of law during the primaries, the foundation of the 2019 elections was already greatly weakened.
The group added, “We are equally shocked at the fewer number of female aspirants offering themselves for elective offices going by the INEC list even when nomination forms were offered freely to female contenders.
“The global trend is that more and more women are beginning to take active interest in political leadership and Bayelsa cannot afford to be an exception.
“We note that economic prosperity and sustainable development of the state can only come about when the right candidates, not the right parties, are voted into power.
“We strongly advocate that emergent political leaders must commit to abide by a code of good governance stipulating minimum thresholds of service delivery and quality assurance.
“Those political gladiators whose stock in trade is to hold the political economy and convert the commonwealth to their private estate should be ready for disgrace as they would be shown the way out.
To this end, the Group urged the youths to be wary of politicians out there bent on using them as political thugs and abandon them when they get into power.
By: Austin Pade, Yenagoa
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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