Politics
Wike Confident Of Victory
The Rivers Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, Deputy Governor, Mrs Ipalibo Harry Banigo, and other members of the Rivers State Executive Council retreated back to their various wards to cast their votes during last Saturday’s gubernatorial and State Assembly elections.
This was the climax of months of campaigns and preparations which completely took over last week businesses in Government House , Port Harcourt.
Governor Wike who was accompanied by his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzette Nyesom- Wike voted at Unit 7, Ward 9 in Obio/Akpo Local Government Area, at about 10.47 am after being duly accredited.
Addressing Journalists after casting his vote, the Governor said: “ for now , we are satisfied and confident that we will win in this election very well. We are not afraid”.
He said, in spite the fact that there were manipulations in some local government areas, but with the report reaching him, his party shall win.
He attributed low turn out of voters at the Saturday’s election to illegal activities of the military during Presidential and National Assembly elections.
The Governor was also at Ahoada on Tuesdayfor the Rivers West Senatorail ,District Town Hall meeting .
At the meeting , the Governor raised alarm that APC in collaboration with some security agencies were planning to kidnap the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), to create excuse for postponement of the gubernatorial and state assembly elections .
He further stated that APC with some security agencies were also planning to generate mass violence to disrupt distribution of materials for the Saturday election.
He called on the people of the district to remain vigilant, peaceful and vote for PDP candidates but to defend their votes.
Another major event in Brick House last week was the memorial service organised in honour of the soldier and civilians that died in Abonnema during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
The governor who attended the service set up a committee headed by the Depuy Governor, to identify those who died in the election and property damaged.
Wike promised that the state government would assist the families of the victims.
On last Friday, Governor Wike made a state broadcast in which he condemned what he termed stage-managed unlawful arrest of PDP members ahead of last Saturday’s election.
He urged security agencies to be professional and unbiased in the discharge of their duties for peaceful conduct of credible polls in the state.
Wike who enjoined Rivers people to come out en- masse to vote for candidates of their choice appealed to stakeholders, including the APC to join forces with his administration as patriots for peaceful poll.
Chris Oluoh
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.