Politics
Rivers 2019 Polls: The Intrigues And Implications
Nyesom Wike of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), having satisfied the requirements of the law and having scored the highest votes is hereby declared winner and is hereby returned as elected.
This was the declaration of the State Returning Officer for the March 9, 2019 Governorship election in Rivers State, Prof. Teddy Adias, who further declared that Wike polled 886,264 to defeat his closest rival, Biokpomabo Awara of the African Action Congress (AAC), who polled 173,859 to come second.
Out of the 21 Local Government Areas where election took place, Wike won in 19, while Awara won in two. Elections did not hold in Abua/Odual Local Government Area while no results were returned in Gokana.
Backing his declaration with Section 47(b) of the Elections Guidelines which stipulates that where there is wilful disruption of election as was the case of Abua/Odual, the electoral officer is empowered to enter zero as scores, Adia said there is no doubt as to the fact that Wike was the winner.
“Since no results were returned in Gokana as attested to by all party agents, the commission had to discard the results as it would be improper to rely on results from any source other than the one collated by the commission”, he said.
Adias also noted that the difference between Wike’s score and that of Awara was 712,405 while the total number of voters in areas where elections were cancelled or did not hold was 249,324.
The announcement on the morning of April 3, 2019 suddenly broke the expectantly knowing silence warranted by the earlier machinations of a relatively few, who, not minding the will of the people, had brazenly threatened that their will must come to be, come what may.
The atmosphere that followed the declaration was stunningly infectious, and there was hardly any doubt as to the relief it brought to Rivers people. In some areas of the State, there was an uncanny silence that spoke louder than words. The opposition was unhappy that the Governor was re-elected, but even in their silence instituted by their anger over their failure to make their personal will the will of the people, they, by their inactions, acknowledged the Governor’s victory. At other areas where the ecstasy was put into words, even when said in calmness, it sounded very noisy in the depth of meaning.
One noticeable peculiarity in all of this was the unison in acceptance of the victory of Governor Wike by those who, for the sake of clarity, can at best be described as the common people of the state, led by the Civil Servants, whose dependants directly or indirectly constitute a greater population of the state.
Virtually everybody who communicated through words, gestures, and the like, even when it may be for negative reasons, did so in such esoteric acceptance of what is – that Rivers people have taken their stand; that they are tired of brazen deceit by people they had hitherto thought had their interests at heart when all along what mattered to them is that they are worshipped as demigods.
An interesting part of the frenzied celebrations that followed the declaration of incumbent Governor, Nyesom Wike, as Governor-elect was that even before the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the handwriting of the victory was on the wall.
From the gradual fading oppositional vituperations following the theatrical self-inflicted removal of the key opposition, the All Progressives Congress (APC), through events leading to the momentary stoppage of the electoral process, and finally to the point at which collation commenced in earnest on April 2, 2019, the signs stood like the directional star.
However, beyond signalling the fulfilment of the wish of majority of Rivers people, the 2019 election in Rivers State also afforded the people, and indeed the world, an opportunity to appreciate what one man can do, just to ensure that his wish supersedes that of a people. It did not matter what price had to be paid.
If the wish cannot be satisfied directly through a legitimate means, illegitimately achieving same in accordance with the Machiavellian principle of the end justifying the means would not make any difference. As far as he was concerned, at this level of political awareness, and a peoples’ hunger for people-oriented dividends of democracy, the best thing for the people is a stooge who would expectedly always do his bidding. How this would have panned out if Wike had not won can only be a topic for another day. The important thing now is the intention behind what was presented to the people.
Another major intrigue of the 2019 elections in Rivers State is the role of security agencies, particularly the military. No matter the denials in military quarters, it will only amount to calling black white, and vice versa.
This is more so going by both what was seen on ground, and the evaluations of notable foreign observers who categorically stated that the involvement of military personnel in many aspects of the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections and the March 9 Governorship and State House of Assembly elections, particularly were not in conformity with international best practice.
This position was unanimously expressed by the European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission Nigeria 2019, the joint international observation mission of the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and the Integrity Friends for Truth and Peace Initiative (TIFPI) in their preliminary reports on the elections.
While the action of the military in the 2019 general elections in Nigeria, for whatever reason, may have greatly dented their image, the outcome of the report of the committee set up to investigate the extent of their involvement, and the extent to which recommendations of the report is executed would go a long way in disabusing the minds of the people about what the military has become.
In the face of these and other intrigues, which led to several deaths, Rivers people stood their ground on what they want. At the end of the day, Wike’s victory could not be upturned.
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, captured the doggedness of the Rivers spirit thus: “The victory reinforces the confidence of the people in the resoluteness of asserting their democratic choice of leadership as well as standing in defence of their mandate to the end.
“It also demonstrates that the will of the people will always prevail against every form of suppression as were eminently manifested in the desperation by the APC leaders, particularly, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to forcefully and violently take over control of the state against the wish of the people”.
By their support for Governor Wike, therefore, as exhibited by their votes, Rivers people may have also stated in unequivocal terms for the Governor to prove them wrong that second tenures in governance has never been favourable to them. Their experience in the four years preceding 2015 is still fresh in their minds.
The wish of Rivers people is thus for the Governor to move up from being “Mr Quality Project” to “Mr Quality Welfare for Rivers People”, as reflected in the joint congratulatory message to the Governor by the Chairperson of the State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Beatrice Itubo, and her Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Austin Jonah.
Soibi Max-Alalibo
Governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Rivers State in the forthcoming 2027 election, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, has vowed to run an all inclusive administration that would ensure political harmony in the state, if elected into power.
Hon. Chinda, who is also the preferred governorship candidate of the Rainbow Coalition, said this shortly after he was unveiled along side other candidates of the political arrangement at a grand rally in Port Harcourt.
He said the coalition was committed to ending political divisions and promoting unity among the various political parties in the state.
Hon. Chinda also promised to make Rivers State experience peace, progress and development during his tenure as governor of the state.
“We are no longer divided on party lines.We are no longer playing the politics of the winner takes it all’’, he said.
Hon. Chinda, who spoke on behalf of the other candidates of the Rainbow Coalition, said the coalition’s vision extends beyond electoral victory, adding that its proposed government would accommodate people, irrespective of political affiliations, gender and religious belief.
“We are going to run a government for the people, with the best interests of Rivers people first,” he said.
Hon. Chinda also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, for bringing political stakeholders together under the umbrella of the Rainbow Coalition, while lauding Governor Siminalayi Fubara for presenting flags to the candidates.
He expressed optimism that the alliance would promote peaceful elections, a smooth transition of power and development projects capable of improving the lives of Rivers residents.
While presenting flags to chosen candidates of the Rainbow Coalition, Governor Fubara called on members of the Coalition and his supporters to put past disagreements behind them and work together under a common leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He acknowledged Chief Wike’s role in his political journey and described the Minister of the FCT as the leader of the Rainbow Coalition.
Governor Fubara said the political groups had come together as one family and should no longer maintain separate camps.
He also pledged to support the coalition’s candidates and President Tinubu’s re-election bid, expressing optimism that cooperation among political stakeholders would strengthen the alliance.
Also speaking, Chief Wike urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties across the country to support President Tinubu’s re-election.
He called on politicians to set aside party differences and work together towards the coalition’s political objectives.
Chief Wike said the Rainbow Coalition represents a common political platform for stakeholders from different parties who had agreed to support the President and candidates seeking elective offices in Rivers State.
He also urged PDP members in Rivers, Kwara, Ogun and other states to support President Tinubu, while calling for support for the coalition’s candidates contesting the governorship, National Assembly and Rivers State House of Assembly elections.
The former Rivers State governor also addressed divisions within the PDP, rejecting attempts to portray him as merely a factional leader of the party.
He further criticised some opposition figures over their political ambitions and records in public office, particularly former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Meanwhile, former Senator Magnus Abe has also called on Mr Amaechi to withdraw from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential arrangement with Alhaji Abubakar and support President Tinubu.
Senator Abe argued that the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria, insisting that political leaders should respect the principle of power rotation between the North and South.
He recalled the controversy surrounding former President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid, arguing that Mr Amaechi had previously opposed Dr Jonathan’s ambition on the grounds of power rotation.
“Today, the same man who led us to go against our son and our brother is now trying to lead us to go and support somebody from the North when it is the turn of the South.
“On behalf of all of us here gathered in Rivers State, we want to call on Amaechi to immediately respect his own position and resign as the vice-presidential candidate to Atiku Abubakar, because it is the turn of the South, and Rivers State will stand by the agreement between the North and the South,” he said.
Senator Abe also reaffirmed the coalition’s support for President Tinubu, declaring: “We are not just with Tinubu, We are with Tinubu. We are for Tinubu. We are by Tinubu. We are in Tinubu. We are Tinubu here in this coalition”, Senator Abe declared.
The event featured the presentation of candidates for various elective positions under the Rainbow Coalition.
John Bibor, Ephraim Godslove, Lazarus Ada, Chidibem Juliet & Okugbere Oghenetijiri
Politics
2027: Support Groups Pledge Grassroots Mobilisation For Tinubu, Rainbow Coalition Candidates
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, some political groups in Rivers State have endorsed the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.
The groups: Rivers State Door-To-Door Movement and Non Indegenes Without Borders spoke with The Tide during the unveiling of candidates of The Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt.
They not only reaffirmed their commitment to the re-election of President Tinubu, but pledged to work towards ensuring victory for candidates of the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State.
Responding, Coordinator of the Rivers State Door-To-Door Movement, Mr Rayman ThankGod, said his group was committed to grassroots mobilization across the state, adding that his organization has setup it’s network across all electoral units in the state.
According to him, the group, which has established its presence across the 23 local government areas, was prepared to intensify its mobilisation efforts to promote the coalition’s agenda.
“As the name implies, we are known for our grassroots mobilisation. That is the essence of the Rivers State Door-to-Door Movement,” he said.
He added that the group had been in existence before the campaign’s official commencement and was ready to reach out to communities across the state through its network of members.
Mr ThankGod said his organization had not received support from any quarters, adding that the activities of The Rivers State Door-To-Door Movement was being financed by himself.
Speaking on the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration, he argued that four years might not be sufficient to demonstrate the full impact of its policies and projects, stressing that the administration should be given more time to implement its plans for national development.
On her part, National Leader of Non-Indigenes Without Borders, Hon. Eunice Obire, described the coalition as a welcome development, noting that it has brought people from different political parties together in support of a common political direction.
Hon. Obire said the alliance could promote unity and development in Rivers State, pointing to the turnout at the gathering as evidence of public interest in the movement.
She maintained that cooperation among the participating political parties could strengthen their collective electoral prospects, arguing that unity would give the coalition an advantage over parties contesting independently.
According to her, the coalition was not limited to the presidential election but extended to other elective positions, including governorship, senatorial and House of Representatives seats.
“The coalition is not just for the presidency alone. It covers the entire range of elective positions,” she said.
Hon. Obire added that supporters had a responsibility to work towards the success of the candidates selected under the coalition’s arrangement.
The Rainbow Coalition is seeking to consolidate support across political groups in Rivers State ahead of the forthcoming elections. However, the extent to which the alliance will influence voting patterns and electoral competition remains to be seen.
Samuel Otuogbai, Christopher Samuel, Sarah Pascal & Orlu Salvation
The member representing Oyigbo State Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly,Hon. Prince Gerald Oforji, has received the All Progressives Congress (APC) Rainbow Coalition flag as he prepares to seek re-election in the 2027 general elections.
Oforji, a former Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Council, was among the returning lawmakers unveiled as candidates of the APC Rainbow Coalition at a ceremony held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt last Tuesday.
The event attracted prominent political leaders from within and outside Rivers State, including the National Rainbow Coalition leader, Chief Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
The presentation of the flag to Oforji was greeted with enthusiastic cheers from supporters, reflecting the political support he enjoys in Oyigbo and the wider Rivers political landscape.
His emergence as the coalition’s candidate is a significant step in his bid to return to the State Assembly, where he has continued to participate in legislative activities representing the interests of his constituency.
Oforji is also regarded as one of the lawmakers who maintained strong political loyalty to Chief Wike during periods of intense political realignment in Rivers State, a position that has remained a notable feature of his political journey.
The mammoth crowd of supporters who accompanied him to the ceremony further underscored the enthusiasm surrounding his re-election bid and the political significance of his candidacy in Oyigbo.
With the presentation of the Rainbow Coalition flag, Oforji is set to enter the 2027 electoral contest under the APC platform, seeking another mandate to represent Oyigbo State Constituency.
His candidacy also adds another chapter to the political history of Oyigbo, particularly given his previous experience as local government chairman before his election to the State Assembly.
The Oforji family equally occupies a place in the political history of Oyigbo, with the late Precious Oforji remembered for his contributions to the area’s political development. The family’s legacy continues to feature in discussions about the constituency’s political evolution.
As the 2027 elections approach, Oforji’s re-election bid will place his record in the State Assembly, political alliances and relationship with his constituents at the centre of the contest for the Oyigbo seat.
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