Politics
Wike Imposes Curfew In Parts Of Rivers State
The Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, last week, imposed a twenty-four hour curfew in Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The curfew also extended to Mile 1, Mile Two, Emenike, Ikokwu, and Iloabuchi parts of Diobu in Port Harcourt City, as well as Oil Mill axis of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The Governor announced the curfew in a state-wide broadcast last Wednesday, at Government House, Port Harcourt, and explained that the decision to impose the curfew was arrived at in a State Security Council meeting held same day in Government House.
In the broadcast, he said that the State Government appreciated the peaceful nature of the #EndSARS protest but regretted that hoodlums later hijacked the protest to unleash carnage in parts of the state.
He said: “ Some hoodlums attacked and destroyed police stations and court buildings in Oyigbo Local Government Area. Another set of hoodlums were also at the Ikokwu Spare Parts Markets, disturbing public peace and damaging property”.
In line with the proscription order of the Federal Government, Governor Wike, last week, reinforced ban on activities of the Indigenous Peoples Organisation of Biafra (IPOB) in the state.
The Governor stated that no form of procession or agitation by the group or any of its affiliates is allowed to take place in the state henceforth.
He explained that the state government observed that the activities of the banned IPOB are not only dangerous to lives and property, but clear threat to the existential interest and aspiration of Rivers State and all her people.
He directed security agencies to stop any form of procession or agitation by IPOB in any part of the state and arrest and prosecute any person or group that identifies with the membership or activities of the banned IPOB, adding that government will issue an executive order to strengthen and ensure effective reinforcement of the measures.
Governor Wike noted with sadness that since the organisation was classified as a terrorist organisation by a Federal High Court and subsequently proscribed by the Federal Government in 2017, the group had carried out intermittently processions in parts of Rivers State, especially Oyigbo and some notorious suburbs in Port Harcourt, stressing that the aim of IPOB had been to disturb the peace of the state by unleashing violence and destruction of lives and property at will.
The State Chief Executive declared one Mr Stanley Mgbere wanted for allegedly leading members of the banned IPOB to cause the recent violence and destruction of lives and property at Onne Community in Eleme Local Government Area.
The Governor announced a ransom of N50million for anybody with useful information that would lead to Mgbere’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.
Another major event in Brick House last week was the inauguration of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate acts of brutality and violation of fundermental human rights perpetuated by operatives of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the state.
According to the Governor, the Commission was set up in exercise of the powers conferred on him by the 1999
Constitution as amended and the provisions of Section 2 (1) of the Commission Inquiry Law of Rivers State (Cap 30) Laws of Rivers State of 1999.
He tasked the Commission to identify the victims of the alleged acts of attrocities committed by officers and men of FSARS. It is also to identify the persons or groups who counselled, procured and sponsored alleged acts of violence and violation of human rights of citizens committed by the disbanded outfit in the state.
Members of the Commission were drawn from the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), FIDA, Youth, Civil Society, Women and Religious organisations and the Commission has 60 days from the date of it’s first sitting to submit its report.
Justice Chukwuneye Uriri (rtd) is the chairman of the Commission.
The Governor also inaugurated the newly reconstituted Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), within the week under review.
Justice George Omereji (rtd) is chairman of the Commission, Dr Doris Ruhuoma Chukwu, Mrs Chioma Ochia, Dr Hope Barango Tariah, Professor Lysias Gilbert, Barrister Barine Akpobari Nwikinanei, Dr Iyeneomie Tamunoberetonari, and Dr Solomon Egbe are members.
Governor Wike also appointed two veteran journalists into key positions. Chief Ernest Chinwo was appointed the General Manager of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, while Mr Kelvin Ebiri was appointed Special Assistant (Media) to the Governor.
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.
-
Politics3 days agoEFCC Alleges Blackmail Plot By Opposition Politicians
-
Business3 days ago
AFAN Unveils Plans To Boost Food Production In 2026
-
Sports3 days agoJ And T Dynasty Set To Move Players To Europe
-
Business3 days ago
Industrialism, Agriculture To End Food Imports, ex-AfDB Adviser Tells FG
-
Politics3 days ago
Datti Baba-Ahmed Reaffirms Loyalty To LP, Forecloses Joining ADC
-
Politics3 days ago
Bayelsa APC Endorses Tinubu For Second Term
-
Business3 days ago
Cashew Industry Can Generate $10bn Annually- Association
-
Entertainment3 days agoAdekunle Gold, Simi Welcome Twin Babies