Politics
I’m Satisfied With Rivers LG Polls – EBSIEC Boss
The Chairman of Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC), Josy Eze, has given a clean bill of health to last Saturday’s Rivers State local government elections, saying, he was satisfied with the conduct of the elections across the State.
Eze, who gave the indication while speaking with newsmen in the course of monitoring the elections last Saturday with officials of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) including its Chairman, Justice George Omereji (rtd) and others, at Unit 7, Ward 9 in Rumuepirikom Town in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, said he was particularly impressed with the orderliness of the elections, since no ugly incidents were recorded during the elections in several parts of the State the team visited.
Eze, who is also the National Vice Chairman of the Federation of States Independent electoral Commissions in the 36 States of the country, therefore, recommended the Rivers State example to other states in the conduct of local government elections.
In a related development, a stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Barrister Tasie Wike, has commended the conduct of the local government elections in the state, describing it as smooth and peaceful.
Wike told newsmen in an interview in Port Harcourt that the peaceful atmosphere that pervaded the council polls was attributed to the excellent performance of Governor Nyesom Wike, essentially because, according to him, the people of the state were generally in support of his administration and the PDP.
The politician-cum-legal practitioner noted that the field was very clear for all the political parties to participate in the elections but contended that the fear of the ruling PDP had rather made other opposition political parties not to put up serious challenge and contest.
His words, “I admire Wike because he has shown courage and he has put structures in place. He is the best performing Governor. We can see it by ourselves.”
Another party stalwart and the head of Unit 7, Ward 9, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Elder Kingsley Owabie said the elections were peaceful and hitch-free because they were conducted in accordance with laid down rules and regulations.
He further indicated that the peaceful conduct of the elections was not unconnected with the good works of the Governor Nyesom Wike administration, stressing that the Governor has proved that it was not by fluke that the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo nicknamed him, Mr. Projects.
He equally indicated that the Governor also proved his leadership mettle when he was council chairman by building a befitting secretariat complex for the council and executed road projects even during the era of zero allocation.
The Tide reports that the elections were generally peaceful and violence free in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
During the elections, voting started early at Unit 12, Ward 9 polling centre, for example, directly opposite Kala Police Station, as electoral materials got there quite on time. The electoral officers were seen on their duty post, and they told The Tide that accredited voters left the centre after exercising their franchise.
By: Donatus Ebi
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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