Politics
PDP Hails President Action On Flooding
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended the
President for the firm and reassuring steps the Federal Government has taken to
mitigate the impact of flooding across the states of the federation and
forestall further threat to the nation. The Party has also called on relevant
government agencies and entire Nigerians to brace up for the challenge of food
shortages which the impact of the flooding may likely occasion.
“Flood disasters are a global phenomenon but our peculiar
challenges of development demand deeper insight and capacity which the
President has demonstrated. We therefore commend him for the medium and long
term measures being put in place to first ameliorate the suffering of the
affected Nigerian communities as well as for the steps already being taken to
permanently put under check, the incidence of flooding in future.”
“We note that the Presidential Technical Committee set up by
the President urgently rounded off its interim impact assessment of the flood
ravaged states upon which government energized its agencies to offer immediate
relief. We note also that the President has been in synergy with the Leadership
of the National Assembly and Governors of the affected States in confronting
this menace. We particularly commend the President for releasing the sum of
17.6 billion Naira and for setting up National Committee on Flood Relief and
Rehabilitation to further assist it in raising fund for the ‘post impact
rehabilitation of the affected victims’. It is further reassuring that the
President and his Vice will tour the affected states.” The Party also called on
the members of the committee to justify the confidence reposed in them by the
government.
Rising from its National Working Committee (NWC) meeting
Wednesday, the PDP expressed sympathy for the flood victims and announced
additional plans to complement the efforts of the Federal Government in
bringing relief to the flooded communities. It as well commended individuals,
groups, corporate bodies and the international community for the rescue and
care they offered to the flood victims.
“The National Chairman of our Party, Dr. Bamanga Turkur will
lead the team of our party leaders to the affected states to share in the pains
of fellow Nigerians besides offering additional assistance to them to
complement the efforts of the federal government towards surmounting this
challenge.”
PDP further urged the federal, state and local governments
as well as farmers to take measures to avert imminent food shortages on account
of floods.
“The NWC intend to liaise as matter of overriding importance
with all the relevant agencies of government to work out plans to forestall
possible food shortages arising from this. Food security is cardinal to our
manifesto.”
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
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.
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