Politics
Rivers Crisis:GDI Needs Forgiveness From God
The Concerned Rivers Citi
zens has said that the Governor of Rivers State, Rt Hon.Chibuike Amaechi has worked assiduously more than any of his antagonists. Its coordinator and a former member of the Federal House of Representative, Hon Igo Aguma who stated this last weekend in Port Harcourt while reacting to a statement by the President General of Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI) Bright Ameawhule, advised the opposition group to seek God’s forgiveness for the unwarranted crisis they have instigated in Rivers State through their sponsors and cohorts.
The GDI President had disparaging statements about Governor Amaechi where he alleged that he (Amaechi) has raped the provisions of the Nigerian constitution.
Hon Aguma described the statement as mischievous, insisting that the elements behind the GDI were determined to destabilise the state as he assured that Rivers people who have witnessed the developmental strives of the present administration would resist it with all their strength and blood.
According to him,”We do not want to join issues with the evil driving, volatile and rabble-rousing GDI and its sponsors over the appointment of an acting Chief Judge for the state. We take serious exceptions to abuses poured on Governor Amaechi and his administration. The words used on the governor clearly shows that the GDI and its sponsors lack home training and are morally bankrupt in thinking and actions”. “We wish to state clearly that Governor Amaechi has worked assiduously, more than any of his antagonists, who today are major beneficiaries of his administration. Perhaps we should advise the GDI to seek God’s forgiveness for the unwarranted crises they have instigated in the state through their sponsors and cohorts.”
“Rather than say the Holy Spirit has departed from Governor Amaechi, it is actually the GDI and its selfish sponsors that the Holy Spirit has departed from, as all their evil plans to cause chaos manifesting in, the incessant arrest and unlawful detention of genuine PDP members in the state, imposition of a kangaroo PDP executive in Rivers State. ,Unleashing of cultists on the Rivers State House of Assembly., Connivance with Police Commissioner, Mbu Joseph Mbu to create a state of insecurity in Rivers state with a view to cause state of emergency. ,The Nigerian Governors’ Forum crisis and Illegal ceding of Rivers oil wells to Bayelsa State” ,he said.
He said while these seemingly daunting challenges continued in the state by those opposition camp, God has continued to sustain Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and indeed Rivers people, given clear indication that the Holy Spirit has not departed from the Governor and the people.
Hon Aguma who represented Port Harcourt Federal Constituency one in 2003 to 2011,said the achievements of Governor Amaechi do not portray his administration as bereft of ideas,adding that it is on record that the leadership of the PDP in Nigeria, led by President Goodluck Jonathan, the Vice President, Arc. Namadi Sambo, national Chairman, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the National Assembly, fellow PDP and non- PDP Governors, youths, women, local, national and international organisations have commended Governor Amaechi, a strict observer of the rule of law, as being among the leading lights of Nigeria’s democracy.
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.