Politics
Amaechi Urges Military To Remain Neutral
Political activities and celebration of Christmas on the political angle, the week began with the Save Rivers Movement rally attended by political heavy weights in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The likes of Rtd Major-General Buhari, Chief Tom Ikimi, Bola Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande were at the Liberation Stadium last Mondayto commend the people of Rivers who have joined their governor into the APC.
Former Lagos State governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the state will not regret joining the APC. Gen. Buhari also said, “I congratulate the people of Rivers state for coming behind the governor for standing for APC”.
Later on Chief Tom Ikimi together with Chief Akande presented party flags to the ‘Interim Executive Council of the APC in the state. The state Exco of the party is led by Chief Davies Ibiama Ikanya.
Governor Amaechi remarked that APC has come to stay in Rivers with the mandate to change the atrocities of the past.
“The metaphor of the brooms is that it sweeps and sweeps clean”, he said.
Last Tuesday, Governor Amaechi unveiled the 2014 Armed Forces Emblem Appeal Launching in Port Harcourt.
He enjoined the military to always remain neutral and not take sides in the current struggle by politicians for 2015.
He also called on the Nigerian Police to remain neutral in the current political situation in the country. Amaechi lamented the absence of good leadership and of security, water, power, health and other essential needs of the Nigerian people.
Also last week, Wife of Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Mina Ikuru called on married couples to put their trust in God. She spoke penultimate Saturday in Lagos at the wedding of Mr. Samuel Ogbeiwi.
On Christmas Day, Governor Amaechi and his wife attended a church Service at St. Vincent De Paul catholic Church and recounted the ordeal the state was facing from political enemies of the state.
In his words, “As a government led by me, a government installed by Christ, if anybody tells you he installed me, tell him it’s a lie, tell him that I said I prayed for 10 months and I fasted from 6am – 6pm, calling on Christ to come down and Christ came down mightily and installed me as a governor”.
Shortly after attending Christmas Church Service with her husband, Dame Judith Amaechi visited the Orphanage Homes, and charge Nigerians to renew their love and cater for the well being of less privileged children.
Describing Christmas as a time to show love, the Rivers First Lady stressed that Nigerians must learn to emulate Christ whose birth symbolizes redemption for mankind, she also vowed to ensure that children are given their pride of place in the policy thrust of Governor Amaechi administration.
Also last week, Governor Amaechi played host to lawyers under the umbrella of Nigerian Bar Association. But last Friday he hosted journalists in Rivers state. He said the crisis rocking in the state stems from a attempt by the wife of the President to governor Rivers state from Abuja.
“The wife of the President wanted to macro-manage governance in Rivers State and I said no, you cannot. I was elected. If I fail, they will not say the wife of the President failed”.
Amaechi also lampooned the Federal government for playing politics with Rivers State development”, … tell me one thing that Rivers State has gained from being part of the South-South under Goodluck Jonathan Presidency”.
On Saturday, Governor Amaechi commissioned the 8,000 sitting capacity Gokana Central Stadium complex in Gokana Local Government Area of the state.
He congratulated the council Chairman, Hon. Demua Ledee Demna and his predecessor, the current state Commissioner for Works, Hon. Victor Giadom for initiating and completing the project.
Super eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi and representative of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Aminu Maigari, and former green Eagles Skipper, Segun Odegbami, who commended Rivers state for setting another example for the rest of the country.
While in Gokana, Governor Amaechi also paid a courtesy call on King Barnabas Pagia, the Gberemene of Gokana at his palace. He also sympathized with the people of Bodo City over the demise of their monarch, late HRH, Felix Beredon.
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.