Politics
Amaechi Solicits Journalists’ Support Against Crime
Last week began on a birthday note. A day after visiting Bera Town in Gokana Local Government Area to celebrate with the State Commissioner for Works, Chief Victor Giadom on his 50th birthday. Governor Amaechi penultimate Sunday took part in the 40th birthday of former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Emmanuela Izunwa, held at the Gateway International Church, Elioparanwo. Other members of the State Executive Council were in attendance.
Governor Amaechi during the church service thanked the Izunwa family for being supportive of his administration and prayed God to reward them immensely.
On her part, the celebrant expressed appreciation to God for keeping her to celebrate her 40th birthday. She also thanked the Governor and other well wishers for celebrating with her, while especially lauding her husband for always being a bulwark to her.
On Tuesday, Governor Amaechi swore-in a substantive Chief Judge of the State, Justice Peter Agumagu. The swearing in came barely six hours after a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt presided over by Justice Lambo Akanbi upheld the powers of the governor to appoint the Chief Judge following disagreement with recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Rt Hon Amaechi urged the new Chief Judge to jettison the bickering that arose from his appointment by treating all parties fairly. Not even the bishop is appointed without a contest, so I hope you will see what happens as a mere contest and treat everybody fairly,” he said.
The governor also commended the Federal High Court for helping “the state out of bondage,” reasoning that the court has shown that it could not be influenced in matters of such weight. He further called on those who want to manipulate the judiciary to eschew from such selfish motive.
On Wednesday, shortly after conducting unscheduled inspection of ongoing projects in the State, especially the Dr Peter Odili/Woji Akpajo By-pass, Rt Hon Amaechi proceeded to break ground and laid foundation for the new Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat at Moscow Road in Port Harcourt.
The Rivers State governor used the occasion to challenge media workers to support government in the fight against crime and other social vices. “Journalists must work with us to send back these criminals back,” he said.
On the new Rivers NUJ Secretariat, Governor Amaechi disclosed that 100 per cent of the building fund has been released while expressing the hope that the contract will meet deadline.
Dignitaries who spoke at the foundation-laying ceremony include the State Commissioner for Information, National President of NUJ, Garba Mohammed, his counterpart in RATTAWU, Abel Yemisi, Vice President of Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eastern Zone, Mr Victor Agusiobo and State chairman of NUJ, Mr Opaka Dokubo.
Governor Amaechi was also at Ozuoha Town in Ikwerre Local Government Area to celebrate with former chairman of the council, Hon Kerian Wobodo on his 50th birthday.
Speaking at a special Church Service to mark Wobodo’s 50th birthday at St Michael’s Catholic Church, Ozuoha, Governor Amaechi averred that the former Ikwerre council boss contributed to his political success. He described as a very loyal political ally and associate.
Shortly after he returned from Ozuoha Town, Governor Amaechi hosted the Prelate of Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Samuel Kanu Uche at Government House. Responding to the plaudits of the Methodist, the governor appreciate God’s role in his life and thanked the prelate.
On Friday, Governor Amaechi carried out unscheduled visit of project sites and later in he day held meeting with APC chieftains across the 23 local government areas of the state.
Former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Matters and Social Events, Dr Waripamowei Dudafa, has praised the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri on his formal defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dr Dudafa, who is also a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and one time commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Development, described the governor’s decision as a wise and well-considered move that aligns the State with the centre for accelerated development and greater political inclusion.
“Governor Diri’s decision reflects his pragmatic leadership style which has always been guided by consultation, inclusiveness, and the pursuit of the common good.
“Your Excellency, your decision to work in harmony with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which is in synergy with your ‘Assured Prosperity’ vision will undoubtedly bring about the needed transformation and development for the people of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta at large.
“Since assuming office, your guiding principle has been clear and consistent — to consult widely, act in the public interest, and deliver measurable development outcomes. That same principle has informed your latest political alignment, and it will continue to serve as a compass for your Assured Prosperity Administration”, he said.
He further praised the governor’s performance in office, stating that Gov. Diri’s administration has been characterized by purposeful governance and tangible results, reaffirming his continued loyalty and support for the governor, while also assuring that he and his associates will keep identifying with the Gov Diri’s administration in the collective effort to sustain peace, unity, and progress in the state.
While restating his continued solidarity with the governor’s leadership in the state, Dr Dudafa promised to lend his support to ensure that he finishes strong.
“Governor Diri’s political maturity and developmental focus have repositioned Bayelsa for a brighter future”, he added.
The Tide further learnt that Dr Dudafa once served as Special Adviser to a former governor of the State on Youth Mobilization and Empowerment.
“I want to again commend the governor for his courage and vision. His alignment of the State with the federal government under the Renewed Hope Agenda is a step toward ensuring inclusive governance and attracting more federal presence to the state”, he said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
A publication circulating online had quoted Alhaji Sheriff as saying, “It’s not me; it’s Shettima who created Boko Haram.”
But in a statement issued on Saturday, Alhaji Sheriff dismissed the report as a “complete fabrication” aimed at misleading the public and stirring political discord.
“The said story is a complete fabrication, devoid of truth, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, malign the person of Senator Sheriff, and sow discord within the nation’s political landscape,” the statement read.
Alhaji Sheriff said he never granted any interview or spoke to any journalist on the matter, adding that the falsehood was designed to undermine his long-standing commitment to peace and national unity.
“This false report is not only mischievous but also a dangerous piece of fake news aimed at undermining years of Senator Sheriff’s contributions to peace, national unity, and development, both in Borno State and across Nigeria,” the statement added.
The former governor urged members of the public and the media to disregard the publication, noting that he had directed his legal team to identify and pursue those behind the story.
“Senator Sheriff has instructed his legal team to take immediate steps to identify all individuals, bloggers, or media outlets responsible for the dissemination of this defamatory material.
“Should the false publication not be retracted and taken down forthwith, the Senator will not hesitate to seek full legal redress under the law”, his media office said.
Alhaji Sheriff reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s security, stability, and democratic values and vowed to ensure that the spread of misinformation does not go unpunished.
Politics
Anambra Guber: I’m Not Impressed, LP Candidate Says …As Observers Lament Vote-buying, Low Voters Turnout
Mr Moghalu spoke to journalists on Saturday shortly after casting his vote at Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rise to its responsibility of making the process credible.
He also alleged voter apathy, attributing it to people’s lack of confidence in the electoral process.
Mr Moghalu said that even though it was too early to say whether the process was free, fair, and credible, he was not impressed.
“I am not impressed; there were no issues of glitches, at least for now. As we go along to monitor the process, we’ll confirm. In terms of voting, there’s an improvement over previous elections.
“I can’t say it’s free and fair because if you monetise a process, you weaponise poverty. What’s free about it? There’s no doubt there’s low voter turnout, and that has been the trend,” he stated.
The LP’s flag bearer stated that it was incumbent on INEC to continually improve the process, as voter apathy is a manifestation of a loss of confidence in the people.
Reports from Yiaga Africa, European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) II, and other partner organisations indicated that voter turnout was low in most polling units across the 21 local government areas of the state.
Speaking to journalists in Awka, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, identified vote-buying and low turnout as recurring issues observed in the thematic areas of the election.
Also, Asabe Ndahi of the Kukah Centre decried logistical challenges, including the late arrival of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security officials in high-risk areas, such as Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Ihiala, Ogbaru, and Nnewi South.
She added that incidents of vote-buying and voter intimidation were recorded in several local government areas.
that votes were being traded for between N15,000 and N30,000.
“It is sad that bad governance is fuelling vote buying and selling.
“For an unemployed youth who sells his vote for ?30,000, what will he be paid next month when there is no election?
“By selling your vote, you are saying no school, no hospital, no jobs and selling away your future. This is worrisome”, he said.
He called on journalists to play an active role in exposing and curbing the menace.
The former presidential candidate also described all the hopefuls in the governorship race as his friends.
“Whoever wins, let him serve the people. Nigeria needs service now. We need to pull our people out of poverty,” he said,
Earlier, Mr George Moghalu, LP governorship candidate, said despite the heavy deployment of security personnel for the election, he had received reports of widespread vote-buying.
He also described the trend as “most unfortunate”, and warned that the crime undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
Mr Moghalu added that he remained optimistic on the outcome of the election, as he had campaigned extensively and presented his manifesto to the electorate.
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