Politics
National Confab: Falana, Agbakoba Protest Committees Composition
The Civil Society
Organisations (CSOs) delegates at National Conference including former President of the West African Bar Association, Mr Femi Falana and former President of Nigeria Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba protested the composition of the 20 standing committees, saying that they did not reflect the wishes of delegates.
The group, in a protest letter to the conference secretariat, said the leadership composed the committees “arbitrarily and in total disregard to the choice and preferences of most delegates”.
The letter signed by the 24 CSOs delegates, said they were drafted into committees where they did not have expertise and consequently, would not be relevant.
“Before the composition of the committees, the leadership circulated papers wherein delegates were asked to indicate in order of preference, the committees they wished to serve in.
“We believe that if the committees of first, second and third choices are not available, the honourable thing to do is to inform delegates and give the option of choosing a fresh committee.
“We note that majority of CSOs delegates did not get placed in any of their preferred committees.
“We feel this is deliberate and an attempt to exclude CSOs from contributing across the board to the important issues to be discussed in the various committees.
“We argue that the leadership erred by not getting back to the delegates in relation to their preferred committees’ choices before placing and lumping them into committees they had not indicated interest,’’ the CSOs said.
They, therefore, demanded that the list be completely reviewed in line with the national outlook of the conference.
They also called on the leadership to henceforth conduct the activities of the conference “in an open, transparent, fair and equitable manner.
“We wish to place on record that this conference is a National Conference of the Nigerian people from all walks of life.
“It is neither a conference of ethnic nationalities nor a conference of regions or states. Furthermore, we totally reject the list of committees’ leaders that have been released.
“We find it very disturbing and unacceptable that CSOs are not represented at all on the committees’ leadership.
“This is so even on the committee on Labour and Civil Society, Social Sector or Environment where CSOs competence is not in doubt.
“Furthermore, we find it equally untenable that CSOs are not represented on the committees on political parties and electoral process; politics and forms of government; national security; devolution of powers, among others.”
According to them, members of CSOs have requisite competence and years of experience on the aforementioned committees and their thematic areas, and indicated interests in serving on them.
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.