Politics
Anambra Traditional Rulers Blast EFCC Over Obiano’s Video
The Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council has described the online video showing former Governor Willie Obiano in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, as an embarrassment to Obiano and the people of Anambra State.
The council wondered how the video of Obiano got leaked to social media in the first instance.
In a statement signed by its Chairman and Obi of Onitsha, Professor Nnaemeka Achebe, the council stated that it was embarrassed over the viral video showing Obiano dressed in red boxer shorts and a white T-shirt in the EFCC custody.
The statement, which was made available to newsmen in Awka on Monday, decried the “inhumane treatment” to Obiano and queried how the video leaked to the social media.
The council further called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney-General, Mr Abubakar Malami, to call the EFCC to order, regarding the appalling condition Obiano was being subjected to.
The statement read, “The attention of the council has been drawn to a video clip circulating on the social media showing Obiano in EFCC custody wearing a red boxer shorts and a white T-shirt only.
“The traditional rulers are utterly shocked and disappointed that someone of the status of a former state governor would be treated in such a distasteful and reprehensible manner by an agency of the Federal Government.
“We are equally disturbed that such a video clip found its way out of the highly secure environment of the EFCC onto the social media, obviously, with the intent of causing maximum embarrassment to Obiano and, by extension, the people of Anambra.”
Achebe further stated that “without prejudice to the responsibility of the EFCC to carry out its statutory duties, such treatment to Obiano is absolutely dehumanising and would not bring any value to whatever investigation being conducted by the EFCC”.
He stated that the council, on behalf of all the traditional rulers in the state, called on the EFCC to treat Obiano with due civility.
Achebe further urged that the commission should immediately restore Obiano to his personal comfort, whilst expeditiously working to conclude its investigation.
Obiano was arrested by the EFCC on March 17 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
He was allegedly on his way out of the country shortly after handing over to Professor Charles Soludo.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reacted to a video showing former Anambra Governor Willie Obiano in its custody.
A statement on Monday by EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, condemned the release of the video, announcing that the culprit would face the music.
He said the act was “completely at variance with the established Standard Operating Procedure” of the commission.
“A discreet investigation ordered upon discovery of the leak has revealed the errant officer behind the odious act.
“He is currently being subjected to appropriate disciplinary action”, Uwajaren disclosed.
Obiano is accused of diverting Local Government Councils (LGCs) allocations and alleged purchase of property in Nigeria and abroad.
A grassroots organisation known as Sir Siminalayi Fubara Peace Initiative, Friends For Good Governance, has passed a confidence vote on the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara over his development strides in the state within a short time in office.
Apart from the numerous development projects embarked upon by the governor in the state, the body expressed delight over the recent payment of N85,000.00 minimum wage to civil servants in the State to reduce the economic burden of workers and their dependants.
Spokesperson of the organisation, Chief Felix Ologara, who addressed newsmen in Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area described Governor Fubara’s administration as the most compassionate, peace-loving and labour-friendly in Nigeria.
Coordinator of the NGO, Comrade Felix Nnaa, also lauded the governor of Rivers State for staying focused on the development of the state despite the challenges by detractors of his administration.
The NGO also commended the newly elected local government chairmen in the state, particularly the chairman of Khana LGA, Hon Martin Nwigbo and his Tai counterpart, Hon Mathew Dike for modelling their leadership style after Governor Fubara’s in providing essential services to the people.
On his part, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Hon. Martins Nwigbo, who also spoke with the press assured that his administration will give priority attention to the development of Khana, particularly in providing security, economic empowerment, human capital development and restoration of power in the area.
Former President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Atuboyedia Obianime, has called for a people centred governance in Nigeria.
Prof. Obianime said this at the Rivers Liberation Summit and Awards organised by the Ijaw Wari Initiative Worldwide in Port Harcourt.
He said projects execution are good but government must come up with policies that will create employment opportunities for the people.
The former INC president particularly urged the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, to revive all moribund industries with the view to creating jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the state and stressed the need for the revamping of the agricultural sector in the state.
Also speaking, a former chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Dr Sam Sam Jaja, said the Ijaws will never surrender their rights for any reason.
“We know where we come from and we know where we are now; we know the battle we fought and we know the battle we are still fighting and one thing is very important among us, we will never surrender our rights for any reason”, he said.
Dr Jaja said the Ijaws have been known to fight against oppression and marginalisation and commended the Ijaw Wari Initiative for complementing the INC.
“What we are doing today is to honour Ijaw sons and daughters who deserve to be honoured and of course we have one of our elderly sons to tell us what we have done in terms of pursuing leadership”, he added.
He also described the Ijaws as symbols of leadership, adding: “it starts from us and it will continue to remain with us for a long time”
Dr Jaja also declared that with an Ijaw man at the saddle of leadership in the State, the people will see a new phase of governance, adding that areas neglected will be touched, while expressing optimism that the event would equip the participants to face the challenges ahead.
In his welcome address, the president of Ijaw Wari Initiative Worldwide, Somina Wokoma, said the event was to “commemorate the October 30th, 2023, failed attempt to impeach our dear Governor which marked a turning point in our democratic journey”.
“As we converge on this epoch making occasion, we celebrate the triumph of democracy, people oriented leadership and the resilience of Rivers people”, he said.
John Bibor
A non- governmental organisation in Rivers State, the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force ( (NDPVF), Opobo/Nkoro Chapter, has tasked Chairmen of the 23 Local Government Areas of the State to urgently focus on aggressive infrastructural and human capital development projects.
This is contained in a statement released by the group in Port Harcourt shortly after her Chapter Executive Council ( CEC) meeting in Opobo Town, and signed by its Coordinator, Commander Idawari Brown; Secretary, Comrade Success Dinne Ebranga and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Lucky Ubani.
The group urged the chairmen and councillors to be proactive in the discharge of their assignment of dispensing quality service delivery in their areas of jurisdiction and admonished them to follow the leadership example of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“There is need for the Chairmen of various Councils in the state to ensure that they emulate the leadership style of the governor by building bridges of transformation, human capital development and youth inclusiveness in governance of their LGAs”, the statement said.
The group further admonished the chairmen of the various councils and their Councillors to put in their best in the leadership of their local areas for the well-being of the people.
“The people are in dire need of your contributions for better development bridges in terms of even distribution of development projects and programmes that will have direct- bearings on the people’s welfare and lives.
“They should include those who have what it takes to develop the areas through their contributions to move the area forward developmentally.
“We urge the chairmen of various councils and their councillors not to appoint anybody on political patronage in order to siphon the treasury of the councils.
“We would not tolerate this lackluster attitude from any council chairmen Councillors. The real thing should be done through those with leadership expertise and are ever ready to join forces with them to build a pleasant and virile Local Government Areas administration for posterity.
By: Bethel Toby