Politics
Wike, Key To PDP’s Electoral Victory In 2023 – Jang
Former Governor of Plateau State and stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Jonah Jang has described the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, as an asset to the PDP , Rivers State and Nigeria in general, whose role in ensuring the party’s electoral victory in 2023 can not be undermined.
Addressing PDP supporters and the people of Omagwa community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers during the flag-off ceremony of the construction of internal road network in the area, the elder statesman said Governor Wike is a pillar of PDP who has made enormous contributions towards its development and sustainability.
He urged stakeholders of the party to settle their differences and position the party to achieve victory in the 2023 general elections.
Jang particularly called on the Presidential Candidate of PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to mend fences with Governor Wike by keying into his strong support base to ensure total victory of the party in 2023.
The former Plateau State Governor, who decried the continuous depletion of the nation’s economy as a result of maladministration, described Governor Wike’s development strides in Rivers State as unprecedented and commended the people of Rivers State for choosing “ a dynamic, hardworking man who has put in all his energies and passion towards providing the dividends of democracy in the state, even at the twilight of his administration”.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, Governor Wike said his administration was concerned about providing good governance and dispensing the dividends of democracy in Rivers State, and will remain committed to that objective till the last day of his administration.
He restated his earlier decision to clamp down on any hotel or event centre that provides coverage or venue for cultists to hold meetings intended to cause chaos in the state, and warned against plots by some political dissidents in the state to destabilize the state.
Governor Wike decried the ingratitude exhibited by some Rivers politicians who are working against the interest of the state, after benefiting immensely from the state, and described such attitude as the bane of political development in any society.
The Rivers State Governor urged the people of the state to be wary of those whose only attraction to rule the state was to loot its resources, but be vigilant and decisive in casting their votes for credible candidates who will develop the state.
Similarly, the Rivers State Government, within the week under review played host to prominent Nigerians who were in the state to commission projects and flag off new ones.
Last Thursday the 11th flyover to be constructed by the Rivers State Government at Rumuokwuta round- about by Ikwerre Road, was flagged off by the former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Donald Duke, while the 12th flyover located at Mgbuoba, Ozuoba by Ada George Road in Obio /Akpor LGA was flagged off by elder statesman and foremost PDP leader, Prof Jerry Gana.
Last Tuesday, the Rivers State Governor had inaugurated the reconstructed VIP Lounge built by the Rivers State Government at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
By: Taneh Beemene
Mr Rhodes-Vivour expressed concern over the development, saying a dangerous precedent was being set.
He said: “What we witnessed at the House of Assembly represents a troubling pattern where might is increasingly valued over right. This forceful seizure of the legislative chambers undermines the very foundations of our democracy and sends a disturbing message about how power is wielded in our state.”
Mr Rhodes-Vivour criticised the ruling party in Lagos, accusing it of systematically promoting thuggery and violence over ideas.
He argued that such actions have eroded public trust in governance and weakened democratic values that should preserve the rule of law.
He said: “For too long, Lagos politics has been defined by intimidation rather than inspiration, by coercion rather than conviction. The ruling party has consistently demonstrated a willingness to use force to have its way notwithstanding the popular will of the people.”
Mr Rhodes-Vivour urged Lagosians to take the current crisis as a wake-up call ahead of future elections, saying voters should prioritise candidates who demonstrate character, competence and compassion regardless of party affiliation.
“The quality of our democracy depends entirely on the quality of individuals we elect to represent us. Lagosians deserve leaders who view public office as a sacred trust rather than a platform for personal aggrandizement”, he said.
In a statement, signed by its spokesman, Mr Chika Adiele, the group warned that the judiciary would be held responsible for any breakdown of law and order in Rivers State.
They expressed shock over the verdict, warning that it could disrupt the peace and development efforts of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The statement read in part: “The attention of the pan-Niger Delta Youths Empowerment Forum, under the leadership of Comrade Maobu Nangi Obu, has been drawn to the shocking verdict of the Supreme Court of Nigeria ordering seizure of Rivers State’s allocation. This is nothing short of economic sabotage against Rivers people.
“The apex Niger Delta youths body is dismayed by the infantile antics of anti-democratic forces whose stock in trade is brewing crisis in a bid to topple the people’s Governor. We firmly condemn this judgement as it is against the tenet of the constitution of Nigeria.
“It is an invitation to war and against equity, justice, and fair play. We equally condemn the order nullifying the local government election as reckless and vindictive.
“Unfortunately, the justices of the Supreme Court positioned themselves as a party to the suit rather than impartial arbiters of justice.”
They urged Nigerians to note that the principle of democracy is rooted in sound constitutional pronouncements with a view to establishing justice. “Therefore, any attempt by the enemies of Rivers people to seize power by judicial fiat will be resisted by the Niger Delta youths.
“We cannot be cowed, neither shall we lay in surrender at the altar of political manipulations of rascals. We reiterate boldly, once again, that anyone, no matter how highly placed, will face fierce resistance by the majority of Rivers people,” they said.
Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi, has appealed to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, to withdraw her suit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking during a live television interview on Saturday, Senator Olujimi said she does not want women to “look emotionally unstable”.
On February 20, Senator Akpabio, the senate president, and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged in a heated debate during plenary over a change in seating arrangements.
On February 25, the senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review.
However, the Kogi senator filed a N100 billion defamation suit against Senator Akpabio over an alleged defamatory statement reportedly made by the senate president’s legislative aide.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan later alleged that her trouble in the senate began after she rejected sexual advances from Senator Akpabio.
Reacting to the development, Senator Olujimi said a senator cannot speak outside the assigned seat according to the senate rule.
The former lawmaker said the request of the Kogi senator that her senate probe proceedings should be broadcast live was a “little overboard.”
She added that the clash between the senate president and Akpoti-Uduaghan should not have been escalated, noting that the change in seating arrangements is a normal phenomenon in the red chamber.
The former senate minority leader expressed support for the probe of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “weighty” allegations against Senator Akpabio.
She said Senator Akpabio is someone who jokes a lot, adding that the senate president usually made fun of everything.
“I want to say that in the 8th and 9th senate, we never had anything like that (referring to the allegations), and Senator Akpabio was one of us.
“They treated us (female senators) with decorum. We did not have anything like that, and I have not heard anything of such from any other of the remaining senators.
“It is tough for me to be able to take that without proper investigation. There should be an investigation.
“He (Akpabio) jokes a lot. He is fond of making little fun out of everything. He loves to make everything light; when you do that, you become very vulnerable.
“I saw all that they (referring to male senators) went through as men when I was there. They were all victimised by people from outside. I had to rescue them all of the time.
“The court case, I want to appeal to her to take the case out of court. We don’t want women to look like they are emotionally unstable.
“We need to also be strong enough to face the men. Going to court against a presiding officer is not on. I know she is hurt, but she needs to handle it in a better way. I think that should get out of court as fast as possible”, Senator Olujimi said.