Politics
Resolve Ondo Political Crisis, Afenifere Tells Tinubu
The leader of the Pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has asked President Bola Tinubu and the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to urgently intervene in the current political logjam in Ondo State.
Pa Fasoranti, in a letter to President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of the APC, Dr Umar Ganduje, said that their intervention would end the present constitutional crisis in the State.
The Afenifere leader who convened a meeting of Ondo State Elders and Leaders on the current political logjam in the State, added that their intervention would “ avoid the looming breakdown of law and order, following the prolonged absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu due to his unabating health challenges”.
A communique signed by Pa Fasoranti and Dr Bakita, said that the “misinformation about the governor and lack of communication between the governor and his deputy, have resulted in the inability of the deputy governor to perform constitutional duties on behalf of the governor, for the good governance of the State”.
In attendance at the emergency meeting included traditional, religious and professional leaders, market women, the academia and other notable stakeholders in the State.
Pa Fasoranti lamented the “ Failure of the National Ruling Party and the Executive Arm of Government to nip the matter in the bud before its escalation”.
He observed the “ apparent confusion and helplessness of civil/public servants in the State in the absence of appropriate and delineated directives;
“Feeling of hopelessness of the citizens of Ondo State in not enjoying continually, the expected dividends of democracy and good governance;
“Current utter disrespect for the rule of law in Ondo State whereby self-serving persons have taken over the government without due regard to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Absence and non-active participation of Ondo State in national affairs due to the lingering crisis;
“Foreseeable problems of late preparation of the 2024 Budget by the executive arm for the customary timely presentation to the State House of Assembly.”
Pa Fasoranti however, called for prayers for the improved health of the governor, noting that without doubt, his absence has caused a lack of sustained good governance in the state.
He said “All unelected persons should allow the three arms of government to find lasting solutions to the current crisis.
“The rule of law should be followed by all stakeholders as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution.”
Pa Fasoranti, also called on the state and national leaderships of the All Progressives Congress, to provide the required guide to those in government as well as ensure discipline amongst their fold.
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State has advised political gladiators and stakeholders to be circumspect in their utterances and actions as regards the political development in the State.
A statement by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Alex Kalejaye, said that the “ faceoff between the executive and legislative arms of the state government is being critically examined by the combined teams of national and state leaderships of the party.”
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