Politics
Jubilations Trail Okorocha’s Victory
Practising journalists of Imo State extraction working in Rivers State , have joined the train to celebrate the victory of the Governor-elect, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, declared as governor last Saturday after the supplementary election held in four local government areas in the state.
The event, which was held at the secretariat of the correspondents’ chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), attracted journalists from both government and private media organisations in Rivers State. They called on the governor-elect not to disappoint the trust of the people by going the way of the outgoing governor ,Chief Ikedi Ohakim.
Speaking at the occasion, Vice Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr. Terver Akase praised the courage of the people of Imo State for voting and ensuring that their mandate was not stolen during the governorship election in the state.
Akase, who described Okorocha,the Governor elect, as one of the most privileged Nigerians to be alive and received encomium from his people expressed the hope that the governor- elect would take the state to a greater level within the next four years.
In his speech, Mr Francis Onyeukwu said the occasion was not the celebration of the downfall of the outgoing Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim,but to appreciate the fact that the people’s votes had counted.
Onyeukwu noted that Governor Ohakim was not able to meet the aspirations of the people. “ the insecurity of the state was worrisome as it became impossible for indigenes living outside the state to go home”
In his speech, Mr. Chukwudi Akasike advised the governor-elect to sustain the philanthropic posture, which he had been known for and ensure that he brings the state back to its original glory.
Mrs. Ann Godwin urged the Governor elect to pay more attention on road projects ,stressing that this would improve the lots of the people.
Others who spoke at the occasion include, Ms. Clarice Azuatalam and Mr. Joe Ezuma who said the gathering was a show of happiness that the votes of the people of the state counted during the just concluded governorship election which will translate to freedom from oppression from the ruling class.
They challenged the governor-elect not to toe the line of Ohakim in order not to lose the love and trust of the people of the state.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received a pat on the back from Imo indigenes residing in Rivers State for conducting “transparent” supplementary election last Friday.
The Tide reports that Imo electorate overwhelmingly voted for Chief Rochas Okorocha of the All Progressives Grand Alliance as a protest against incumbent Gov. Ikedi Ohakim of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Reacting to the outcome of the supplementary polls, an Imo indigene living in Port Harcourt, Mr Gozie Chigbu, told The Tide on Tuesday that INEC deserved commendation for conducting a free and fair election in Imo.
He said that President Goodluck Jonathan and Prof. Attahiru Jega, the INEC Chairman, had shown Nigerians that a credible electoral process was feasible in the country.
Another indigene, Mr Lucky Okafor, said: “In fact, everybody was confused in the process, but at last INEC had helped us out of the confused state of things.”
Okafor said Nigeria would soon become one of the leading democracies in the world because its political process had produced leaders such as Jonathan and Jega.
Similarly, Mrs Chiemena Eze told The Tide that Nigeria could become one of the best democracies “ if we can display enough patriotism and conduct free, fair and credible elections like the 2011 elections”.
She commended the president and the INEC chairman, saying that the duo had proved to the international community that “Nigeria still parades honest and sincere leaders”.
Another indigence, Mrs Nnenna Obi, said the Imo governorship election had proved to the entire world that “there is no imposition of candidates in these 2011 general elections in Nigeria”.
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.
-
Rivers2 days ago
Group Predicts Garden City Status Return For Rivers … Lauds Fubara Over New RIWAMA Boss’ Appointment
-
Niger Delta2 days agoHYPREP Installs ICT Equipment In Secondary Schools
-
Nation4 days agoOgoni Dialogue Committee Assures Tai Communities
-
Business2 days ago
Firm converts 15,000 Vehicles To Run On CNG
-
Politics2 days ago
Niger Delta Youths Fault S’Court Verdict On Rivers
-
News2 days agoTinubu Appoints Ogunjimi Accountant-General
-
News2 days ago
Traditional Ruler Tasks Security Agencies On Peace In Ngo
-
Rivers2 days ago
Fubara Approves Building Admin Block, Hostels, Others For IAUE