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That Alarm By Gov Wike …Why Police, INEC Must Act
No sane Nigerian can dispute the fact that the country is facing tough times. Times, so challenging, nothing short of financial discipline, political tolerance, prudent management of scarce resources and indeed selfless service are required of those the people look upon to offer leadership.
It is a period that demands optimum protection and maintenance of existing infrastructure, build capacity and inspire the people to give of their best in hope that the period will merely be a phase that would soon be history.
These indeed are times when governments and the people alike must unite in fight against unnecessary controversies likely to cause insecurity, strife and indeed further destruction of an already creeping economy.
Last week, Nigeria’s Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun said the dark days are over. But no Nigerian that patronises the market place would share same sentiment, for, it amounts to telling a blind man that there is salt in his soup, when there is none.
Truth is, many states cannot pay workers’ salaries. More than a bunch is in arrears of close to eight months, while others who manage to meet their obligations to their workforce do so at great pains and at the expense of other competing needs, like the much required infrastructural update necessary to attract investments and boost internal revenue generation.
These indeed are times when, even the Federal Government borrows to pay its staff, with doubts hanging around the full implementation of the 2016 budget. With the free fall of the Naira against other major currencies, a virtually dead manufacturing sector and with inflation rate hitting an all time 17 per cent high, it should dawn on all that all is not well.
At times like this, to allow any form of insecurity, protestations and violent conflicts would be putting salt upon injury. It indeed would be a perilous voyage to encourage any miscarriage of justice or promotion of partisanship that would push those denied justice seek alternative reliefs.
This is because such can threaten security and ultimately breed insecurity. Where such insecurity holds way, where crime blossoms where injustice reins, where lawlessness replaces rule of law and where impunity takes the place of order, all other positive efforts take back seat. Investors are threatened, and the local economy at the risk of getting stalled.
These are why none should venture any action or inaction capable of engineering chaos, crisis, insecurity and strife. These indeed are why the concerns recently expressed by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike concerning, ‘flawed’ police postings and ‘glaring efforts’ by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rig the forthcoming re-run elections in Rivers State, must be addressed and fast too, to prevent the agitated from seeking alternative reliefs.
Last week, the governor pointedly accused the National Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmud Yakubu of moves to scuttle credible re-run elections in the state by holding secret meetings with the state’s All Progressives Congress, with APC Chairman, Chief Davies Ikanya, Senator Magnus Abe and others on July 19, this year. According to the Governor, the INEC boss might have concluded plans to postpone the July 30 elections over fears of defeat expressed by the APC leadership, or rig the elections in favour of the APC.
Wondering why anyone would be happy to destroy Rivers State just because he or she wants to satisfy the politician who funded APC national elections through Rivers resources, the governor lamented:
“They are frustrating elections in Rivers State because of one man who sponsored APC. They have posted electoral officers from APC states to rig elections and they want to accede to the request of the Rivers APC to post out the Resident Electoral Commissioner.
“But the truth is that nobody can rig elections in Rivers State. The INEC Chairman only has the power to postpone elections but he has no power to rig elections here.
“As I speak to you, 7.30 to 8pm, on 19th of July, 2016, the APC Chairman, Davies Ikanya, Senator Magnus Abe and others, were with the National Chairman in his office.
“Rivers State is key to development of this country. Will they continue to deny us representation at the Senate and majority of the constituencies of the House of Representatives?”
These are serious concerns. Even more worrisome is the alarm raised by the governor over recent postings in the Police Command, which he described as politicized.
According to Governor Wike, the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) recently posted Mr. Akin Fakorede, a Police officer formerly in-charge of the state’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad and who allegedly distributed fake SARS uniforms to APC thugs during the March 19, re-run elections leading to the death of several innocent Rivers people. He also accused the same officer of embezzling N18 million meant for the rehabilitation of armoured personnel carrier before he fled the state, after the last re-run.
Governor Wike also accused the IGP of posting back to the state, one Mustapha who ran away from the state after giving false testimony at the Governorship Elections Petitions Tribunal. According to the governor, that ‘APC Witness’ has now been posted to head MOPOL 56 in Bori, one of the battle-ground locations, in the July 30, rerun elections.
He added that the Police High Command also reposted to the state, one Stephen Asin, an officer formerly in charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, after same officer had allegedly declared publicly that he would destroy the security network in the state. That Asin, the governor alerted, is now to head the Police Operations Department in the state.
The governor said, ‘my interest is for the security of the state to be sustained. We are enjoying relative security in the state and I will not fold my arms and allow anyone destroy the security of the state through the posting of politicians who hide under Police uniforms’, he said.
These are serious accustations that ought to attract the urgent response of both the Police High Command and INEC. This is because one wants to resist the temptation of rushing to the natural conclusion that silence means acceptance. In this case, acceptance of the governor’s concerns as true in every material particular. Even so, I pray am wrong.
This is because, one of the greatest incentives to strife and conflict, is the attempt to impose one’s ambition on others, even when as one time United States President Abraham Lincoln once warned, ‘no one is good enough to lead another man without that other’s consent.’ The crises that characterised the elections in Bayelsa State last year, where, several lost their lives, is traceable to same conflict of interest.
Delta State is now boiling on account of renewed insurgency by a new group of militants, Bayelsa sleeps with only one eye closed, Cross River is facing challenges of criminal gangs. To push Rivers State into any form of disturbance would not be in the interest of the country, and its economy.
While one is reluctant to agree with the governor that APC leaders’ meeting with the INEC Chairman is wrong. What is wrong is the INEC chair’s refusal to grant same audience to the PDP leadership or even return the governor’s call, just as didn’t the new IGP.
Also curious is the timing of the postings and the calibre and character of those involved. The choice of officers, obviously APC-friendly, if records of the last Governorship Petitions Tribunal are any leads to go by; indeed raises eyebrows and portend a special assignment. Such job cannot be apolitical, unless INEC and the Police convince the people otherwise.
INEC in particular, must realise that once the populace loses confidence in its impartiality, it shall brew discontent which in turn gives birth to resistance. Such resistance very often rises up to become civil, even militant disobedience. As supposed umpire, INEC must resist the temptation to support one party against another or one candidate against the other.
Such would, without doubt, heat-up the polity; incite the civil populace against the institution and by extension government, a volatile scenario none should wish for. And not of all places, Rivers.
Rivers is a very strong factor in the economic equation of the country. Its peace should not be sacrificed on the altar of political compensation. The people should instead be allowed to vote according to their conscience and let the people alone determine who represents them.
In spite of what Abuja politicians may wish to accept, Rivers State has enjoyed relative peace and progress. That is why it has become a destination of choice for frontline professional bodies to hold their conferences in the state. The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) are merely two of such bodies that consider Rivers as peaceful.
This should not be sacrificed for the likely desire of a group to win the elections by hook or crook, through armed Policemen and soldiers and through fake election results. These can only elicit protests, even violence which scope and consequence cannot be predicted.
My Agony is that some politicians in Abuja still believe that election results written in hotel rooms can be declared, unpopular candidates can be made popular overnight and that elections can be rigged in Rivers State.
In my over 33 years in the business of minding others business, I have come to the conclusion that politicians can only rig successfully, where, they enjoy, at least a marginal majority of the electorate. To attempt to rig when the opposite is true, is to replay the Bayelsa governorship elections debacle. Not at these tough times, please.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
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Arson: Those Behind It’ll Account For Atrocities -Fubara …Swears In Bipi, Three Others As Commissioners
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration will not fold its hands and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the State.
The Governor, therefore, assured that, working with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), measures will be taken to unravel those behind the recent burning of council Secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua and Eleme Local Government areas, with a view to making them account for their atrocities.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while swearing in four new commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt yestersday.
Those sworn in are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.
Governor Fubara recalled mentioning when he sworn-in newly elected Local Government Councils’ Chairmen on 6th October, 2024, that there was intelligence on planned mayhem by misguided persons, who had threatened to prevent the elected officers from resuming duties.
True to it, Governor Fubara said, the sponsored political thugs hatched their plans, and burnt valued buildings at some council secretariats.
He said, “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go extra miles to create disaffection in the minds and hearts of the good people of Rivers State.
“We want to also let the people know that what has happened (arson) after the election, we are not going to allow it to go uninvestigated.
“A similar event had happened in this manner before, and after some weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted in order to turn the story around.
“But this time around, I strongly believe, with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), we will unravel those behind the assault and make sure that they account for their atrocities.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation for the show of patience and calmness by majority of Rivers people despite the fact that they are angry with the reckless acts of the misguided miscreants.
The Governor said he has continued to show leadership, provided the climate that has engendered productive endeavours, and will not mislead those he is leading.
“As your leader; the one steering the ship, I assure you I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We have cases of arson in some local government areas.
“But, I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers, if we meet them force-for-force. We need to go with peace.
“So, I will encourage everyone of you not to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands. So, we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom.”
Governor Fubara reiterated what he said the previous day on what should matter most for Rivers State, which is a firm support to ensure that the progress of Nigeria is sustained.
He said, if oil theft is not checked, the country’s economy will be badly impacted, and there will not be funds to address critical issues.
“We are in a situation where the fund that is being generated from oil production is not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to make sure that there is increase in production.
“Our focus here, not minding the distractions, will be how to provide support. You have to work with us to make sure that we curb this issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.
“This is the only way that the allowances (revenue) will increase and more will also come to our State, and more progress will also be achieved in this State.”
Governor Fubara explained that his administration is doing a lot for the good people of the State, that are not being seen because of the political drama that takes their attention away.
He, however, said that his administration is working out modalities, and will soon choose a day, which could probably be before the end of October, 2024, to showcase a few projects and services that have positively impacted lives in the State.
Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners for making it into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He explained that more persons whose loyalty are for Rivers people and the administration needed to be admitted into the Rivers State Executive Council to help drive the policy of government because they will not resign their appointment.
Governor Fubara said: “We want to be sure, at this point, who we are adding into the Council, so that we will not wake up one morning and see resignation letter. So, we are taking our time.
“And usually, after a normal political period, there used to be what we call balancing. So, I can also say that the new Commissioners that are coming in are coming from their zones to also balance the political equation.”
Governor Fubara charged them to be dedicated, forthright, diligent and productive while rendering quality services to the State.
The Governor said he believed in their capacity to deliver because of their exposure to the workings of government, and expressed the hope that they will contribute positively to the success of the administration.
He said, “So, let me thank everyone of you. Let me also use this opportunity to thank the good people of Rivers State for their support, and to assure them that we will continue to defend, protect the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to thank everyone of you for your support, more especially before, during and after the elections. I appreciate your doggedness, your belief in our course to salvage this State, to protect the integrity of this State,” he added.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has sought media support to fast-track the implementation of the ongoing reforms in the civil service sector.
Walson-Jack made the request during a cocktail organised by her office for media executives from different organisations in Abuja.
The event, according to her, aimed at interacting with the media men one-on-one, appreciate them and implore them to continue to strengthen the bond with the office.
“I want to start by thanking each and everyone of you for honouring this invitation. I want to say that we purposely designed this grail cocktail so that we can have one-on-one interactions.
“Let me also go ahead to thank you for all the supports you have given to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) in the years past I know that the Fourth Estate of the realm has always supported this office.
“I will also go ahead to thank you for your support, especially at my announcement as the HoCSF and that support has continued, up till date.
“We, therefore, thought it fit that we should organise this event just to interact with you to strengthen the bond that this office has with the media, “ she said.
The HoCSF recalled that her office had continued with programmes she met on ground upon assumption of office, especially the ongoing reforms on Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025).
She, therefore, appealed to the media for continuous reportage on the initiative, so as to give it the necessary publicity for proper dissemination to the citizens.
“You will recall that the office has the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025) and that is the plan that we are still driving.
“We want to request that you collaborate more with us, we are asking that the friendship, the partnership go beyond what it is now to ensure that the reforms which this office is driving get the full publicity it requires,” she said.
Walson-Jack used the medium to announce the preparation to re-introduce the civil service national anthem officially for the entire civil servants to recite at every national programme.
“The anthem has been re-introduced to drive the reforms and it’s expected that the anthem will be sung by all federal civil/public servants and indeed Nigerians.
“And it will be an anthem that will encourage every public servants to be efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, “ she added.
Participants at the event congratulated Mrs Walson-Jack for her uplifting to the position of the HoCSF and pledged to continue in the relationship.
In a response, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged the agency’s readiness to give the HoCSF the needed support.
According to him, supporting government policies has always been NAN’ priority as government’s owned media organisation.
“You can take it for granted that we are going to give the Office total support. It is part of our own mandates to support Federal Government policies, so we are going to do that fully for the head of service.
“As she said, she has her policies which are in tandem with the federal government policies, she is asking for the support in implementation of the Federal Government policies.
“She has very lofty ideas, she has lofty things that she believes that we should do. Our job is to make sure that whatever government wants to do, we have to support such policies, “ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs Halima Musa, Director News, NTA, assured her office’s partnership with the Head of service towards ensuring communicating the needed values on excellence, incorruptibility and new culture of efficiency to the public.
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LG Polls: Rogue Policemen Break RSIEC Gate, Strong Room To Steal Electoral Materials …Fubara Foils Attempt To Cart Away Materials
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has foiled an attempt by the Nigerian Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at 1am on Friday, 4th October, 2024.
The rogue policemen were said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the Commission to cart away sensitive Electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the State.
The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police.
However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.
The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility.
Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara condemned the conduct of the policemen on illegal duty, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.
He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.
He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.
At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the rogur policemen in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday.