Politics
Fubara, Gateway To Democratic Dividends For Rivers People -Rep
The lawmaker representing Phalga Constituency 1, in the House of Representatives, Hon. Manuchim Umezuruike, has emphasised that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remained the gateway to experiencing the true benefits of democracy.
Speaking at the Simplified Movement’s thanksgiving celebration in commemoration of the Supreme Court affirmation of the election victory of Governor Fubara in Ayama- Ndoki, Oyigbo Local Government Area, Hon. Munachim highlighted how his constituency has flourished under Governor Fubara’s leadership, praising him as a unifying figure transcending tribal boundaries.
Director of the Simplified Movement, Rt. Hon.Evans Bipi, criticised certain politicians for disrespecting esteemed elder statesmen in the state and cautioned President Bola Tinubu about the presence of such individuals in his cabinet and urged the people to stand steadfastly by the governor.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Chisom Gbali, hailed Governor Fubara, whom he described as a son of Ndoki, and stressed the importance of hindsight in guiding future actions.
He underscored the connection between the Ndoki, Bonny and Opobo people as part of the Ijaw stalk in the Niger-Delta region.
Reminiscing on the famous quote of Usman Danfodio, that “Conscience is an open wound which only the truth can heal”, Dr. Gbali described Governor Fubara as a beacon of truth for Rivers State.
The event also featured special prayers for the progress, peace and unity of Rivers State.
In a related development, a chieftain of the Simplified Movement in the LGA, Hon Stanleyson Akaya, says that Rivers people have been inundated with the persistent sobbing of the embattled 27 members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, the latest being a press conference to pour venom and vituperation on Governor Fubara and his administration.
Hon. Akaya who spoke to newsmen shortly after the thanksgiving service to commemorate the Governor’s Supreme Court victory as Governor of Rivers State, maintained that there would not have been any need to dissipate energy responding to lawmakers, but for the fact that every of their gathering and plots becomes an avenue for lamentations and disrespect for the office of the governor.
According to him: “It is unfortunate that since the disagreement between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara began, every sense of reasoning and collaboration required of them to move the state forward had been abandoned.
“Rather than show some sense of rapprochement and commitment to peace like the governor, they have tended towards becoming political traducers bent on rocking the ship of progress.
“Their grandstanding has become completely nauseating, not just to democratic ethos, but to Rivers people who are solidly behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the organic support.”
Hon. Akaya further averred: “Despite these unnecessary altercations, the peaceful disposition of the Governor has continued to encourage him to acknowledge the value of every Rivers man or woman, and willing to welcome and accommodate whosoever that wants to be part of the new trajectory of development in the state. Infact, members of the House of Assembly are most important segment of our society and need to act in very decorous manner that should bring honour and glory not just to the people they represent, but the entire state”.
He said “It is unfortunate to state unequivocally that what the Rivers State Assembly members are enjoying today is because of the respect our Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has for peace, reconciliation and development of the state.
“This is in spite of the plethora of legal tussles in courts by well- meaning Rivers people and sound opinions by legal luminaries on the legitimacy of their membership. It is further restated that neither the Governor nor Rivers people are perturbed by their threat of impeachment. They should take note that beside the credibility question legally hanging on their heads is the fact that they have the entire Rivers people to contend with if they pretend to institute any form of illegal impeachment moves once again.
“I am sounding out this for the records to save our state from unnecessary bickering that could snowball into crisis . Let us therefore be circumspect with our positions as such grandstanding won’t do any of us any good”, Hon. Akaya submitted.
Bethel Toby
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
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