The Rivers State Ethnic Youth Leaders Coalition (RSEYLC), has challenged the chairman of Ikwerre local government area of the state, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, to remain in office after the expiration of his tenure on June 16, 2023.
Nwanosike, a loyalist of the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, had while addressing his supporters recently, vowed not vacate his office at the end of his tenure on June 16.
The LG chairman, who directly addressed Governor Siminalayi Fubara, cited an extension of tenure by state lawmakers under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule as justification due to the state government’s failure to conduct local government elections.
But, RSEYLC, in a statement made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt yesterday, said youths of the state will resist and chase Nwanosike and any other LG chairman who refuses to vacate office after the expiration of their tenure out of the council sexretariats.
The statement, which was signed by the coalition’s chairman, Dr. Legborsi Yamaabana, advised supporters of the Ikwerre LGA chairman to be weary of the impending trap being set for them by their paymaster and emperor because Rivers people are fully prepared to take their destinies by themselves.
It reads in part: “The attention of the Rivers State Ethnic Youth Leaders Coalition has been drawn to a viral video where the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Hon. Samuel Nwanosike is seen challenging His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara KSC, GSSRS, Executive Governor of Rivers State to come push him out of office when his tenure and that of his other prodigal colleagues comes to an end in June 2024.
“Well, it has become very glaring to Rivers people and Nigerians whom the real troublemakers and crisispreneurs in Rivers State are.
“This video validates rumored information that had filtered the state before now on their plans to ferment trouble in the State to pave way for the declaration of a state of emergency. They have also bragged about their connections with the Presidency and the judiciary, hence making them choose which laws to obey and which not to obey.
“We hereby use this opportunity to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Department of State Service, the police and other security agencies to hold Hon. Nwanosike responsible should there be any breakdown of law and order in Ikwerre and Rivers State in general.
“We challenge Mr. Nwanosike and his prodigal fellows to remain in office beyond their tenure expirations as Rivers youths will resist and chase them completely from anywhere close to the different Council Secretariats. If Mr. Nwanosike has two heads, let him dare to stay in office beyond his last day.
“We further advise Mr. Nwanosike’s gullible supporters to be weary of the impending trap being set for them by their paymaster and emperor because Rivers people are fully prepared to take their destinies by themselves.”
The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has officially recognized Monday Okpebholo as the legitimate governor of Edo State.
In a series of three judgments, the tribunal rejected petitions submitted by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Action Alliance, and Accord Party.
The tribunal determined that the PDP did not present any witnesses to substantiate its claims of overvoting.
Specifically, the PDP failed to bring forth polling unit agents from the locations where they alleged electoral discrepancies occurred.
Furthermore, the tribunal noted that among the 19 witnesses presented by the petitioners, 14 were ward and local government agents, while the primary witness, who claimed to be a director of strategy for the PDP, had no involvement in the election’s execution.
Additionally, the tribunal remarked that the BVAS evidence submitted by the petitioners was inadequately presented.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State has condemned the ban on political rallies and convoys imposed by the state government.
State Chairman of SDP, Mr Ahmed Attah, issued the condemnation in a statement signed by the SDP Press Secretary, Isaiah Ijele, on Tuesday in Lokoja.
The party described the ban as an attack on democratic principles and a blatant attempt to silence opposition voices.
Attah urged Gov. Ahmed Ododo to learn from the past and avoid repeating old, harmful practices that have hindered the state’s progress.
“The party views this action as an attempt to suppress the freedom of association and movement enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Attah insisted that the state is not at war and urged the government to focus on development instead of engaging in political manoeuver.
He warned that Kogi must not return to the dark days of repression, particularly against the opposition. (NAN)
The Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 general election, Chief Martin Onovo, has said the only unity and emergence of a strong candidate could secure victory for the coalition of opposition leaders in 2027.
Onovo, an activist and Head of Policy Positions, Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
He was reacting to the recent announcement of an opposition coalition to challenge the All progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election.
Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 general election, Chief Martin Onovo,
“The coalition of opposition leaders needs a candidate that is vigorous; a strong candidate to brighten its chances in 2027. The coalition needs somebody with a clear agenda and a clear vision.
“The opposition needs a candidate with a strong background of integrity. Nobody is perfect, but you need a strong background of integrity.
“The opposition needs somebody who is morally and mentally competent, and physically fit. The opposition does not need the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any old person if it wants to win.
“The opposition doesn’t need any old person now. It is time to use the energy of the young.
“They must present a strong candidate, who is strong morally, mentally, and physically, with a clear patriotic agenda to move the country forward, ” Onovo said.
He added that the coalition had a lot that could work to its advantage in 2027 and urged members to work with unity of purpose to achieve convincing victory.
Also speaking on chances of the ruling party in 2027, the politician said APC could remain in power if the challenges arising from subsidy removal and other economic issues were addressed by the present administration.
He also said President Bola Tinubu still had the opportunity to address the security challenges in the country to win in 2027 ,and remain in power ,if interested
Onovo, who noted that he was not part of the organisers of the mega coalition, said that he had always been part of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) since 2019 elections.
He called on all Nigerians to unite for the development of the country, ensuring leadership that would fulfill the country’s aspirations.
NAN recalls that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, had recently announced the formation of a coalition, aimed at unseating Tinubu in 2027.
Atiku made the declaration during a press conference in Abuja, attended by several opposition politicians, including former APC members.
Among those present at the even were the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, represented by Dr Yunusa Tanko; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai. (NAN)
