Politics
Wike Urges Fubara to Uphold Court Rulings for Peace in Rivers
Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has called on his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, to adhere to the rule of law to ensure peace within the state.
In a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wike emphasized the significance of following judicial decisions. “Peace prevails when the rule of law is respected. Compliance with court judgments fosters tranquility,” stated the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Wike’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions in Rivers State, which has garnered attention due to a rift between him and Fubara. This conflict intensified recently, particularly surrounding the local government elections in the region.
A court ruling had instructed the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to refrain from providing security for the elections. Additionally, it ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to furnish the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) with the voter register for the electoral process.
Despite this ruling, the Fubara administration proceeded with the local government elections on Saturday. Following the swearing-in of chairpersons and councilors on Monday, a new wave of violence erupted, resulting in the burning of three local government council secretariats and significant property damage.
In response, Fubara has pledged to identify those responsible for the unrest and has established a panel to investigate the incidents.
Wike, however, reiterated the importance of adhering to the court’s decision to restore peace. “Comply with court rulings and uphold the rule of law. Disregarding the law leads to chaos,” he warned.
“I have always respected the rule of law during my tenure as governor. The current situation reflects an emerging anarchy in our state due to noncompliance with legal judgments. It is imperative to honor court decisions and refrain from taking the law into one’s own hands,” Wike asserted.
**Allegations of Fubara’s APP Sponsorship**
While the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party affiliated with both Wike and Fubara, chose not to participate in the elections, the Action Peoples Party (APP) secured 22 of the 23 available chairmanship positions.
Wike has raised suspicions that Fubara may have sponsored the APP. “Today, some claim I acted against the party, but I stood for equity, fairness, and justice,” he said, referencing his support for President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 elections.
“Now, it is evident that the governor [Fubara] is the one who backed the APP. The chairman of the PDP governors’ forum was present at the swearing-in,” Wike concluded.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated the newly elected executive members of the party in the North-East zone.
Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who inaugurated the members on Monday in Bauchi, tasked them to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, the governor said that the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) has failed Nigerians, hence the leadership of the PDP must develop strategies to enable it to wrestle power and meet the aspirations of the electorate.
“The APC has failed to deliver on its promises instead created more hardship for Nigerians and deepened poverty.
“It is time for a change, and the PDP is poised to reclaim the hopes and dreams of the Nigerian people,” he said.
He urged the new party executives to recognise the enormous responsibilities on their shoulders, stressing that, “they are the vanguard of change in the region.”
According to Mohammed, the next general election is not just about political power but the future of children, security, and overall wellbeing of Nigerians.
While assuring support to the party, Mohammed charged the leadership of the party to be change makers, leading with integrity, compassion and dedication to the people.
Responding, the Zonal Chairman of the party, Babangida Umar promised to work collectively to achieve the desired objectives. (NAN)
…I’m not afraid, victory is certain – Fubara
….Ex-Rivers LG Chairmen handover
The 27 members of Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule on Monday issued a 48 hours ultimatum to Governor Similanayi Fubara to present the 2025 state appropriation bill.
The development comes after the supreme judgement ordered Martins Amaewhule and the 26 other members of the Assembly loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to resume sitting as the legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The 48 hours ultimatum was issued by the lawmakers during plenary in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Governor Fubara had on January 2nd , 2025 signed N1.1 trillion 2025 budget into law after it was presented to the Victor Oko Jumbo led 4 member house of Assembly.
Governor Fubara had in a state wide broadcast on Sunday said that he would implement the supreme court judgement without reservation after studying the content of the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the judgement.
In the meantime there is heavy security presence at the GRA Assembly quarters where the lawmakers use as their temporary chambers.
I’m not afraid, victory is certain – Fubara
Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured his supporters that victory is inevitable, despite the political challenges in the state.
He assured the immediate past council chairmen in attendance that there was no reason for concern.
Before addressing the crowd, Fuubara opened his speech with a passage from the Holy Bible, Philippians 3:18-19, emphasizing faith and resilience in the face of challenges.
“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things,” the governor read.
“Despite everything, victory is sure,” he declared, stating that the struggle is not just about winning but about standing for truth and fighting gallantly.
Governor Fubara declared that the era of deception in Rivers State is over, emphasizing that the state is now determined to take control of its destiny.
While reaffirming his commitment to peace, Fubara stated that when the time comes, the necessary decisions will be made in the best interest of the state.
“I am not afraid of anything. The worst that can happen is for me to leave office,” he said, underscoring his resolve to stand by his principles.
Addressing the youth, the governor assured them that at the right time, they would receive the necessary direction.
While reacting to the Supreme Court’s ruling which nullified the local government elections and also ordered that the Martin Amaewhule-led group resume sitting, the governor maintained that the future holds greater promise than the past.
He pledged to complete his tenure with honour and integrity, ensuring that his decisions remain defensible.
Fubara also emphasized the need to counter political propaganda with evidence of purposeful governance, citing the ongoing inauguration of state projects as a testament to his administration’s commitment to progress.
He stated that the newly commissioned project was designed to enhance work efficiency among public servants in government houses.
Cross River chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has objected to the recall of the suspended state Chairman of the party, Mr Venatius Ikem, by the National Working Committee (NWC).
This is contained in a statement issued by the state Secretary of the party, Mr Anthony Edako, on Monday in Calabar.
The party’s State Executive Committee (SEC) insisted that the chairman remained suspended until NWC and stakeholders met to decide otherwise.
According to the party, any purported decision to reinstate the suspended chairman without first having an expanded meeting to look into SEC’s complaint is null and void.
“We have been made aware of a letter circulating on social media, purportedly written by the national organising secretary reinstating the suspended state chairman.
“We wish to state categorically state that this letter is null and void, as it did not emanate from the proper channel having the authority to write such a letter,” the statement said.
The party said that only the national chairman and national secretary were authorised to write such a letter.
“So, the national oganising secretary overstepped his bounds, and his actions are consequently deemed ultra-vires,” it said.
The secretary recalled that on Nov. 20, 2024, NWC dismissed the suspension of the chairman of Cross River Chapter of PDP, Venatius Ikem, which was made on Nov. 15, 2024.
“The reason for the dismissal of the suspension was communicated to the SEC of the party.
“Consequently, the SEC of the party, on Nov. 22, 2024, suspended the state chairman based on the recommendation of the disciplinary committee of the state and communicated same to the national,” he said.
He further stated that SEC was invited by the NWC and after deliberations, it was unanimously agreed that NWC should convene a meeting with stakeholders from Cross River to determine Ikem’s fate.
“The meeting between the NWC and stakeholders from Cross River has not been convened yet.
“The meeting is a crucial step in ensuring that the decision-making process is transparent, fair and in line with our party’s constitution,” he said.
The secretary said that any purported decision taken to reinstate the suspended chairman without first having the expanded meeting to look into SEC’s complaint was, therefore, null and void.
He urged party members and stakeholders to disregard the said letter and continue to recognise the suspended chairman as such. (NAN)