GRPolitics
Stakeholders Urged Buhari To Wade Into Rivers APC Crisis
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to wade into the crisis rocking the party in the state
While rejecting the outcome of the last Saturday’s ward congress of the party in the state, the stakeholders said Buhari’s intervention will ameliorate the fallout of the botched ward congress of the party in the state.
Addressing newsmen in Port Harcourt on Monday on behalf of the stakeholders, a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Marcus Nle-Eji, disclosed that they were motivated by the need to keep the records straight and let the world know what is happening in Rivers State.
Nle-Eji noted that it is only presidential intervention anchored on Buhari’s reputation for integrity, justice and fair play that can ameliorate the negative impact of the disenfranchisement of party members and the outright betrayal of the ideals of APC “during the so-called sham ward congresses in the state”.
The former lawmaker, who further noted that what transpired in Rivers State in the name of the APC Ward Congress, was a theatre of the absurd.
He said: “In all my years in politics, I have never seen this trend of politics before.
“Even when we contested election under the military, during the Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha transitions, we never saw anything like this.
“I have not seen soldiers used for party congresses before.
“You all saw what happened here on Saturday.
“Police, SARS, soldiers, criminals were hired to intimidate, harass and torture our supporters.
“Members of the same political party, APC.
“You may ask what happened during the congresses.
“Let me use my local government area as an example.
“I am from Eleme LGA.
“Orji Ngofa, a former local government chairman and now an Ambassador, led people and police to Eteo community.
“They shot sporadically and cars were destroyed.
“They shot guns, chased people around and caused so much mayhem.
“Is that how they conduct primaries?
“SARS personnel were deployed all over the place, down to the unit level.
“Armed men took over entire wards.
“For me it’s strange.
“If you ask questions about the irregularities witnessed during the charade of as congress, you will be harassed, intimidated and asked to frog jump.
“I have received over four calls to report to the police.
“If this SARS people are not called to order, I wonder what will happen.
“If SARS can be used to intimidate people for a party congress, what will happen in the general election?
“Over 40 persons who went to the secretariat to collect their forms were arrested and detained and some of them are already being charged to court.”
Speaking on the development, another stakeholder and member representing Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Elder Chidi Wihioka, disclosed that party congresses like elections is a process not an event.
Wihioka said: “Election is a process.
“Aspirants go to the bank, pay and take their tellers to the party secretariat, collect the forms and go back to their wards for their sponsors to sign and then take the form back to the secretariat before they can be declared candidates.
“That’s the process.
“Ward congresses are local based elections.
“Most of the aspirants are artisans, farmers, traders, etc.
“For them to get N10,000 to pay for the forms and come down to Port Harcourt is not an easy thing.
“So what we are dealing with here is a failed process, from the beginning to the end.
“How will APC print forms without result sheets?
“How is that possible?
“Without result sheets, what will the party national officers take back to Abuja?
“Will they cram the names of all the candidates?
“How could they claim to have sold forms to over 8,000 aspirants within a few hours.
“If you have two persons per position and per ward, that will make it 16,000.
“You can see that the congress was a sham.
“How could you have contested the ward congresses without a form?
“How come that for just ward congresses SARS was deployed?
“DCP OPS Steve Hasso ordered that I should be detained and my phones seized because I challenged the irregularities.
“Has SARS been re-created for congresses?
“There was no congress anywhere.”
Wihioka stated that the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, did not even go to Ubima for the congress, pointing out that at Ubima, there was shooting from 6am to 4pm to scare party members from coming out.
The federal lawmaker claimed that the same scenario was witnessed at Emohua local government area of the state, where shooting was recorded at Elibrada, Rumuakunde and other communities.
He therefore called on Buhari and the leadership of the APC to make a statement and distance the party leadership from the charade that was enacted in Rivers State in the name of ward congress, which was orchestrated and supervised by one of his appointees.
Also speaking, Hon. Worgu Boms, a former Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice under Amaechi, faulted claims that there was a ward congress in the state.
Boms said: “As at Wednesday, Ibiamu Ikanya, the party chairman, had admitted at a meeting that the election materials for the ward congress were with him.
“From that Wednesday to Friday, he failed to release the forms.
“On Friday, I went to the secretariat and met party members in their numbers who were peacefully waiting for the forms to be released.
“It was only after SARS personnel arrived and started shooting that some violence erupted.
“There were over 4,000 people at the secretariat as at the time of the shooting by SARS.
“How is it possible that all these people are Senator Magnus Abe’s supporters?
“Dakuku Peterside, Dumo Lulu Briggs, Tonye Princewill, Tonye Cole, Chidi Lloyd, Sekonte Davies, etc, are all coming out for governor, why are they not being singled out for blame?
“Were their supporters not at the secretariat?”
Also, another stakeholder, Dr. Ipalibo Harry, a former Commissioner under Amaechi, said it is sad that under APC, the same impunity that characterized the Peoples Democratic Party is being witnessed.
Harry said: “It is sad and unfortunate that young men and women who spent their hard earned money should be treated this way.
“Our party members expected a genuine congress and not this fraudulent sham.”
GRPolitics
Minister Commends Guards Brigade for Exceptional Service in Securing the Seat of Government
The Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has expressed profound appreciation for the unwavering commitment and exemplary efforts of the Commander, officers, and personnel of the Guards Brigade in safeguarding the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
In his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2024 West African Social Activity (WASA 2024) held in Abuja, the Minister stated, “Your loyalty, sacrifice, and dedication in executing your Presidential security duties, coordinating ceremonial parades, and managing operational challenges are commendable. Your proactive approach in addressing security threats has ensured the safety of the Presidency as well as that of citizens, visitors, and diplomats alike. I urge you to continue embodying compassion and empathy in your operations, striving for excellence in all your responsibilities.”
The Minister highlighted that the WASA event serves as a vibrant testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, as showcased by the personnel and families of the Guards Brigade. “The traditional dances and local delicacies on display tonight not only enhance our appreciation of our diverse cultures but also play a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage and distinct identity,” he added.
In conclusion, the Minister called upon the Guards Brigade to uphold the trust placed in them by consistently meeting the challenges of their duties and ensuring that the flag of the Nigerian Armed Forces continues to fly high.
Earlier, Major General Adebisi Onosayan, Commander of the Guards Brigade, delivered a welcome address expressing gratitude to the President for his unwavering support of the Brigade’s operations, training, and welfare. “Thank you, Your Excellency. I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for their relentless guidance and support. We pledge our unwavering loyalty and readiness to contribute effectively to the security of lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory and its surroundings,” he emphasized.
General Onosayan further noted that the 2024 WASA highlights the social diversity, cultural identity, values, beliefs, and rich heritage of the Nigerian people, resonating with the ethos of the Nigerian Army. “This event provides an opportunity to showcase various cultural dances, traditional cuisines, languages, attire, and ethnic groups of our great nation in a relaxed atmosphere,” he stated, adding that today’s event marks the Brigade’s Grand Finale.
GRPolitics
Matawalle Commends President Tinubu for Positive Economic Reforms
…Matawalle urges critics to be positive in their narratives
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his robust economic policies and reforms, which are yielding significant positive results for the nation. According to Matawalle, these initiatives are contributing to a turnaround in the economy that will benefits all Nigerians.
In the light of ongoing criticism, particularly from some quarters in Northern Nigeria, according to a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, director information & PR at the Ministry, Matawalle urged critics to be positive in their narratives and called on citizens to remain steadfast in their support for the President and to reject divisive narratives.
“It is crucial for Nigerians to stand united behind Mr. President, who is diligently working hard to revitalize our economy through a series of effective policies, programs, and reforms,” he stated.
Matawalle specifically highlighted President Tinubu’s tax reforms as a pivotal element in the country’s economic turnaround. He explained that these reforms are designed to create a more equitable tax system, which will enhance revenue generation for the government while easing the financial burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses.
“By broadening the tax base and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, President Tinubu is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. These reforms will not only increase government revenues but also stimulate investment and job creation across various sectors,” Matawalle elaborated.
He further noted that the tax reforms aim to simplify the tax administration process, making it easier for individuals and businesses to comply. This will foster a more business-friendly environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, which are essential for driving economic progress.
Matawalle also highlighted several key achievements across various sectors, particularly noting improvements in national security. He emphasized that President Tinubu has made substantial strides in enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian military through the provision of modern hardware and equipment. Additionally, he assured that military personnel have received timely payment of their allowances and salary increases, which has significantly boosted their morale.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, and I encourage everyone to recognize the positive changes taking place,” Matawalle concluded.
The Honourable Minister of State Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle has disclosed that the Nigerian Armed Forces have achieved a lot in the fight against insurgency, banditry and other groups that are enemies of the Nigerian State since the advent of this administration but a lot of these success stories are not in the public space due to security reasons so as not to expose the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces who are in the forefront of this fight to danger.
According to a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, director, information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Dr. Matawalle disclosed this during the engagement with the Special Assistant to President on Policy and Coordination/Head of Central Result Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU) Hadiza Bala Usman with the Ministry of Defence when she presented the 1st – 3rd Quarters 2024 Performance Assessment Report on Implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverable at the Ship House, Abuja.
The Minister also informed the SA to Mr. President that before now, the Nigerian airwaves was always full of news of oil theft, bunkering, piracy and all forms of kidnapping.
But since they assumed office, the country has recorded low occurrence and reduced reports of those activities just as he assured Nigerians of their resolve to do more to make our society safe for all.
Matawalle assured Hadiza Bala Usman of early submission of achievement data to her office for their reviews.
In a similar development, the SA to President advised the Ministry of Defence to put out more data into the public space to avoid doubts and negative feedbacks on the successes achieved by our Armed Forces in the fight against insecurity.
Adding that, regional tour of the troubled areas could be conducted to carry out on-the-spot interviews and first hand assessment of rescued individuals whose response will serve as raw and real data to the populace and as evidence that government is not resting on its oars.
Speaking further during the review of the Q1 – Q3 Report, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni gave a detailed submission on the achievements of the Ministry and promised that the Ministry will do more to surpass previous quarter’s report as he poured encomium on the Chief of Defence Staff and all Service Chiefs for their consistency and tireless efforts in making Nigeria a peaceful and safe place.
Dr. Kana tasked the Directors of the Ministry not to relax in their quest to give their best to the service of our dear country.
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