Politics

Rivers Political Crisis: Eze Faults Wike Over Claims to Political Structure.

Published

6 months ago

November 10, 2023

JRan

The Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP) and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze says comment credited to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, wherein he stated that nobody can take away his political structure, is validly petty, unreasonable and grossly remote from every sense of rational judgement.

Recall that the political fuss between Wike and the Governor of Rivers State, Siminialayi Fubara, which stemmed from the major clog on the wheel of state progress occasioned by the harsh, haughty and overbearing interferences from the later, climaxed to the peak with attempts by a faction of the state legislature to commence impeachment proceedings against the Governor on the instigation of Wike, even when the Governor had not committed any gross misconduct as provided by law, to warrant such action.

In one of his many media briefings to justify his intentionally stifling actions against the progress of the Governor, his administration and the people of Rivers state, Wike noted thus – “nobody can take away my political structure, no one. You cannot work and people begin to bring enemies, those who fought you when you are struggling for the person to be in office, nobody does that. I am not a political ingrate, I am not — but don’t touch the political structure of Rivers State. I will not shut my eyes”

Reacting through a statement made available to the media, Chief Eze said Wike is characteristically lacking in the minimum charismatic requirement and conviction that qualifies one for admission into the class of leaders with the worldview and standard inclination to build a structure of humans with a loyalty barometer devoid of regular monetary compensations and rewards.

He said Wike did not build any structure, rather, as a Governor forcefully foisted on Rivers people by Patience Jonathan, he used the economic powers his former office wields to truncate and permeate into existing structures painstakingly built by the likes of Peter Odili, Rotimi Amaechi and others.
He challenged Wike to name one reasonable, notable politician or leader he groomed in Rivers State as to justify his boastful claims that he has a political structure in the State.

The APC chief said the fictitious claim which attracted support from some clownish political hustlers who crowned themselves elders of Rivers State during a solidarity visit to Wike, to console the later after being served breakfast by Sim Fubara, is an unacceptable afftont to the personas of His Excellency Sir Dr. Peter Odili and Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who are the builders of men and owners of any political structures in Rivers State.

To buttress his assertions, Eze went back memory lane highlighting how Wike’s ambition to succeed Amaechi as governor started from his days as Chief of Staff to then Gov. Amaechi. The fact remains that while Amaechi was busy providing dividends of democracy to the people, Wike, on the other hand, was busy undermining Amaechi and using all the connections and goodwill of the Rivers State Government to conner Amaechi’s men, assuring of influencing their positioning into strategic positions in government with the additional promise of empowering them financially through award of contracts.

When appointed as the Director General for Amaechi’s reelection Campaign Organisation in 2011, he used this platform to test the ground of his ambition . It was a circle he ensured that only those he has corned were appointed into and served as key mobilizers at the grassroots. By the time he was appointed minister of state, Federal Ministry ducation, based on the recommendation of Amaechi to Dr. Jonathan, Wike went further with his gubernatorial ambition plot by forming the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI) using some misguided individuals in the Amaechi’s Team who could not resist his heavy dollar wads. It was the said political pressure group he used to deceive the public which he feigned was formed to assist in the re-election of then President Jonathan. But in fact, the outfit was formed to pursue his gubernatorial ambition. He used the outfit to formally recruit his foot soldiers from Amaechi’s circle for the battle ahead, using the influence of then President Jonathan and his wife. Under our nose, this body was heavily financed and motivated, and its presence was established in all the constituencies of Rivers State with FG’s money.

It was this group that he used to dislodge over 11 key Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members that wanted to contest the 2015 governorship election under the PDP platform. Those that wanted to play games were properly beaten up and molested at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. Before this time, Wike, based on political exigency, tactfully suppressed his gubernatorial ambition from public view. Instead, he offered himself as a tool to spearhead the political battle between Jonathan and Amaechi. He gave everything within him to execute this, with the PDP ticket as a target.

Sadly for him due to his high-handedness most of these key actors like Abiye Sekibo, Austin Opara, Celsetine Omehia who were hitherto Odili/Amaechi’s Strong men have left Wike. Then one wonders which political structure for which Wike is claiming credit, apart from some of the misguided fellows whom he claimed he purchased their nomination forms and imposed as political leaders in Rivers State which in civilized climes, ought to have resigned for such an embarrassing narrative peddled by Wike that they are unable to buy forms to contest election.

Eze called on the public to disregard the claims by Wike that he own the political structure of Rivers State and urged him to accept the fate starring him in the face over the crisis that has cut off his wings and tamed his overbearing influence on the state and the management of her resources.

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Politics

Our Victory is Not Against Each Other, Our Victory Lies in November Against Our Challengers-Ajipe

Published

3 days ago

April 24, 2024

JRan

Hon. Alexander Oluremi Ajipe, the Convener Ibi Giga Ambassadors, has congratulate Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his emergence as the official Ondo APC Flag bearer.

According to Ajipe,”I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Governor Hon Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa on being declared the official APC candidate in Ondo State. Your victory in the primary election is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and the trust placed in you by the party members.

To all the aspirants who contested in the primary election, I commend you for your participation and commitment to the democratic process. Each of you played a crucial role in shaping the future of our party in Ondo State, and your efforts are truly appreciated.

It’s true that in a democratic process like this, there can only be one official candidate, but it’s important to remember that every aspirant played a role in the democratic process and should be commended for their participation.

Unity is vital after this event and it’s crucial for all parties involved to come together and support the chosen candidate to ensure a cohesive and strong front for the upcoming election. Shunning acrimony and working together for the greater good of the party and the people is essential for success in the future.

As we move forward towards the main election in November, I urge all of you to stand united and focus on the bigger picture. Our victory is not against each other; it lies in November when we face our challengers. Let’s set aside any differences, come together as a strong and cohesive front, and work tirelessly towards securing success in the upcoming election.

Unity, cooperation, and dedication will be key in overcoming the challenges ahead. Let’s rally behind our official candidate, Governor Hon Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, and showcase the strength of the APC in Ondo State.

Together, we can achieve great things and emerge victorious in November. I wish you all the best in the journey ahead.

Warm regards,

Chief(Dr) Alexander Oluremi Ajipe.

Convener IBI giga ambassadors.”

Politics

GANDUJE APPLAUDS GOV ODODO OVER CONDUCT OF ONDO APC GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARY

Published

3 days ago

April 23, 2024

JRan

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has been commended by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for his impressive performance in the just concluded Ondo State Governorship primary election where he served as chairman of the committee.

In a statement released made available to media organisations, Governor Ododo received the commendation while presenting the report of the Ondo state APC primary election committee to the party’s national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday.

Receiving the committee’s report from Governor Ododo, Dr. Ganduje congratulated the Governor for a job well done and noted that the party is proud of the performance of the Kogi State Governor for the conduct of the Ondo State Governorship primary election which he noted was the first national assignment of the Governor.

The APC national chairman praised the extraordinary leadership skill and impeccable manner the Kogi State Governor managed the Ondo State APC Governorship primary election, adding that the Collation of results from the 203 wards and the 18 Local Government areas of the state that was viewed live on national television was a rare display of transparency and integrity of the entire election process.

Earlier in his presentation, Governor Ododo thanked the APC National Working Committee for finding him and his committee members worthy of the all important national assignment.

The Governor stated that the committee’s report took cognizance of everything that transpired during the primary election and it contains recommendations that will enable the party to deal with the aftermath of the Ondo State Primary election and ensure that the APC goes into the November governorship election as a united party ready to retain power in Ondo State.

Governor Ododo was accompanied to the presentation of the report by the Secretary to the Committee, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Kogi State APC Chairman, Honourable Abdullahi Bello, House of Representative Member Representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, Honourable Abdulrahim Egidi and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Deedat Ozigi Salami, and some of his senior aides.

Politics

2024: WE HAVE ELECTED A CREDIBLE CANDIDATE, WE’LL WIN IN NOV, SAYS APC CHAIR, ADETIMEHIN

Published

4 days ago

April 23, 2024

JRan

– As Gov Aiyedatiwa pays ‘Thank You’ visit to party secretariat, gets rousing cheers from residents

Following his victory in last weekend’s primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Monday paid a ‘Thank You’ visit to the State Secretariat of the party in Akure.

Accompanied by some party leaders and a crowd of jubilant supporters, the Governor received cheers from residents as his motorcade made way to the party office.

The Governor was received by members of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party led by the State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, who said the visit was a sign of unity within the party.

Engr. Adetimehin said the Governor has shown leadership and has done the needful by coming to meet the SWC of the party after his victory in the primary election.

He said: “Primary election in APC is a family affair. We have elected our governorship candidate. Now that the primary is over, we must remain the same progressive family and we must all come together for the election in November.

“The last time the Governor was here, he came as an aspirant but today, he has come as the candidate of our party. Now that our candidate has emerged, all other aspirants and party leaders must join hands to support him for the success of the party in the November election.

“We have what it takes to win and we have a good candidate. Most of the leaders of the opposition parties are already planning to join our party. We must win in a landslide in November as a ruling party with credible candidate.”

While addressing the gathering, Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the leadership of the party for providing enabling environment for the conduct of a free and fair primary election that produced him as candidate.

The Governor said: “Primary has come and gone; all aspirants are winners. It was a family affair of a contest and we are all members of the same family. We now need to put our house in order for the battle ahead.”

The Governor also thanked all members of the various committees from the National Secretariat that conducted the election, as well as members of the party for their participation in the primary.

Governor Aiyedatiwa later unveiled his campaign headquarters located along Oba Adesida road in Akure.