More Opposition Parties Support Amaechi…As NNPP Joins FOOPP

Despite attempts by certain elements to cause disaffection and division amongst opposition ranks in Rivers State , the number of political parties that have joined the Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi unity government is swelling by the day.

The latest party to join the government is the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) following the application and consequent admission of the party into the fold of the Forum of Organised Opposition Political Parties (FOOPP) in Rivers State .  This revelation was part of the communiqué issued at the end of a marathon FOOPP executive meeting that took place at the Forum’s Apara Road , GRA Phase II, state headquarters in Port Harcourt last Friday.

With the admission of the NNPP, a total of 47 opposition political parties out of the 54 registered in the country are now participating in the Amaechi’s unity government in Rivers State .

The communiqué further confirmed the decision of the Forum Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Davies Ibiamu Ikanya not to offer himself as a gubernatorial candidate come 2001 general elections. However, it re-iterated the commitment of FOOPP to back consensus candidates for all future elective positions across the state.

All opposition political parties under the aegis of FOOPP re-affirmed their commitment to the ideals, vision and mission of the unity government of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in Rivers State .

The communiqué also re-affirmed the resolve of FOOPP to hold more frequent consultations and meetings to stem the dangerous activities of detractors hell-bent on causing confusion for opposition political parties and the unity government.

The Forum condemned the violent protests by ex-militants at Aluu which resulted in reported deaths, rape and destruction of property at Choba, Port Harcourt.  The forum however, viewed with dismay the seeming deficiencies in the post-amnesty programme as being executed by the Amnesty Committee set up by the Federal Government, calling on the latter to overhaul the entire process to ensure that protests by ex-militants do not repeat. The Forum also added its voice in calling for the relocation of the rehabilitation camp from Aluu because of the contiguous nature of Aluu and the University of Port Harcourt.