Ahead 2011 Polls: Why Jonathan, Amaechi Should Return

The gains recorded in the power sector, the availability of petroleum products, the on-going peace process in the restive Niger Delta region and the maturity and stability brought into governance at the federal level in the past two years or so, have left Nigerians with no other choice than President Goodluck Jonathan in the upcoming general elections in the country.

Similarly, the unprecedented and on-going infrastructural development of Rivers State, especially in the health, education and health sectors and the restoration of peace in the hitherto cultism and abduction-plaqued oil and gas hub of Nigeria also favours the incumbent governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Ameachi as the candidate of choice for sustainable progress in the State.

Chief Okah Okechukwu, a prominent community leader in Rivers State, business man and philanthropist in a media chat in Port Harcourt said, the single -mindedness and commitment brought to bear on the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme, the development of infrastructure in the Niger Delta region and restoration of sustainable peace in the area by Jonathan were commendable show of able leadership.

 He therefore charged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to key into the vision, commitment and zeal of the President, for the resolution of the Niger Delta challenge in the country.

Okechukwu, who holds the traditional title of Eze Omekwa-Ali I. of Elele in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State also made a case for a constitutional role for traditional rulers in the country.

He said that since human beings are political animals, shielding the traditional institution from partisan politics was not in the interest of national development, arguing that, as revered leaders of the people, traditional rulers Point to their people, the direction to follow at elections, which will benefit them in the long run.

Rallying support for Governor Amaechi, Okechukwu enumerated his achievements and asserted that: “Amaechi is building the state for all of us”. He called on his political opponents across party divides to bury the hatchet and support him to finish the good works he had started in various sectors of the state’s economy.

Answering a question, the Eze Omekwa-Ali I. of Elele berated the former secretary to the Rivers State government and ex-Transport Minister, Dr. Abiye Sekibo for what he called “his insincerity and attempt to divide the state.

Asserting that Rivers is a People Democratic Party (PDP) state in which Sekibo, now in Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) was once a key actor., Okechekwu said: Sekibo could have remained in the state PDP to wait for his turn to govern the state

“Abiye Sekibo made a political miscalculation to have moved to ACN to contest governorship of Rivers State. Amaechi has recorded landmark achievements that have made him popular and which have made Sekibo a mis-match in any political contest,” he said.

To another question, Okechukwu said any gang-up of Amaechi’s political opponents against him in the April elections will not work because, “Celestine Omehia, Abiye Sekibo, and Austin Okpara don’t own Rivers State. In this election, it is one man, one vote and I believe Rivers people appreciate Amaechi’s hardwork and will vote him”.

The community leader said it is not true that Amaechi was obliterating all legacies left by his political father and former governor of the state Dr. Peter Odili.

“Has he destroyed the gas plants?,” he queried. Okechukwu said the gas plants were still providing electricity to Rivers people and could have done far better under Amaechi but for the challenges from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

He likened the on-going infrastructural revolution of the Amaechi government to replacing a 6-inches Black/White television with a 14-inches colour television, insisting that the allegation of obliterating Odili’s legacies does not exist.

Replying to a question, the businessman and philanthropist said every good leader like Amaechi has capacity to tolerate and absorb allegations mostly concocted by detractors to distract him.

According to him, the press releases by a group known as Rivers State Project (RSP) should be seen in that light, especially the most recent story alleging that Amaechi dashed himself N27.5 billion Security Votes in three years. He called on Amaechi not to allow himself to be distracted.

Okechukwu, who is Managing Director Ocabique Group of Companies, said he was committed to the success of Jonathan and Amaechi at the April general elections because of the refreshing impact their leadership had made on the citizenry.

He therefore pledged to provide whatever legitimate assistance within his ability to ensure their free and fair election into their present positions.

 The community leader said already, he is providing financial support to a group of ladies  committed to non-violence, peace and the success of the PDP at state and federal levels, pointing out that a new bus has been made available to them to enhance the realisation of their objectives.