Pomp As Amaechi Campaign Train Enters Isiokpo

Perhaps nothing else can demonstrate love more than the people of Ikwerre land in Rivers State trooping out on Tuesday in thousands to welcome their illustrious son, Governor Chuibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the re-election Campaign train into the ancient Kingdom of Isiokpo.

He chose Isiokpo, the Ancient Kingdom of Ikwerre land to flag-off his Re-Election Campaign because according to the director-general of his campaign organisation Chief Nyeson Nwike the local government headquarters, is the governor primary constituency, where he received the mandate to govern Rivers State on Oct 26, 2007.

And if the obviously resounding success of the campaign rally in terms of the Unprecedented multitudes that beseiged the Isiokpo modern primary school field that day in solidarity with the governor were to be synonymous with electoral success, then Amaechi would simply walk tall in anticipation of victory at the 2011 governorship  election.

The overwhelming turn out of People Democratic Party (PDP) supporters and the people of Ikwerre tingled with the anticipation of this victory perhaps will yield to them new vistas and new surprises. While reflecting on past experiences, Hon. Chuibuike Amaechi said: “I am not just a candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) but also the governor of Rivers State”.

He was on mounting the podium, and based on his past ugly experience perhaps about the ‘K’ Leg’ syndrome began his opening address with a shorus: “you are the lord, that is your name, you will never share Your Glory with anyone….” And in quick succession, he prophetically added:

“I told God don’t let the rain fall  because your detractors would say, Governor Amaechi’s campaign train and supporters were chased away from Isiokpo by heavy rain storm”.

Now, he said: “No rain, it means God has answered our prayer and fasting.” “While acknowledging all the solidarity messages from a notable former governor and big wigs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Amaechi re-emphasised his campaign slogan, when he said: “Our campaign is based on issues not on gossips or personality.”

“My advice is: “if you want to serve the people, put your achievement and ideas on the table, let them examine your record, If you have none, don’t deceive the people.” In his word: “I will no longer give promises but uphold accountability, transparency and sustenance of good governance in the state, If re-elected.” He further elaborated:

“I will no longer give promises but to tell you what I have done with public money,”.

To the Ikwerre people he said: “challenge those who come to hold similar campaign rally here, to tell you what they have done for Ikwerre local government area.” He said: the money my administration hold is your money, so feel free to petition any commissioner who have enriched himself with public money.”

On employment he said: “how else can you create employment except through the massive on- going infrastructural developmental projects embarked upon by my administration in the state.” Again on issue of security, he was quick to react this way: “the issue is over blown, insisting that, before now, the people of the state cannot sleep with their two eyes closed.” He further said:

“Those in Abuja cannot come home because of insecurity created by them, but today, they can come home to campaign and hold political party meetings at night.”

In his words: “Those in Abuja organised the Ateke groups, but today we assure the people that PDP would chase out criminals in their hide-out; so that you will sleep with your two eyes close.”

When other candidates come; he said: “challenged them, what they have provided  in Ikwerre local government area.”

“For out of the 19 modern Primary Schools Under Construction in Ikwerre local government area, 13 have been completed”, In addition, “several health centres have already been completed and communities road net work”. And the mammoth crowd was quick to acknowledge with loud ovation and confidence voice vote of “yes”, to the admiration of party big-wigs present at the rally.

In challenging his political opponents, Governor Amaechi said: “Don’t Blame your non-performance on the fact that you were not governors, but I was a speaker, when I influenced the construction of several rural roads in Ikwerre local government areas”. Finally, Amaechi asserted that a vote for him in 2011 was equal to a vote for senator Sekibo George and other candidates on the platform of the Umbrella symbol of PDP.”

While urging Ikwerre local government area to deliver 100 per cent vote cast for President Goodluck Jonathan/Nnamadi Sambo ticket, “vote for me too, because I am an Ikwerre son, Rivers Son, so vote for me.”

However, he said: “wait for INEC to count the vote at the polling station and down load the number of your votes, otherwise, they would rig you, out then, leave the rest for us in Port Harcourt.”

Earlier before Party flags were handed-over to candidates to fly through their constituencies by the state PDP Chairman, Chief Godfrey Ake, Party big-wigs namely, Chief Ombo Isokairari, Prince Emma Anyanwu, the PDP national publicity secretary, Uche Secundus, and former governor, of old Rivers State, Chief Rufus Ada George had eulogies the qualities of Rt. Hon. Chuibuike Rotimi Amaechi and why he deserved the mandate of the people for 2nd term.

Chief Rufus Ada George the former governor of old Rivers State recalled how Amaechi single handedly introduced him to Chief Maxwell Amadi, late Ofordile and Chief Ajaero (all Ikwerre sons) to assist in the running of the administration of the state.

Chief George said: it was Governor Amaechi that introduced Sir Celestine Omeha and pleaded that Celestine should be made a commissioner instead of him in the state Executive Council.

He further described Amaechi who was special Assistant on Student Affair as a dedicated, transparent and committed student leader.

“One good turn deserved another, so Amaechi should be given another term, to consolidate on the infrastructural development, he has started including restoration of security.”

On his part, Prince Emma Anyanwu said: “Amaechi as a believer in a course and would want to die with that course”.

In his words: “Amaechi charted a course of re-direction and went to the foundation, of development, which include building of primary and secondary education insisting that people of the state should encourage by casting their vote to enable him do more.” He said: The PDP family would give Ameachi the necessary vote to enable him win the gubernatorial election on his part, Chief Ombo Isokariari urged the people to come.

Out enmasse and vote for Amaechi and all the PDP candidate.” If you give 99.9 per cent to President Goodluck Jonathan, give 100 per cent to Rt. Hon Chuibike Amaechi and all the candidates for the Senate and House of Representatives.”

He asserted that, “it is time to do the doing and not to talk the talking.”

Other political big wigs that spoke include, sergent Chidi Awuse, (fondly called the political bulldozer), Chief G.U. Ake, the State PDP Chairman, the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Uche Secundus. Chief G.U. Ake said “I predicted 20 years ago that Amaechi would become a governor, but people did not believe me. Today he claimed;  “Ikwerre people doubted or did not want to recognise Amaechi because they say, Amaechi is arrogant.”

“Amaechi to me is not arrogant but because of his objectivity, they say he is proud; for he is one man who keeps his promise” Amaechi he said. “brought  the Ikwerres to political limelight.”

All the political big wigs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that presented goodwill messages at the campaign rally at Isiokpo, re-emphasised the need for a 100 per cent vote, from the electorate come, April 16,2011, to enable Governor Amaechi consolidate on his people-oriented  projects in the state.