NLC Okays Amaechi’s Achievements

Most of the activities of Governor Chibuike Amaechi were done outside the state, as he was represented by other state officials within the week in various state functions.

He was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr George Feyii, during the inauguration of the new State Education Quality Assurance Agency.

Commissioner for Commerce, Chienye Chuma also stood in for  the governor during the setting up of a Business Roundtable Committee in the state penultimate week.

Last weekend, the Secretary to the State Government, represented Governor Chibuike Amaechi as he bade farewell to visiting students of Institute of Security Studies (ISS), Abuja, who were in the state for a three-day study tour.

Last week Tueday however, the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State Chapter, led by its chairman and Mayor of Port Harcourt, Chimbiko Akarolo, briefed newsmen on the brewing wranglings within the fold of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

The body was responding to the controversial judgment by an Abuja High Court dissolving the Chief Godspower Ake-led PDP Executive on Monday. ALGON vowed not to recognise the court instituted exco led by Chief Felix Obuah, whom they said did not contest elections.

Mr. Akarolo declared that, “We shall not support or do business with new exco. The decision is a bad luck to democracy in Rivers State.” It, therefore, pledged support to the Chief Ake-led executive.

ALGON insisted that the country must be ruled on the platform of truth and therefore urged party faithfuls to be peaceful and law-abiding, as justice is sure to reign again with an appeal already instituted in the matter.

On Tuesday evening last week, the state governor played host to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which was in the state for the 5th Quadrennial Confereence and elections of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUCPTRE).

The NLC led by its president, Abdulwaheed Omar, was welcomed with a dinner party during which the Secretary to the State Government expressed happiness for AUCPTRE holding its conference in Port Harcourt.

The Rivers State Government scribe said, “it may interest you that Port Harcourt is 100 years and you will be duely informed about the centenary festivities.”

Mr Feyii urged the labour union to enjoy their stay in Port Harcourt as the state was peaceful, while reminding them that the government was labour-friendly.

The NLC and other AUCPTRE executives finally paid courtesy visit to Governor Amaechi on Friday. Comrade Omar thanked the Rivers State governor for the hospitality and love shown to them.

Omar described Governor Amaechi as “pillar of democracy in Nigeria,” noting that labour and Nigerians are watching with interest the political developments in Rivers State.

The NLC president assured that labour will continue to associate with “good things,” while lauding Amaechi for his educational programmes.  “I have not seen anywhere children are learning under that kind of atmosphere,” he said.

On his part, Governor Amaechi thanked the group for choosing Rivers State as venue of their election and urged them to ensure they choose the right leaders, adding “I think it’s criminal not to allow workers elect those who will lead them.”

He further stressed, “the day we begin to elect our leaders ourselves then corruption will die.”

On Saturday, a massive solidarity rally besieged the gates of Government House, Port Harcourt. Youths, women, lawmakers in both the national and state assemblies spoke against the sack of Chief Godspower Ake-led PDP executive in Rivers State by an Abuja High Court on Monday.

A PDP youth leader, Bethel Oko-Jaja, described the judgment as a “collasal judgment” and vowed that the PDP will pursue the matter to a conclusion. He further said, “our support is total and we call for total endorsement and support for Chibuike Amaechi.

Senator Magnus Abe and Hon Chidi Llyod, including chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Reginald Ukwuoma all took turns to speak. Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru represented  the governor at the rally.

Engr Ikuru warned that when once Nigerians lose their right to get justice then they have loost their fate. He added, “If we do not  rise up now, we have lost our charter.”

Later, Saturday, Governor Amaechi took part in the coronation of Amanyanabo of Ogoloma in Okrika Local Government Area.

He assured the new king that his administration will work with him to bring peace and development to the area. “I tell my Okrika friends that you are peace-loving man, with you Okrika will know peace.”