Ex-UNIPORT Students Back Amaechi …As Governor Plans New Obiri Ikwerre Complex

Ex- students of the University of Port Harcourt between 1986 to 1988 have pledged to support the Governor Chibuike Amaechi administration.

The group labelled ‘’UNIPORT Class of 86 to 88’’ paid a solidarity visit to the governor in Government House last Thursday in Port Harcourt saying they were proud of the governor and his achievements.

Leader of the group Mr. Soala Iyalla observed , “ we are here because of the brotherly love we share and as a family’’ noting that the visit was to encourage the governor and support him in trying times.

The same view was expressed by Mr. Ben Willie, who stated that the group was not unaware of the political crisis in the state, and therefore would back and support their own at such times.

Willie reiterated that Amaechi had performed well and was a good ambassador of the school and as such should count on their support always.

He however submitted that since President Goodluck Jonathan and Amaechi were alumni of the school they would seek an end to the crisis. “You and the President are from the same stock and from the same UNIPORT, and when we see people who are part of us, we will support them and ensure that detractors do not succeed,’’ he stated.

In his remarks later, Governor Chibuike Amaechi said he had a legacy to leave behind and to leave the state better than he met it.

In the words of the governor, “ I thank you for your support and recognition of our contribution to the development of Rivers State. The best we can do as I said at the Council on Information, if people are fighting you can’t fight back, you must let the people fight back on your behalf.

One of the ways to fight back, according to Amaechi, is to fulfill his electoral promises and touch the lives of the citizenry, while assuring that his administration will do all it can to ensure regular power supply before leaving office.

Meanwhile, there are plans to build a befitting Obiri Ikwerre Complex and Obi Wali monument in the state by Governor Amaechi.

The hint was dropped by Chief of Staff Government House, Chief Tony Okocha who dismissed views that the governor does not like his kinsmen.

Okocha disclosed that the current Obiri Ikwerre Complex which the governor helped in building as a speaker currently cannot contain the activities of the group due to swelling membership.

“ The governor has given instruction that land be acquired for another site for a better structure,’’ he said

The Chief of Staff also revealed that there are plans to rename another monument in the state after Dr. Obi Wali following the acquisition of the property, arguing that the legacies of the late Ikwerre icon cannot be erased in the minds of his people.

‘’ For a governor who loves his people, he felt that the former structure was not befitting of that name, and something that is better is being contemplated,’’ Okocha assured.