Amaechi Explains Defection To APC

Last weekend marked the highpoint of the Port Harcourt
Centenary celebrations with the host of the awards and dinner night in Government House. About eight past governors of Rivers State, including Military administrators were in attendance.
Governor Chibuike Amaechi used the forum to explain why he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He submitted that he would support any candidate in 2015 that has the interest of Rivers people at heart. He demanded for justice and fair treatment of Rivers people in the comity of states.
On Monday last week, Governor Amaechi played host to the House of Representatives Committee on Water Resources, led by Hon. Aliyu Pategi, who disclosed that they were in the state to inspect water projects executed by the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA).
Governor Amaechi used the visit to call on the committee to investigate the refusal by the Minister of Finance, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to sign-off World Bank and ADB loans for water projects in the state.
Amaechi said, “the Minister is using her office to undermine the safety of lives of Rivers people”. He added that perhaps the ploy is to cause more health crisis in Rivers State as a result of lack of potable water.
Returning from Abuja on Thursday, Amaechi received Ndoni people, reminding them that politics was not a do-or-die affair, but a game of interest.
He lamented that despite the huge votes Rivers people gave to  President Jonathan in 2011, they had gained nothing in the area of projects or outright development. It is against this backdrop he explained that he decided to pitch tent with the APC.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Chief Ofili Enebeli pledged the support of Ndoni people to the governor’s defection …”we are loyal to your administration and to declare further that where you go, we shall go”.
On Friday, the Rivers State governor played host to Soku Community in Akuku-Toru local government area  of the state. The community’s address was read by one Christian Otiasah, who commended the Rivers State governor for standing for them.
According to him, the governor has displayed courage, forthrightness, selflessness in the defence of the territorial integrity of Rivers State.
The community spokesman lamented the neglect they have suffered over the years despite the huge gas and oil resources they have contributed to the national purse since 1958.
Amongst the requests they made include the recognition of their traditional stool and sitting of water project. Almost all their requests were granted by Governor Amaechi who promised to revive the medical centre, but insisted that a medical doctor from the area must be employed by the council.
The governor equally met with the leadership of the Rivers State Leadership Advancent Foundation (RIVLEAF) led by its President, Mr Alex Wele.
The body had intimated the governor on its programmes, especially on its new Secretariat Complex which he said would be used to honour him (Amaechi). He also pledged the body’s support to the governor in all his political aspirations.
Later on, Rt. Hon. Amaechi assured them of his continuous support, while commending them for the vision in promoting good leadership in the state.
On the same Friday, Governor Amaechi presided over last Inter-Governmental Meeting for the year. Shortly after the meeting, a one minute silence was held in honour of late South African leader, Mr. Nelson Mandela, who died on Thursday.
Amaechi spoke glowingly of Mandela saying his death was a colossal loss to Nigeria, South Africa and indeed the world. The Rivers State governor also described Mandela as a “citizen of the world,” since USA and Britain were already flying their flag at half mast in honour of the anti-aparthied fighter.