Amaechi Withdraws Tenure Case

Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi says he has put an end to the protracted matter in the court over his administration’s tenure.
Speaking at the Thanksgiving Service of Senator representing Rivers South-East, Magnus Abe, at St Barth’s Anglican Church, Bera Town in Gokana Local Government Area at the weekend, Amaechi dismissed claims that the case was still pending in court as painted by the opposition party.
He disclosed that he has asked his lawyers to withdraw the matter from the court, since he was the person that went on an appeal.
“I am withdrawing the case from the Appeal Court. So, what issue do they have; I am the person who lost five months and it’s only me that can sue”, he stressed.
The Rivers State governor said it was laughable to hear the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claiming that the matter, which was struck out by the Supreme Court two weeks ago, was still pending in court.
Amaechi said such claims were meant to deceive the public into believing that his administration would be truncated before the end of his tenure on May 29, 2015.
Against his backdrop, he called on the citizenry to rise up and ensure that the opposition and those fighting the government are barred from taking over power in the next elections.
“Go and register. We must punish out these people with our votes, and we must be prepared”.
Further charging that only those politicians with character and integrity would be voted for in the next elections, the governor regretted that most of the politicians who are now fighting him were those he helped in the past.
He pointed out that all of them lacked character, and are pushed by greed and inordinate ambition, advising that “people who don’t have character, you don’t give them power”.
Thanking God for the life of Senator Abe, the governor described the senator as a man with principle and good character, emphasizing that his commitment and honesty has paved way for his success in politics.
He thanked the senators and other members of the society who stood by Abe during the attack on his life by the Nigeria Police during a rally organised by Save Rivers Movement (SRM) in January.
Earlier in his remarks, Senator Abe thanked God for saving his life, arguing that, “anybody who says that I don’t have cause to thank God is an idiot”.
Abe stated that doctors report within and outside the country affirmed that he had heart complications after he was hit by an object shot by the police on that rally day.
He, therefore, warned agents of the federal authorities to ensure justice was done, recalling that the genesis of the Niger Delta struggle was as a result of police partiality.
“We just have to be careful so that no group of Nigerians will feel maltreated and resort to self help”, he warned.
The senator thanked all those who supported and showed him love during his travails, most especially the governor and friends who ensured he was flown abroad for treatment for their show of love and care.
In his sermon, Bishop of Diocese of Ogoni, Rt. Rev Solomon Gberegbara remarked that Senator Abe has every reason to thank God.
The Anglican cleric said Abe’s decision to thank God was an indication that he trusts in God and knows that God alone is the source of all powers.
He enjoined others to emulate the example of the senator, stressing that thanksgiving compels God to do more for those who trust Him.

Head of European Union Delegation, Amb. Michel Arrion (2nd right), discussing with Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega (right), during a courtesy visit to INEC headquarters in Abuja last Friday. With them are EU First Secretary, Mr Alan Munday (left) and EU Minister Councellor (Political, Information and Communication), Mr Henry Prankerd.