ALGON, Others Condemn Amaechi’s Ekiti ‘Detention’

Vice President Namadi Sambo (right), in a handshake with the Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil (left), during a courtesy visit by North South Power Limited executives in Abuja recently. With them is the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State Chapter, has condemned the detention and arrest of Governor Chibuike Amaechi while on his way for the final rally last Thursday of the governorship elections in Ekiti State by security agents.
Chairman of ALGON and Caretaker Committee Chairman of Eleme, Mr Oji Ngofa in a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt said the action amounts to trampling on Governor Amaechi’s human rights and a slap on Rivers people.
“The imprisonment of Governor Amaechi in Ondo State is the imprisonment of the whole of Rivers state. ALGON wonders if the action is a reward for contributing significant chunk of the revenue of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He assured that the association would seek legal means to get redress and defend the rights of Rivers people who gave their mandate to Governor Amaechi.
Ngofa also said the action sent wrong signals to the international community that Nigeria does not respect human rights of movement and freedom of association.
Besides, he warned that Federal Government was showing that the PDP-led government is afraid to compete in a free and fair elections, reasoning that the shabby treatment meted to the governor was “ indicative of the troubles ahead especially in orgainsing a free and fair credible elections in 2015”.
“It reduces Nigeria in the eyes of the international community”, Ngofa warned, saying, “Nobody has given any reason or explanation on why he should be so treated.”
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former National Assembly member, Hon. Igo Aguma said the action was reminiscent of the, “NPN days of verdict 1983 and limits of frustration in trying to succeed oneself.”
“We are beginning to see the hand but I tell them that indeed that Nigeria has matured. We will them that Nigeria is a country that has enabled a university lecturer becomes a president. That democracy that enabled him to actualize himself as a Nigerian moreso as a Southerner and minority that democracy all of us will protect.”
Aguma assured that the people will not be deterred by the bullying action and will continue to support the governor.
On his part, a labour leader, James Kobah described the incident as unfortunate considering the status of the governor.
“We hope the federal government is not trying to play a game…It’s the height of insult on our leader” Kobah observed.
He called on the security agents to release the governor and ensure that,” he is not hurt or insulted in any manner”.
Kobah warned that the FG should be mindful of the consequences of taking such action considering the heated political space.
He supported of any legal action to be sought by the governor to seek redress.