Issues
Should Amaechi Be Minister ?…The Petitions, The Defences, The Divisions
Since the birth of the current democratic rule in Nigeria, 1999, Rivers State has never been as divided by post-election disputations and ranchor as does this year’s exercise. So divided, the state, has, on a daily basis, made newspapers headlines for all the wrong reasons, yet the political class seems unperturbed.
But perhaps the most polarizing of issues is whether or not, former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari, among 21 Nigerians in an initial list sent to the Senate for confirmation, should indeed be screened and or cleared as representative of Rivers State. For this, petitions, protestations and litigations have piled up for and against Amaechi’s choice.
There are today, two schools of thought, though not proportionate in size, but equally anxious, forceful and unrepenting. Both groups are convinced and so are bent on convincing others why they believe or not Amaechi is a fit and proper choice to represent the state in the federal cabinet.
Never has the choice of a Minister from Rivers State generated so much controversy, as has the choice of former Governor Amaechi. Infact, there is a third group that fears that which ever group that emerges victorious, in the end Rivers will not be better for it. That the animosities and vendetta that daily play out would continue to polarize the political class and by extension, Rivers people.
Those who think Amaechi does not deserve Senate’s confirmation as Minister to represent Rivers, hinge their arguments on moral, constitutional and indeed socio-political variables. They insist that Amaechi has a moral burden to discharge by coming out clean on corruption charges leveled against him by the Probe Panel that investigated his activities while as governor of the state.
That report outlines several breaches, questionable sale of government assets and diversion of public funds by the governor and some of his former commissioners. The Panel’s report has since been studied, addressed and a white paper issued, affirming that state funds running into billions of naira were indeed unaccounted for.
This school holds that a public official facing such corruption allegations and litigations arising from same in court, should not be given any position of trust, as an unfavourable outcome from the courts would be source of huge embarrassment to the Buhari administration and compromise the anti-graft crusade’s drive.
The group also points to constitutional concerns. Former Governor Amaechi, they recall, refused to hand-over to his successor, one validly declared winner of the governorship elections of this year. Some even allege, that to frustrate the hand-over, Amaechi not only stayed away, he also caused to be unaccessible the traditional parade van, for such events, thus forcing the new government to secure one from Ondo State.
This attitude, they insist, amounts to impunity of the highest order and indeed a breach of the constitution, that demands a smooth transition from one government to another. They insist that the same person rendered an arm of government dysfunctional for over a year and cannot be depended upon to be fair to all concerned based on his antecedents.
Another is the socio-political drift.
President Buhari recently withdrew his initial nomination of the former Niger State Deputy Governor Ibeto on grounds that the present governor and the ministerial nominee were from the same senatorial zone. That if the much needed socio-political balancing and integration were to be achieved, another be chosen to replace the first nominee.
Expectedly, in its third argument, this group insists that the Niger State example is exactly what obtains in Rivers. That not only that Governor Amaechi, who governed the state for eight years is of the Upland, he is indeed of the same Senatorial District with incumbent Governor Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike. That since that is so, Amaechi’s nomination be withdrawn and replaced with a Riverine nominee from a different Senatorial district.
And finally, that with the bad blood which Amaechi’s nomination has generated, it is very unlikely that, if chosen, he would work closely with the state government in the interest of the state. Therefore, they fear, his clearance as Minister will be a great gamble, that the state can ill-afford.
But the second group counters, saying all the allegations of corruption leveled against Amaechi were actuated by malice, personal vendetta and indeed political hatred. They say Amaechi is a rare patriot, a change agent and indeed an exceptional leader that would never compromise his integrity.
The group insists that Amaechi’s achievements, as governor in areas such as education, health, infrastructure development and indeed his political contributions towards deepening democracy in Nigeria qualifies him as first among equals to be chosen as Minister. They point to his doggedness, drive and resilience in standing-up against the federal might under the Jonathan Presidency, to popularise the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, as a formidable credential that stands Amaechi out.
More importantly, the group insists that the country operates the accusatorial process of prosecution, whereby an accused is presumed innocent until proven otherwise as against the inquisitorial process which condemns an accused until he or she proves himself or herself innocent. That being so, the group insists, Amaechi remains innocent of all the corruption charges leveled against him until his accusers prove otherwise.
Infact, the group says the former governor’s libel suit against some of his accusers, already in court, is an example of an innocent man legally protesting a smear campaign intended to tarnish his image and bring him to public odiom. These are why the group insists, former Governor Amaechi be screened, found worthy, and be confirmed as one of Buhari’s ministers to drive the change agenda in the country.
These indeed are very strong arguments for and against Amaechi’s choice which if not properly tackled and indeed addressed could institutionalise the strong divides into potential enemy camps, and further polarise the state, in ways that would make development difficult, if not impossible.
This is because, soon after Amaechi’s choice as a ministerial nominee was unveiled by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, the three senators representing Rivers State protested. They insisted that Amaechi ought to discharge the moral burden of coming clean from the corruption allegations against him before he could be cleared.
At first, the Senate flew a kite that for a Minister to be cleared, he must have the endorsement of at least two senators from his constituency, meaning, his state. Such endorsement by Rivers senators would have been unlikely if the Senate had stood by it.
This means, apart from the state government, the state assembly and the Integrity group which resent Amaechi’s choice, three representatives of the state, in the upper chamber of the National Assembly do not approve of Amaechi’s choice. If the House of Representatives members from Rivers were to be joined in the fray, the outcome would also not be different.
Bottom line is, qualified, dutiful and pragmatic as Amaechi may be, he would not be able to work well with elected representatives of the state. Without such vital synergy, it is very doubtful if the state could enjoy the best representation at the federal cabinet level.
Another hiccup is that of geo-political balancing. In his last days in government, as governor of Rivers State, Amaechi made such even power-sharing one of his planks, of campaign for change. That was why he stood for the candidature of Dr. Dakuku Peterside, of Opobo, from a Senatorial district that is yet to produce a governor. As a Riverine, it was also expected to check the lopsided choice of politicians for the governorship, in favour of the upland, in the past 16 years.
Unfortunately, by the declaration of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the state’s governorship elections, Rivers people preferred Chief Nyesom Wike as governor to Amaechi’s choice. What is on ground therefore, is the fact that the present Governor is not only an uplander, he is indeed from former Governor Amaechi’s Senatorial district.
This is why many think that if indeed Amaechi truly believed in his support for a Riverine candidate from a different Senatorial district, other than those that have produced governors, now is the time to demonstrate his patriotism by disqualifying himself and instead recommend one that fits his pre-governorship election crusade.
That way, many will see him for the change agent that he is. Hail him for the patriot that he is. And indeed celebrate him for the selfless politician he wants the people to see him. It will indeed earn him the respect he desires as one of the statesmen, Rivers will donate to Nigeria’s democracy.
My Agony is that very few ambitious politicians, can willingly risk staying far away from the corridors of power, and be able to make the needed impact in any electoral process. Ask Atiku. Buhari is a rare aberration to the rule.
In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.
Tele Ikuru
The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?
Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .
Bernard C. Idike
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
Amieyeofori Ibim
-
Rivers1 day agoMonarch Lauds Fubara Over Solicitor-General’s Appointment
-
Oil & Energy4 days agoElectricity Tarrif Is Flexible – Power Minister
-
Niger Delta4 days agoCommunity Lauds NDDC, Cleric On Project Execution
-
Editorial1 day agoGovernor’s Pension Law Repeal, Otti’s Example
-
News1 day agoCourt Halts Amaewhule-Led Assembly From Extending LG Officials’ Tenure
-
Education4 days ago2023 UTME Notification Slips: Police, JAMB Raise Alarm Over Fraudulent Sites
-
Sports4 days agoAthletics: Ofili, Nathaniel Qualify For Paris Olympics
-
News4 days agoFubara Restates Support For Tinubu