Few days to the December 10 re-run elections in Rivers State, former
governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike
Rotimi Amaechi has alleged that Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike cannot
deny his involvement and sponsorship of the killing of innocent Rivers
people and stalwarts of the APC in the 2015 general elections and the
March 19 re-run elections in the state.
Amaechi spoke with newsmen at the Port Harcourt International airport on
arrival in the State for the Saturday re-run legislative elections in the
State.
He said the cache of arms and ammunitions Wike recovered from cultists
during the first phase of the Rivers state Amnesty Programme were
evidences to buttress his allegations.
According to him,”Wike has not denied he did not kill people, he sponsored
those who carried arms in the 2015 general elections, even, during the
campaigns, our people were beaten, manhandled and others threatened,
leaving many dead, but, we will not continue to allow these things to
happen like that. Members of the PDP were also responsible for killing APC
members in Omoku”.
When asked that PDP and Governor Wike alleged the Police and INEC in
Rivers state have connived to manipulate election results in favour of
APC, Amaechi said, “If Governor Wike and the PDP have justifiable
evidence, let them present it to the general public and stop blackmailing
me or INEC and Police. The allegations are immaterial, null and void. Why
is Wike and PDP making too much noise and fruitless allegations?”
Amaechi argued that he is more popular than all those in the PDP because,
when he left office in 2015 as Governor of Rivers state, he had over 75
per cent support from Rivers people and other Nigerians resident in the
state.
According to him, “This is so because, as Governor then, l overhauled the
Health and Education sectors by promoting Free Health care system and Free
Education, over 10,000 teachers were employed, including the building of
critical infrastructures, roads and youth empowerment, making Rivers
people and other Nigerians to experience change. So l am very sure l had
more popularity than any PDP stakeholder including Governors across the
country.”
Amaechi also averred the All Progressives Congress,(APC) has been
campaigning for candidates in the re-run election in remote parts of the
state, adding that, his arrival from Abuja on Tuesday night to Port
Harcourt marks the third visit to join stakeholders of the party for
campaigns in the state.
He urged the people of the state to disabuse their minds against comments
by the PDP and Governor Wike, which he said, were calculated to rubbish
him in the eyes of right thinking persons, in order to score cheap
popularity and further whip up public sentiments to heat up the polity.
“On Wednesday, l will also join the APC stakeholders to carry out further
campaigns, while on Thursday, there will be national campaign for the
Party in the state to indicate our readiness and preparedness for the
re-run elections” Amaechi said.
He called on Rivers people and other Nigerians resident in the state,
including supporters and stalwarts of the APC to turn out en- mass to vote
on Saturday urging them to always protect their votes at election venues.
“Before now, l used to tell my Party members to vote and protect their
votes, but there has been complains of indecent attacks from the PDP , so,
l have asked the APC party members to protect their votes and their lives
as well, because the PDP cannot be bigger than everybody everywhere,”
Amaechi explained.
Amaechi equally expressed total displeasure over what he called,
“irresponsible comments” by Wike, stating that, at several occasions, Wike
has abused the office and privileges of the governor, especially, his
sudden interception of Security operatives who were detailed by Law to
arrest corrupt judges in some states across the country.
“During my tenure as Governor, l never abused the office of the Governor,
because, it is sacred and should be respected in all ramifications,” he
said.
Meanwhile, the Minister in a broadcast which is being aired on Radio
stations across Rivers State today called on Rivers people to take
advantage of the December 10 rerun elections and vote the right persons to
represent them and put an end to the terror they have been made to go
through by the Wike and PDP administration in the State so far.
He said, “This is another opportunity for us to exercise our right to vote
for candidates of our choices. You would recall that the last time the
elections were held, members of the APC were brazenly, crudely and
violently prevented from exercising their inalienable rights to elect
those they wanted. Those same characters and forces that stole our votes
by violently denying us the right to vote the last time are at it again.
In the months and weeks leading to this Saturday’s election, they have
employed the use of violence and intimidation and harassment all aimed at
preventing us from coming out to vote, they have turned our hitherto
peaceful state into a haven of brazen criminality culminating in killings
and maiming of innocent citizens.
“However, it is gratifying to know that the Commander-in- Chief, President
Muhammadu Buhari has assured the security of lives and property in the
state before, during and after the election. Mr. President has graciously
provided adequate security through the length and breadth of the state. I
therefore, enjoin you all to come out en masse and exercise your civic
right on Saturday. To this end, the reign of terror in some of our local
government areas leading to senseless killings will not be tolerated as
the security agencies have been directed to ensure the safety of all,
before, during and after the elections. I therefore, implore you all to
come out and exercise your rights to vote now that you have a chance to
vote and your vote will count, choose wisely, vote APC,” Amaechi said.
Again, he assured the people not to submit to any form of intimidation or
threats while exercising their civic right, adding “let me assure you all
that your security and safety is guaranteed.”