Riverine communities in Niger Delta back minister Rotimi Amaechi’s decision on 2019

macfranc007 March 15, 2018 IFTTT, Nigeria News today & Breaking news ▷ Read Nigerian newspapers 24/7 Eromosele Ebhomele

- The riverine communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria say they will back Rotimi Amaechi's decision for a candidate from the area against Nyesom Wike

- The communities boast of very qualified people to replace Governor Wike in 2019

- They argue that zoning the governorship to the riverine communities would continue to foster peace and unity

The riverine communities of the Ijaw in the Niger Delta part of Nigeria have thrown their weight behind the decision of Rotimi Amaechi, the transport minister, to ensure the enthronement of an indigene as governor of Rivers state in 2019.

The communities, which spoke through Perekeme Kpodoh, a former security adviser to the Bayelsa state government, said though every indigene of Rivers state have the right to vie for the governorship seat, the decision of Amaechi to back the riverine communities for 2019 governorship is welcomed and right before God.

In a statement made available to NAIJ.com, Kpodoh, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated that the decision of the minister to correct the imbalance and ensure rotation of governorship slot should be considered as the right thing to do to bring about peace in the oil rich state.

According to the statement, Amaechi’s decision shows his selflessness as well as portrays him as not selfish or engaging in political battle for personal gain.

“Amaechi is not backing the Ikwerre people but the people of the riverine communities. He is a true leader and should be supported,” Kpodoh said in the statement adding that the area “can boast of credible politicians such as Dakuku Peterside, who currently heads the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Adol, Dr Sokonte and Chief Dumo Lulu Briggs for the governorship position come 2019.

“Riverine communities of Ijaw, Kalabarri, Andoni, Bonny, Nkoro, Otobo and Akukutoru should rally round and support Rotimi Amaechi to actualise the dream of rotation and enthronement of governor from the area in 2019. There are tested and trusted candidates better than the incumbent."

Though we are not saying Senator Magnus Abe and others are not qualified, the party leaders in Rivers state and the issue of rotation should be considered.

“The Ijaw people should unite and back former governor Amaechi. Ijaw should not betray themselves because of money,” the statement said.

The communities accused Governor Nyosome Wike of being a product of deceit and betrayal.

“Sen John Mbata brought Nyesom Wike into politics. Soon after he entrenched himself in Amaechi's camp, he fought against the senator to further his political fortunes.

“It earned him second term in office as council chairman.

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“Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi made it possible against established culture for Nyesom Wike to be a second term chairman of Obio/Akor local government council, made him his chief of staff and thereafter nomination for ministerial position.

“To further his political interest, he stroked a conflict between Governor Amaechi and former President Jonathan. The outcome made him a governor,” the statement said.

NAIJ.com earlier reported that Perekeme Kpodoh recently accused some governors and politicians in the party of working against the second tenure of President Muhammad Buhari.

Kpodoh said this while noting a reluctance to allow the reconciliation committee of the APC led by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to resolve crises within the party.

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