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Tag: Amaechi

  • Amaechi, navy partner on waterways security

    Amaechi, navy partner on waterways security

    Rivers State government and the Navy have agreed to provide adequate security on the waterways during the elections.

    Governor Rotimi Amaechi yesterday reiterated the determination of his administration to ensure the security of lives and properties across the state, especially on the waterways.

    Amaechi said the government would give the Navy, the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) codenamed Operation Pulo Shield, the Marine Police, and other security agencies the needed support to ensure the safety of sea travellers.

    The governor spoke when the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Henry Babalola visited him at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

    Amaechi, who was represented by his deputy, Tele Ikuru, said: “Years ago, security on our waterways was a difficult task, but with the help of the Navy, the situation was tamed.”

    He added that his administration would continue to work with the security agencies.

    Rear Admiral Babalola said his visit was part of his familiarisation tour of all units under his command.

    He said the command would collaborate with other security agencies to ensure that the general elections would be done in a proper and conducive atmosphere.

    In a related development, the Navy expressed its readiness to provide security in the waterways before, during and after the general elections.

    Commodore Musa Gemu, the commander, Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, Warri Naval base, pledged the readiness during Operation Show of Force in Warri yesterday.

    Gemu assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the electorate of adequate protection.

    Gemu said the event, held at the Benelt Island in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta, was happening simultaneously in all naval commands across the country.

    He added that it was aimed at showing the readiness of naval officers in providing security in the waterways before, during and after the elections.

  • Panic in PDP as Amaechi woos Lamido for Buhari

    Panic in PDP as Amaechi woos Lamido for Buhari

    Rivers, Jigawa governors hold talks in Dutse

    There was panic yesterday in the Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a secret meeting between Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council Director-General Rotimi Amaechi.

    The meeting was held in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital,  between Saturday night and yesterday.

    Lamido, who is PDP candidate President Goodluck Jonathan’s Northwest campaign coordinator, and the Rivers State governor were on the same side during the disputed Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) election.

    It was learnt that Amaechi was in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, on the invitation of his colleague. He arrived at the Jigawa Government House at about 9pm on Saturday.

    A source said the two governors held talks late into the night at the Presidential Lodge in the Government House, where Ameachi passed the night. They met again at about 10:05am yesterday for more talks, which ended at about 11:30am.

    After the meeting, Lamido, who wore a blue dress and a blue cap to match, drove himself in a Peugeot 206 car. He declined reporters’ question as he returned to his official residence.

    Ameachi, who drove himself in a black Toyota Landcruiser with few escorts to the Government House, also declined comment on his mission.

    When reporters approached him for his comments, he said: “You can see me driving. I’m busy, I can’t talk now. Good bye.”

    Lamido is believed to be lukewarm towards the PDP presidential campaign.

    He even gave conditions to join the team, saying the President must rein in the ex-militants and Chief Edwin Clark who have been beating drums of war in the name of support for Dr. Jonathan.

    The ex-militants remain unrepentant, vowing to go to war should the President lose the February 14 poll.

    The fears of the Presidency and PDP border on likely protest votes in Jigawa State against Dr. Jonathan.

    But the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Chief  Olisa Metuh, said the party had a feeling that Amaechi went to Dutse as part of consultations to return to the party.

    He said all the governors and others who defected from PDP to APC were not feeling at home in the opposition party.

    The Presidency and the PDP were “caught unawares” by Amaechi’s visit to Dutse.

    It was learnt that the shock was more profound because Lamido did not hint Jonathan and Vice-President Namadi Sambo about what a Presidency source described as a “nocturnal visit” – about 12 days to the election.

    A highly-placed source said: “ The Presidency and the PDP were jolted because the meeting between Lamido and Amaechi came barely few hours after the flawed rally in Kaduna State.

    “In fact, at the Kaduna rally, Lamido, who is the zonal coordinator of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, was unusually silent and moody. We were all curious but we attributed his mood to campaign fatigue.

    “Everyone is running helter-skelter to get in touch with Lamido on what actually transpired between him and Amaechi.

    “But going by the fact that the nation is in election mood, we are suspecting that it might be about the presidential poll.”

    A source in the party said: “We are suspecting that this are last-minute wooing of Lamido by the APC is for swinging of votes for the opposition during the presidential poll.

    “Some of our leaders, who met on the issue, ruled out Lamido joining APC. But there can be protest votes in the state against the President on February 14.

    “You know Lamido is an ardent loyalist of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and you know the apparent disposition of the former President to Jonathan. Some are suspecting that Obasanjo might have a hand in the meeting.”

    Vice President Namadi Sambo was last night said to be looking into the “circumstances behind the meeting.”

    Attempts to get the reaction of Sambo’s camp were unsuccessful last night. One of his trusted aides sent a text message: “Sorry, I cannot talk right now”.

    Metuh underplayed the meeting, saying: “It is possible Amaechi went to discuss with Lamido on how to return to PDP.

    “We have feedback that all our governors and members who defected to APC are uncomfortable in the opposition party. They want to come back to PDP. So, the meeting might be one of such moves. Maybe Amaechi wants to come back to PDP.”

  • ‘Amaechi, Peterside have liberated us’

    The people of Okuru-Ama,  Phalga Local Government Area of Rivers State, have commended Governor Rotimi Amaechi and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Dakuku Peterside, for their commitment towards the liberation of their community.

    The community noted that the two politicians have brought peace and development to the town.

    A community leader,  Thompson Douglas, described Amaechi and Peterside as instruments of change and stability, adding that the people are appreciative of their outstanding roles in Okuru-Ama. He spoke at a reception for Peterside hosted by the community.

    He thanked them the governor and the legislator for liberating the community from hardship, intimidation, and marginalisation. Douglas said that the community regained its sense of belonging under the Amaechi Administration.

    He added: “Before our son came and became the governor of Rivers State on October 27, 2007, we were direct casualties of the calamity that befell this community. Do we want to go back to that era of killings?

    “Amaechi, for the love of this community, brought in the bulldozers under the supervision of our own able brother, Peterside. Even, when our brothers and sisters turned their backs on us, Amaechi and Peterside made a difference. They stood by us. So, we will continue to support men and women of honour like them who work for society. We will never be intimidated again because we have been liberated. Never again will any son or daughter of  Okuru-Ama be intimidated. The Dakuku I served as Commissioner of Works, the Dakuku, whose house I lived in Opobo when Okuru-Ama was destroyed, is a man that fears God and loves our community greatly.”

    Douglas said, apart from building and rehabilitating major roads in Okuru-Ama, Peterside, who also attended OkrikaGrammer School,  is conversanty with the problems and yearnings of Okuru-Ama. He therefore, called on the people to support him in next month’s election.

    The APC candidate, who was accompanied by friends and chieftains of his party, assured the people of his willingness to consolidate on the gains of the Amaechi Administration in the community. He charged them to be peaceful and law-abiding, adding that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of crisis.

    Peterside urged the people to  collect their permanent voter’s cards, stressing that they are the keys to change.

    He said the radical transformation under this administration can only be sustained and improved upon by voting the APC at  the elections.

  • Wike is wasteful, says Amaechi

    Wike is wasteful, says Amaechi

    Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Nyesom Wike, is an extravagant and immature person who cannot match the excellent academic and public service record of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Dr. Dakuku Peterside.

    The governor said Wike was incapable of providing the quality leadership expected of the governor of a sophisticated state like Rivers.

    Amaechi spoke at State School ground at Okehi in Etche Local Government Area.

    The governor recalled the incalculable profligacy that marked Wike’s tenure as Chief of Staff of his (Amaechi’s) government during his first term.

    Amaechi told the crowd how Wike’s office, when he was Chief of Staff, repeatedly discouraged him from building government guest houses because he benefited directly from the massive fraud that characterised lodging and accommodating government visitors.

    Governance, the governor said, is for responsible people with a high degree of moral bearing and stability, not for people who cannot survive outside government.

    He said Peterside was assigned the sensitive Ministry of Works during his (Amaechi’s) first tenure because of his sterling qualities as a patriot and gentleman who did not see public service as an avenue for primitive accumulation.

  • Amaechi Vs Olukolade

    Governor Amaechi of Rivers who also doubles as General Buhari’s presidential campaign director, has been roundly condemned by government and our overwhelmed military over his view that soldiers engaged in anti-insurgency operations had a right to protest the lack of arms and ammunition needed for successful military engagement. This was a reaction to mass death sentences passed on 54 soldiers for disobeying the order of their commanding officers. To further disabuse the minds of the public from a statement the military believes is capable of inciting the soldiers, Major General Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information has pointed out that “the war on terror is not all about equipment but mindset of both the military and the public”. He has in  the light of that privileged information warned politicians to  “refrain from pronouncement and attitude that seek to undermine the established justice/disciplinary procedures and processes of the military system”. I think it must be conceded to Olukolade that soldiers signing for the military know the consequences of breaching the military laws. But with General Obasanjo, a man who should know better as a former field General and former Head of state now authoritatively asserting that “in the military profession, there are no bad soldiers but bad officers” and that if we see a situation where the soldiers are not doing well, examine the officer, military leaders from now on may find it hard to continue blaming others for their inadequacies.  Yes there are military laws and the soldiers enrolling in the military are conscious of the consequences of breaking such rules.  I think the missing link is the spirit of the law. And I think this is where the leadership of the military has failed their foot soldiers.

    But it is difficult for one not to share Olukolade’s anguish and anger against politicians, the source of the past and current travails of the military. The infiltration of the military by ethnic irredentists as politicians in the first republic led to unleashing upon themselves ‘internal haemorrhage’ first on January 15 and July 29 1966, subsequent 30 months civil war and the long years of military involvement in politics ending with emergence of political fraudsters and treasury looters as Head of state and reducing a professional army of pre-independence to “an army of anything is possible” by 1998. Today, the military is not just at war with Boko Haram, a by-product of PDP intra-party feuds; it has been infected by a Jonathan administration riddled with corruption and impunity. The result is crisis of confidence in the military as it battles the insurgency with its cycle of violence against innocent and helpless people of North-eastern Nigeria. In the face of the general atmosphere of insecurity in the north, the urbane Sultan of Sokoto has now passed a ‘fatwa’ calling on Muslim faithful to defend themselves against Boko Haram since government has let them down. This was coming on the heels of similar call by Muhammadu Sanusi II, emir of Kano late last year.

    Yet a military that is increasingly finding it difficult to re-establish its relevance and indeed needs help has continued to regard itself as the most nationalistic group and custodian of our common will. This is long after various studies have abundantly demonstrated that most members of the Nigerian military like their counterparts elsewhere are hardly motivated by altruism. Rather, they are rational beings who enrol in the military not to commit suicide but to take the advantage of the opportunities it offers to climb the social ladder. Buhari, former military head of state and presidential candidate in the February election once told the story of how he secured a chance to go to the military school as a poor village boy because unlike today, Ahmadu Bello, the then premier of the north extended opportunities to the children of the poor even in the rural areas.

    Therefore, Nigerian soldiers like their counterparts elsewhere in the world have hopes and aspirations. They want to fight and live. They look forward to welfare packages after retirement just like legislators, governors and local council politicians.  Kitting soldiers to fight to live is therefore not an idle talk. If those set on the path of martyrdom are kitted with modern fighting equipment, how can we provide less for those fighting for their nation with the hope of acquiring good education and a secured future? For this reason many democratic nations have already elevated the protection of soldiers from avoidable death on the battle field to a human right issue .

    The greatest responsibility of an officer is securing the life of his soldier. In a globalised world, our military leaders cannot continue to act as if they don’t have obligations to others. When two British soldiers Corporal Stephen Allbut and Trooper David Clarke were killed by a friendly power during their Iraq engagement in what was described as ‘completely avoidable tragedy’ by an inquiry to the incident, a coroner indicted the British Army officer in charge of the operation. His major offence was not deploying 47 state-of-the-art satellite recognition sets leased by the Ministry of Defence from the US which were capable of tracking friendly tank movements. Similarly the  report that British troops were deprived of the right equipment to fight wars in Iraq and Afghanistan  led to the setting up of Chilcot Inquiry in Britain where Gordon Brown faced questioning with General Lord Gurthrie the chief of staff from 1997 to 2001 accusing him of allowing soldiers to die. Brown as chancellor at the period was indicted for not making funds available therefore forcing the Armed forces to cope without a wide range of equipment’.

    Here neither military leaders nor government think they owe anyone any explanation for their failures. Alarmed by the low quality of arms in spite of huge allocation of over a quarter of our annual budget of N4 trillion to ministry of defence for two years consecutively, the US suggested that the source of wealth of some military officers be probed. The government ignored the advice probably because those considered as friends of government are above the law. It was the same form of impunity that greeted Kashim Shettima, the governor of besieged Borno State’s first alarm that with the relative ease at which Boko Haram was overrunning everywhere, our troops probably needed more fighting kits and better motivation. Doyin Okupe and other presidential hurrah boys were deployed to all available electronic media to accuse the governor of attempting to incite our hard-fighting and ‘well-kitted’ soldiers. When over 200 young girls were abducted from their dormitories and driven over a distance of over 200 kilometres in a state under emergency, the president’s wife and minister after minister took turns to call the governor names. This was followed by the insurgents’ take-over of over 20 LGA in Borno, the sacking of some military barracks and the killing of an estimated 4000 innocent Nigerians. It was after all these that the president, without an apology to Shettima and Nigerians sought the approval of the National Assembly to seek $1billion loan to equip the military.

    While one appreciates Olukolade’s righteous indignation against politicians, if he ‘shines’ his eyes, he will be pleasantly surprised that Amaechi is not the problem. It lies as much with the leadership of the country as with the leadership of the military. I think instead of chasing shadows, and trying to play safe, leaders will benefit from the admonition of American General David Petraeus, an architect of victory against Iraq insurgency to his colleagues when they faced their own demons in Iraq.  “What you face is simply a moral challenge, a test of will and commitment that if you believe that all is not well – change it; do not wrestle with the sum of your fears; but embrace the course you believe to be right …”

  • Mu’azu: injustice forced Amaechi, others out of PDP

    Mu’azu: injustice forced Amaechi, others out of PDP

    THE National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamau Mu’azu, has identified injustice as a major factor responsible for the defection of five state governors and others from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and ex- Governor Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), in November 2012, defected from the PDP to the APC.

    Similarly, a number of prominent party chieftains, including senators and members of the House of Representatives, left the PDP for the APC.

    Mu’azu, who spoke in Abuja at the inauguration of the PDP’s Presidential Campaign Organisation, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to consider the governors’ defection as a challenge ahead of the general election.Decrying what he described as politics of use and dump, which he said was pervasive in the ruling party, the party chair said the trend, if not stemmed, could spell catastrophic consequences for the democratic process.His words:

    “I appeal to President Jonathan to consider it a challenge to discuss with your governors, senators and all other elected officials of the PDP that members of the PDP said we should not be used and dumped.”Adhere to equity, fairness and justice; substantial membership of the APC, APGA and others are members of our party.”A lot of our party members have left because they have been used and dumped. It should not happen again.”

    Speaking at the event, Jonathan said the performance of his administration would be his selling point during the electioneering campaign and urged his campaign team to be civil in the use of language.

    Reiterating his promise for free, fair and credible elections, the president said next month’s elections would mark a critical point in the nation’s history. Apparently referring to his major challenger, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, he challenged his critics to tell Nigerians how many women served in their administration.

    Jonathan said: “I am not campaigning to you; I have no doubt you are already familiar with the achievements of this administration.

    ”We will see those who said they would form a parallel government. Do not join them in violence; every Nigerian is free to campaign in every part of Nigeria”.Chairman of PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, who was appointed national campaign adviser, emphasised that the presidential candidates of other parties cannot boast of any achievements in the nation’s democratic journey.

    According to him, they have not got the requisite experience to govern the country.

    He said: “I expect that Nigerians will prefer continuity of this administration’s robust national transformation agenda to the so-called ‘change’, just to satisfy some personal and narrow interests.

    “The presidential election is the first in the series of elections scheduled by the INEC to hold on February 14, with the National Assembly elections. What this means is that we must work assiduously to win the best prize, which is the presidential election.

    ”Once we do that, the victory will expectedly have a bandwagon effect on the February 28 governorship and  assembly elections.

    “We have travelled through this familiar path before, specifically in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011.

    “In the last three elections, our candidates had defeated the leading opposition candidates.  Therefore, as we do the needful, I am confident that we will defeat them again”.

    Chairman, PDP Governors Forum and Akwa Ibom State Governor Goodswill Akpabio described the campaign by the opposition as mere propaganda.

    ”The 2015 election is about darkness and light. The contest is between darkness and light; Nigeria cannot go back to darkness.

    ”We don’t want the fate of Nigeria to be handed over to people we cannot trust. This nation will give you valentine love on February 14″, he said.

    Director general of the organisation, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, assured that his team would meet set targets.

    He said it’s ironic that in the 21st century the opposition was presenting a septuagenarian as presidential candidate.

    The PDP is expected to begin its campaign in Lagos tomorrow.

    Jonathan said the party’s governorship candidates would be presented with the party’s flags.

    He said unlike in the past, the PCO would now oversee all the elections

    “We have inaugurated that body. The body should oversee all our elections. It is like a Board of Directors that oversees the management team that manages a company. We have the PDP national campaign council, not just the presidential campaign council,” he said.

    The president urged the PDP governors to deliver their states during the polls, saying they would be held responsible if they failed to do so.

    He said: “All the states we have governors, the governors are the coordinators. They must make sure that we win those states. If we lose, you know you have failed us. The governors will be completely in charge. Some of them will be zonal coordinators and some of them will be state coordinators.”

  • Saro The Musical excites Buhari, Amaechi, others

    Saro The Musical excites Buhari, Amaechi, others

    Starring a highly talented 100-man cast, the second season of Saro The Musical resonated with the import of arts and culture, thrilling many, including All Progressive Congress’ presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Malam El-Rufai, Senator Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora and several other personality, at the 2014 December show, which held at the MUSON Center, Onikan, Lagos.

    The show, which paraded entertainers such as Bimbo Manuel, Dolapo Oni and Gideon Okeke, was described by lovers of performing arts as a mind-blowing reincarnation of the previous season, especially going by its swelled cast members.

    The play which is centered on four young people in search of greener pastures, showcased dazzling performances in lovely costumes, choreographic dance steps and an exquisite fusion of jazz, afro-beat, hip-hop, highlife, juju, apala, and other contemporary Nigerian music genres.

    In Saro, the four characters migrate to Lagos with little else but an abundance of hopes and dreams, where they are duly reoriented by the people and experiences they encounter on their journey of self-realization.

    Weaving together the trials, misfortunes, love, and destinies of the foursome into a 14-act masterpiece, Saro tells the unforgettable and inspiring story of the journey to success in a city filled with broken dreams, as the audience is made to see Lagos being personified by its numerous colourful characters, frenetic pace of living and endless drama.

    Sponsored by telecommunications company, Etisalat, the show has been described as part of the company’s social responsibility projects, geared towards promoting the nation’s cultural heritage.

    Speaking at the event, the company’s Head, Events and Sponsorship, Modupe Thani, said it is important to encourage regeneration of arts and culture in the country, describing it as the cornerstone of a rich civic life. “Arts & Culture can be a powerful force for good and catalyst for change. It is our belief that this force can, and should be harnessed in a positive way to work for change in Nigeria,” she said.

    According to Thani, the objectives of the company’s operation since 2008 is to facilitate social and economic bridge in the areas they operate, saying that, “Saro The Musical resonates with what we stand for at Etisalat and we are honoured to have the privilege to partner with the organisers of this show again.”

  • Injustice forced Amaechi, Kwankwaso others out of PDP – Mu’azu

    Injustice forced Amaechi, Kwankwaso others out of PDP – Mu’azu

    The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamau Mu’azu, has identified injustice, inequity and unfairness as factors responsible for the defection of five state governors from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and ex- Governor Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) had in November 2013 defected from the PDP to the APC.

    Similarly, a number of prominent party chieftains, including serving senators and members of the House of Representatives also left the PDP for the APC, owing to factors earlier identified by the PDP chairman.

    Mu’azu, who spoke in Abuja at the inauguration of the PDP’s Presidential Campaign Organisation, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to consider the governors’ defection as a challenge ahead of the general election.

    Decrying what he described as politics of use and dump, which according to him, was pervasive in the ruling party, Mu’azu said the trend, if not stemmed, could spell catastrophic consequences for the democratic process.

    He said: “I appeal to President Jonathan to consider it a challenge to discuss with your governors, senators, all elected officials of the PDP that members of the PDP said they should not be used and dumped.

    “Adhere to equity, fairness and justice, substantial membership of the APC, APGA and others are members of our party.

    “A lot of our party members have left because they have been used and dumped. It should not happen again.”

    Also speaking at the event, Jonathan said the performance of his administration would be his selling point during the electioneering campaign and urged his campaign team to be civil in the use of language.

    Reiterating his promise of free, fair and credible elections, the President said 2015 poll marked a critical point in the nation’s history. Apparently referring to his major challenger, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, he challenged his critics to tell Nigerians how many women served in their administration.

    The President said: “I am not campaigning to you, I have no doubt you are already familiar with the achievements of this administration.

    “We will see those who said they would form a parallel government. Do not join them in violence, every Nigerian is free to campaign in every part of Nigeria.”

     

  • Amaechi vs DSS

    Amaechi vs DSS

    Security agencies cannot circumscribe freedom of speech

    The warning issued by the Department of State Security (DSS) against the use of inciting and inflammatory statements by politicians in the run-up to the February 2015 general elections once again shows how partisan and unprofessional government agencies and parastatals have become in recent times.

    In a statement signed by Mrs. Marilyn Ogar, the DSS’s Deputy Public Relations Director, the service claimed that it would no longer tolerate the use of “unguarded” statements by politicians whose actions it described as “irresponsible, selfish and against our collective well-being as a nation.” Warning that no one was above the law of the land, Ogar specifically denounced “a serving governor” who had apparently called on members of the Armed Forces to “rise up in protest against constituted authority.”

    Even by the abysmally low standards of neutrality found in most government agencies, the DSS stands out for its notoriously partisan approach to the performance of its duties. Ever since it became more visible with the rise in insurgent activities in the country’s north-east, the service has made no attempt to hide its support for the government in power, even at the cost of its own image in the eyes of the citizenry.

    The service appears to believe that attacking perceived political and other opposition to the Jonathan administration is synonymous with ensuring national security. In August last year, it all but accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to bribe DSS personnel during the Osun State gubernatorial elections. No one has been charged to court on the matter. In the same month, Ogar infamously asked why bomb blasts do not occur when the APC won elections, only to become manifest when the party lost them. Even the respected “Bring Back Our Girls” campaign has not escaped DSS attention, having been described as fraudulent and a political tool.

    The latest warning issued by the service is simply the continuation of this ill-disguised campaign of calumny. Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who was the main target of the latest DSS attack, merely expressed the opinion that soldiers engaged in anti-insurgency operations had a right to protest the lack of arms, ammunition and other supplies essential to success against the insurgents. Taken in context, it does not amount to endorsing mutiny or insubordination. The governor’s position has been supported by respected retired officers like General Ishola Williams (rtd.), who said that the 54 soldiers recently sentenced to death for mutiny had a right to refuse to go to war if they lacked the necessary arms and ammunition.

    The position of Amaechi and Williams is borne out by objective confirmation of the fact that the anti-insurgency campaign is not going as well as it should have because the soldiers are ill-equipped, poorly-resourced and badly-motivated. Why else did President Goodluck Jonathan seek an emergency US $1 billion loan if the armed forces had received all that they required? If criticism of the anti-insurgency campaign is simply partisan political sniping, why has he not visited Chibok since the mass abductions took place in April? Why was Major-General Ahmed Mohammed, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7 Division removed after he was allegedly shot at?

    If there is anything Nigerians should be worried about, it is increasing partisanship of supposedly-neutral government organs, rather than allegedly inciting statements from politicians. The world witnessed the antics of the Nigeria Police and the DSS during the elections in Ekiti and Osun states last year, when both worked to suppress the political campaigns of the APC while providing protection and succour to candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In December 2014, the DSS invaded an APC data centre on allegations that “unwholesome activities” were taking place within it. One month later, the service is unable to come out with any evidence to back up its accusations.

    The danger to the polity of blatantly partisan government agencies cannot be underestimated. It denotes a glaring lack of professional ethics and competence which will definitely undermine the efficiency and effectiveness of such agencies. The lack of trust spawned by the obviously-jaundiced statements of people like Ogar can only serve to erode public confidence and trust at precisely the moment when they are most needed, and by extension, can further weaken confidence in the operations of government as a whole.

    Rather than make common cause with any political party or public office holder, the nation’s security agencies should simply focus on their duties. If anybody falls foul of the laws of the land, that person should be taken to court. This is the least requirement, especially in a democratic dispensation where free speech is an essential ingredient. No one should attempt to take that right away under the guise of ensuring security in the country. We would have understood the concerns of the security agencies but for our experiences with them, especially in recent years. Agencies like the DSS would do well to remember that while governments are temporary, the self-inflicted damage caused to their own reputations by their partisanship will last much longer.

  • Amaechi not guilty of treason; threats to harm, or eliminate him totally unacceptable –Rivers APC

    Amaechi not guilty of treason; threats to harm, or eliminate him totally unacceptable –Rivers APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State chapter, has insisted that Governor Rotimi Amaechi is not guilty of treason, while describing the threats to harm and eliminate him as totally unacceptable.

    It asked the Federal Government to stop flying kite on the possible arrest and trial of Amaechi, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), in connection with some of his recent public statements, in his capacity as the Director-General of General Muhammadu Buhari Presidential Campaign Organisation (GMBPCO).

    Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, warned that Amaechi must not be given the Abiola treatment.

    The ruling APC in Rivers said: “We have every reason to be worried about the safety of our dear Governor, in view of the lessons of history, especially with regard to the late Chief MKO Abiola, who was unjustifiably detained, only to die under mysterious circumstances, while in Federal Government’s custody. We are therefore, reluctant to dismiss reports in various media outlets, suggestive of a threat to the life of Governor Amaechi in connection with his current assignment as the Director-General of General Muhammadu Buhari Presidential Campaign Organisation.”

     APC also strongly condemned the threat issued to Amaechi on Monday by the Department of State Services (DSS), which described the NGF chairman’s recent allegation of corruption in the Nigerian military as inciting and unguarded.

    The party said: “This is nothing but an attempt to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it. There is nothing inciting, unguarded or treasonable in Governor Amaechi’s statement. The governor, while expressing his views on the factors militating against the success of the Federal Government’s war against Boko Haram insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country, blamed the challenges on corruption in the military hierarchy and not on inadequate funding as the public is made to believe. It is unfortunate that, rather than accept the challenge of fighting corruption, the Federal Government has chosen to ignore the message and go after the messenger.”

    The Rivers APC also warned that no harm should befall Amaechi for patriotically exercising his freedom of speech as a citizen of Nigeria, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    It said: “We understand why the sinking PDP-controlled Presidency is resorting to intimidation, as it has read the handwriting on the wall in the countdown to the 2015 presidential poll. We, however, wish to make it clear that both Governor Amaechi and his supporters will not be cowed, but will remain resolute in leading the struggle to uproot PDP from the Aso Presidential Villa, as the first step towards salvaging Nigeria from the doldrums, occasioned by the inept 16-year maladministration of PDP.

    “Nigerians are yearning for change and that change we must give them, by ensuring that the PDP government is peacefully voted out in 2015. If any of our security agencies needs to arrest anybody, they should start with associates of President Goodluck Jonathan, particularly Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, President Jonathan’s Campaign Director of Media and Dr. Doyin Okupe, the President’s Aide on Public Affairs.’’

     who have been making inciting and unguarded statements, both against the vision of APC and our presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, whose well-known stand on corruption has sent cold shivers down the spines of the present corrupt leadership in Aso Rock.

    “We wish to assure Governor Amaechi that he has nothing to be afraid of, as God, who has in the past years protected him, despite the evil machinations of the PDP and the Presidency, will surely see him through this time round and protect him from every danger, as he leads the patriotic battle to rescue Nigeria and Nigerians from the vice grip of PDP, through the instrumentality of the ballot box.”