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Tag: Rivers governor

  • Rivers Governor’s Badminton

    Africa’s number one player, Dorcas Adesokan lived up to her billing as she made it to the final of the Rivers Governor’s National Badminton Championship, which will end tomorrow at the Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt.

    Adesokan, who is representing Ogun State, will take on Edo’s Deborah Ukeh to determine who takes the top prize in the Women’s category. Adesokan beat Tosin Atolagbe 2-0 (21-7, 21-3) while Ukeh beat Zainab Alaba 2-1 (19-21,21-17, 21-18) to set up the final pairing.

    In the men’s doubles former Africa’s top players, Ola Fagbemi and Jinka Efremu combined to beat to seeds Anu Opeyori and Godwin Olofua to book a place in the finals.

    Apart from the men and women singles final, the women’s doubles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles will also take place today.

    Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who has thrown his weight behind the championship, is expected to grace the finals. President of the BFN, Frank Orbih will lead his team to the championship.

  • Rivers governor has failed, says Amaechi

    Transportation Minister yesterday declared that Governor Nyesom Wike has failed Rivers people by not ensuring good governance.

    The lawmaker representing Rivers Southeast Senatorial District, Senator Magnus Abe,  kicked against the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in his Bera-Ogoni hometown in Gokana Local Government Area of the state, where Amaechi spoke on Saturday.

    Speaking at the rally where he received supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC, the transportation minister said: “Every government has a responsibility to protect lives and property. The reason there is a government is because the people are alive,  if you die there will be no government.

    “Any government that watches its people killed everyday is an irresponsible government. Wike watches his people killed everyday. I met a woman yesterday whose husband was killed in front of her with her son watching. I can assure you today that this government of Wike has failed.

    “When I was your governor, you slept and I kept awake. As governor, I chased away the criminals to their holes. I know that the reason why they are into crime was because there was no money for them. I knew that for you to stop a man from crime, you need to provide an alternative means of livelihood.”

    Amaechi was received in Bera-Ogoni by an indigene of the ancient town, Chief Victor Giadom, who is the Deputy National Secretary of APC and an ally of the transportation minister, who used to be a bosom friend of Abe, but they disagreed over the senator’s 2019 governorship ambition.

    Abe,  through his Spokesperson, Parry Benson, described as illegal, the rally attended by the new Rivers Chairman of APC, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, whom he accused of provoking the people of Gokana LGA, especially APC members loyal to him (Abe).

     

     

  • Rivers governor is economical with the truth, says group

    Rivers governor is economical with the truth, says group

    A group, the Inter-ethnic Network for Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (INCRA), has accused Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike of being economical with the truth on insecurity and other issues.

    INCRA, yesterday in Port Harcourt, through a member of its Interim Management Team, Achor Omodu, said Wike was fond of distorting facts.

    The governor, in a phone-in programme in a local radio station in Port Harcourt at the weekend, claimed that he never bought guns for criminals and was not a cultist.

    INCRA said: “We are bothered that Wike desecrates the high office he occupies, breaches public trust and confidence, as well as defies the ethics of his office with his blatant and incorrigible lies to the public.

    “The governor miscued when he claimed that he had never armed any youth throughout his political career. It is ridiculous that Wike could make such a claim. It is on record that the 2015 election that brought Wike to power was the bloodiest and most violent election in the history of Rivers State.

    “No government in Rivers State has patronised cultists and political thugs more than the Wike-led administration. This is evident in the kind of characters serving in his government and the notorious ex-militants and cultists he regularly appoints as caretaker chairmen and members in the 23 local governments.”

    The group said the governor twisted facts to beguile the masses, fool his gullible supporters and project the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor, as his reason for failing to provide good governance and live up to expectations.

    It expressed sadness that Wike, a chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), could admit during the programme that the reason his administration abandoned the banana plantation in Ogoni, put in place by Amaechi’s government, with a capacity to employ about 4,000 workers, was because the project was a private investment.

    INCRA said: “One is compelled to ask if Wike has proscribed private investments in Rivers State? Is the image laundering advert running on CNN and sponsored by the Rivers State government not intended to woo private investors to the state?

    “It is appalling that the governor does not understand public process and its mechanisms. Otherwise, he would not have made such a preposterous and backward statement about the plantation.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the plantation was a Public/Private Partnership (PPP) project between the Rivers State government and San Carlos Nigeria Ltd, with 40 per cent counterpart fund by the government, while the remaining 60 per cent was to be provided by the partner.

    “We are perturbed that a governor, who should seek economic viability and growth of the state, is discouraging investments and supervising the degradation and abandonment of projects and programmes instituted by the Amaechi-led government, geared towards economic liberation, purely out of personal political reasons. Can Wike claim to truly have the economic and political interest of Rivers State at heart?

    “While it is convenient for the governor to take to public medium to make unfounded statements, sufficiently rooted in falsehood, we will like him to at least choose his lies carefully. It is sickening to hear a governor show so much disregard for his dignity and throw decorum to the winds.”

    The body debunked a “spurious” claim by Wike that his administration built a road that made it possible for cars to drive to coastal Opobo, the headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government, where the 2015 governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State Dr. Dakuku Peterside hails from.

    It noted that it was common knowledge that the Unity Road from Ogoni to Opobo was conceived by ex-Governor Peter Odili and that it was during Amaechi’s tenure that Peterside, as commissioner for Works, on realising that the road did not link Opobo directly, added a spur, which made it possible to access Opobo from Port Harcourt.

    INCRA said as far back as 2014, military men drafted to maintain peace in Opobo drove to the coastal town with their trucks.

    It added: “Wike should stop getting himself worked up about who emerges the governorship standard bearer of APC ahead of 2019 election. He should concentrate on how to deliver good governance within the few months left for him to vacate the Brick House (Government House), Port Harcourt.

    “It is a fact that Amaechi, as the leader of APC in Rivers State and Southsouth, has a right to express his opinion and provide direction on who should be the party’s standard bearer in 2019, provided such a person emerges through credible primaries, in line with the party’s internal arrangements. What happens in APC should hardly be the Rivers governor’s problems.”

     

     

     

     

  • Rivers governor runs the show at PDP convention with ‘Unity List’

    Rivers governor runs the show at PDP convention with ‘Unity List’

    The PDP national convention appeared tailor made for Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.

    From the moment he stepped into the expansive Eagle Square venue of the convention, the governor left no one in doubt that he was there for real business.

    Many delegates clutched what they called the ‘Unity List’ alleged to have been compiled by a group of which he is the rallying point.

    On the list were 21 names, one for each of the positions up for grabs.

    Topping the list was the name of Prince Uche Secondus from Rivers State favoured by Wike for the position of chairman.

    Also listed were: Elder Yemi Akinwonmi (Ogun, South West)) as his deputy national chairman (South); Senator  Gamawa Babawo Garba (Bauchi, North East ) deputy national chairman (North);Senator  Umar Tsauri (Katsina, North West), National Secretary; and Agbo Emmanuel (Benue, North Central) Deputy National Secretary.

    The rest were: Aribisala Adewale (Ekiti, South West) National Treasurer; Alhaji Wada Masu (Kano, North West) deputy treasurer; Abdullahi Husseini Maibasara (Niger, North Central)  Financial Secretary; Irona Alphonsus Gerald (Imo, South East) deputy financial secretary; retired Col. Austin Akobundu (Abia, South East) National Organizing Secretary; Hasan Yakubu (Nasarawa, North central) , deputy national organizing secretary; Kola Ologbondiyan (Kogi, North Central), National Publicity Secretary; Diran Odeyemi (Osun, South West) deputy publicity secretary; Emmanuel Enoidem (Akwa Ibom, South South) National Legal Adviser; and Ahmed Bello Liman (Sokoto,North West) deputy national legal adviser.

    Favoured for the post of National Auditor Mai Adamu Mustapha (Yobe, North East); while Miss Divine Amina Arong (Cross River, South South) was listed as his deputy.

    Mariya Waziri (Kebbi, North West) National Women Leader; Hadizat Umoru (Edo, South South) deputy women leader; Udeh Okoye (Enugu, South East) National Youth Leader; and  Umar Babangida Maina (Adamawa, North East) as his deputy.

    However, while Secondus appeared to be the only candidate sponsored by Wike, all other anointed candidates were sponsored by their various state governors.

    Those from states where PDP is not in power made their cases through prominent stakeholders at the national or state level.

  • Ex-Rivers commissioners, LG chairmen defend Amaechi’s wife on Wike’s corruption allegation

    Ex-Rivers commissioners, LG chairmen defend Amaechi’s wife on Wike’s corruption allegation

    All the commissioners and local government chairmen that served when the Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, was the Governor of Rivers State, have declared that his wife, Dame Judith, never asked them for money.

    The former commissioners spoke Thursday in Port Harcourt, through Fred Mbombo-Igwe, ex-Rivers Commissioner of Sports, while a former Chairman of Asari-Toru LG Council, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, spoke on behalf of the council chairmen.

    Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, had earlier said: “When I was Chief of Staff to Amaechi (between 2007 and 2011), all LGA Chairmen and Commissioners were paying N3 million and N2 million respectively to Amaechi’s wife monthly.”

    The transportation minister, in his response, however, described Wike as a liar, who should not be taken seriously.

    Amaechi said: “By accident of Goodluck Jonathan, I do not want to attribute it to God, but by the accident of Jonathan, the man (Wike) takes office and talks rubbish. My wife and family, including my younger brothers and sisters, no one had access to government when I was governor (of Rivers State). Even as minister, nobody will have such, because it is not a family business. It is government business. My wife will never do such. We do not do family business. I care about transparency. My wife is a trader. She buys and sells and Wike knows that.

    “If he (Wike) does not shut up his mouth and do his work, I will bring his wife (Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, appointed by Amaechi as a Judge of Rivers State Judiciary, when he was governor) to the focus. I have been very mature not to talk about his (Wike’s) wife. Do you believe Nyesom Wike is well? He (Wike) does not know how to speak English. He is poorly dressed. He is a thug.”

    The former Rivers commissioners and LG chairmen noted that the state’s governor, since his assumption of office, had a major agendum to tarnish the sterling reputation of the transportation minister, his erstwhile benefactor.

    The ex-office holders in Rivers said: “He (Wike) is bereft of ideas and unprepared for the task of governing a heterogeneous state like Rivers.

    “Wike, while serving as the Chief of Staff to Governor Amaechi, interfaced regularly with council chairmen. With this rare privilege, his avarice and his corrupt tendencies, he elected to commit a lot of fraudulent and sharp practices, including massive looting and various degree of financial extortion on the council chairmen and commissioners, who felt hapless due to his perceived closeness to the governor, as the chief of staff.

    “On many occasions, Wike, hiding under the subterfuge of his office as intermediary between the then Rivers governor and other elected or appointed public officials, made financial demands and extorted money from council chairmen, including armtwisting them to award contracts to him.

    “It is on record that many LGA projects then, including the new secretariat of Port Harcourt City Council and Etche Council, were done by Wike. Council chairmen and state officials were forced to contribute many millions of naira to Wike, under the pretext of fighting his legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), when he was arrested and tried for corruption. For the most flimsy excuses, Wike, as Chief of Staff, placed hefty levies on council chairmen. Failure to pay was usually met with stiff sanctions.

    “Wike is indeed morally bankrupt and cannot point accusing fingers at the wife of former governor Amaechi. In fact the then Chief of Staff to Rt. Hon. Amaechi gave stern directives to council chairmen never to support the activities of the wife of the governor.”

    Amaechi’s allies also stated that no commissioner or council chairman, either individually or as a group, was told, coerced, intimidated or persuaded to pay any money to the wife of the former Rivers governor, maintaining that no money was given to Dame Judith.

    They said: “Wike lacks moral rectitude. He is bereft of ideas and has no respect for his wife. Hence his shameful attempt to drag the name and reputation of the wife of his former boss into disrepute.

    “Wike is too economical with the truth and he is in fact a pathological liar, who should be ignored. His allegation is baseless, untrue and a figment of his warped imagination.”

    The former commissioners and LG chairmen who served in Amaechi’s administration also warned the Rivers governor against the “disgraceful and disgusting mischief” against the wife of the ex-governor, asking him to immediately tender an unreserved apology to Dame Judith or be ready to face the consequences.

     

  • Rivers Governor demands reinstatement of dismissed cops

    Rivers Governor demands reinstatement of dismissed cops

    The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has described the dismissal of six “innocent” police officers by the authorities of the Nigeria Police Force as a sad day for Nigeria.

    Wike, who spoke through the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dr. Austin Tam-George,  also demanded immediate reinstatement of the dismissed policemen.

    In an online press statement titled “Wrongful Dismissal of Governor Wike’s Six Police Details: Tragic Day for Professionalism in the Nigerian Police,” the governor said: “The Rivers State Government notes with infinite sadness the decision of the Nigeria Police to dismiss the six police officers attached to Governor Nyesom Wike.

    “The police officers were subjected to a secret and unfair trial on totally fictitious charges of professional misconduct during the rerun elections in Rivers State on December 10, 2016.

    “This is a tragic day for professionalism and the respect for human rights in the Nigeria Police Force.

    “The dismissed officers committed no crime other than foil a carefully-orchestrated electoral heist by officials of INEC in collusion with the APC and the Nigeria Police Force.

    “The claim by the police that the affected officers misused their firearms while in the convoy of Governor Wike on December 10, 2016 is a wrong and cruel fabrication.

    “Governor Wike did not depart from his official premises on the day of the elections and therefore had no use for an armed convoy.

    “Two days after the elections, on December 12, 2016, thousands of Rivers people, led by Governor Wike, resisted an invasion by the police on the premises of the Port Harcourt City Local Government Council, in a brazen attempt to rig the elections in favour of the APC.

    “The Port Harcourt City Council was the election collation centre for the Rivers

    East Senatorial District.

    “Throughout the period of the stand off between the invading police officers

    and the thousands of citizens who resisted them, Governor Wike and the officers around him conducted themselves with utmost restraint.

    “The dismissed officers are therefore the latest victims of the medieval dictatorship of the APC government. A government that seems to lurch blindly in the miasma of its own incompetence and intolerance.”

    Governor Wike also urged Nigerians to demand the immediate reinstatement of the dismissed officers and for the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, to allow an independent inquiry.

    Wike alleged that the APC government had never hidden its desperation to overrun Rivers State, colonise its people and loot the treasury of the state, adding that Rivers people would continue to resist all attempts to enslave them.

    However, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) described the dismissal of six policemen for unethical conduct during the December 10 legislative rerun in the state as a clear indictment of Governor Wike.

    Speaking through its Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone, in Port Harcourt yesterday, the party maintained that the decision of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, to dismiss the six errant policemen who flouted his directive not to support politicians to rig elections was a step that would ensure sanity in the Nigeria Police Force.

    APC in Rivers said: “The dismissal of the six policemen is a clear indictment on Wike over his violation of electoral regulations in the December 10 rerun elections in Rivers State.

    “We believe that it is just a tip of the iceberg of what will be unravelled that were perpetrated by the Rivers State governor during the rerun.

    “Nigerians are waiting for the IGP’s panel report that will seal the fate of Wike and his accomplices within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”

     

  • Rivers govt warns against militancy, pipeline vandalism

    Rivers govt warns against militancy, pipeline vandalism

    The Rivers State government has warned militant youths who are vandalising pipelines and other installations of oil companies in the Niger Delta to sheathe their swords and embrace the truce initiated by the Federal Government.

    Rivers Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, made the admonition yesterday at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

    She called on stakeholders to ensure a lasting solution to the endemic poverty and poor infrastructural development in the crude oil and gas-rich region and work towards upgrading the capital base of Port Harcourt like that of Abuja and Lagos, to equate it as truly the Industrial hub of Nigeria.

    Harry-Banigo stated that the continuous bombing of oil facilities in the Niger Delta by the Niger Delta Avengers and other militant groups was inimical to economic, environmental and human survival, stressing that the water, land and the entire ecosystem were being polluted and destroyed.

    Rivers deputy governor noted that although the vandalism of oil facilities in the Niger Delta was being perpetuated outside Rivers state, but called on parents and guardians across the region to prevail on their children and wards to shun acts that would impede the actualisation of peace and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

    Harry-Banigo also said there was the need for an aggressive, pragmatic and holistic development master plan that would transform the lives of the people and create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the Niger Delta, pointing out that militancy and youth restiveness would be greatly reduced, when the people of the region were gainfully engaged.

    Meanwhile, the Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, also yesterday inaugurated the caretaker committee chairmen of three local government areas of the state, with a charge to them to support the ongoing security drive, to rid the state of cultists.

    Those inaugurated included Gbara Erelo (Khana LG council), Monday  Dum-Iye (Gokana) and Adonye Kelly Diri (Opobo/Nkoro).

    Wike stated that the caretaker committee chairmen had a responsibility to cooperate with security agencies to build the security architecture of their LGAs.

    He noted that any of the caretaker chairmen who failed to cooperate with the security agencies would lose his appointment.

    Rivers governor said: “Make sure you cooperate with the security agencies to flush out cultists. We cannot allow the cultists disturb the peace and security of the state. Enough is enough.”

    Wike also disclosed that he had received security reports, which he said the security agencies would act upon, as they relate to the sponsors of the cultists.

    He noted that any official of the Rivers government found to be connected to the cultists would be arrested and prosecuted.

    The governor also directed the caretaker committee chairmen to ensure that they pay their workers’ monthly salaries regularly.

     

  • No victor, no vanquished, says Rivers Governor

    No victor, no vanquished, says Rivers Governor

    Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has given thanks to God for the Supreme Court judgment delivered in his favour yesterday. He also thanked the apex court for handling the matter judiciously and Rivers people for their continued support after emerging victorious over Celestine Omehia at the Supreme Court, Friday.

    In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. David Iyofor, Amaechi said although the court ruling again vindicated his position that Omehia had no case against him, he believed that there was no victor and no vanquished in the matter.

    The governor said the apex court ruling provided a new opportunity for everyone to join hands with his administration in the development of Rivers State and the advancement of Rivers people.

    He said: “Today’s judgement once again shows that God is with us. And as God has put us to oversee the affairs of Rivers State, we will continue to do it diligently and tirelessly to better the lives of our people and develop the state.

    “We will rededicate and focus more on administering good governance to the people of the state, and ensure that our people continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.”

    Amaechi called on Celestine Omehia, his supporters and all well-meaning Rivers people to join hands with his administration and work together towards the greater good of the state and its people.

    “Now that the legal tussle is over, I want to appeal to Omehia, his supporters and all other well-meaning Rivers people to join hands with my administration in building the new Rivers State my administration has started.

    “As for me, in this matter, there is no victor, no vanquished,” Amaechi said.

  • Wike is next Rivers governor, says Obuah

    Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Felix Obuah, yesterday said Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, will be the next governor of Rivers State.

    Wike, who is the grand patron of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), also vowed not to return the Rivers State PDP structure to Governor Rotimi Amaechi. He said change had come to the state.

    The minister also said President Goodluck Jonathan would seek re-election in 2015, although the President has said he would not declare his 2015 plan until next year.

    Wike and Obuah who are leading the anti-Amaechi group in Rivers State, spoke at the inauguration of the Ahoada East Local Government and Ward (13) Executives of the GDI. The event was held at the playground of St. Peter’s Catholic Primary School, Ahoada.

    The inauguration was preceded by a thanksgiving service/dedication of the Ahoada East Local Government chapter of the GDI at the St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral.

    But Amaechi said he would remain focused and committed to his administration’s transformation agenda and would not be distracted by the enemies of progress.

    Obuah said: “I want to appreciate the members of the GDI, for the wonderful work you are doing, especially with the crowd of this magnitude. If GDI, a socio-political organisation, can pull this crowd, what will happen when the PDP is campaigning in Ahoada East LG?

    “It is on this note I am calling on the would-be governor of this great state, who I believe, by God’s grace, is here in our midst (Wike), that we need a 50,000 capacity stadium in Ahoada. If PDP is coming for campaign, this arena (St. Peter’s Catholic Primary School, Ahoada) will be too small.

    “That is why I am calling that the ancient city of Ahoada, the headquarters of Orashi region, to have at least a 50,000 capacity stadium. I want to thank the GDI members for tremendously mobilising support for President Jonathan.”

    The Rivers PDP chairman, an indigene of Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of the state and a former Chairman of the council also called on PDP members who would be at the party’s convention on August 31, to vote a former National Organising Secretary of the PDP, Uche Secondus, as the Deputy National Chairman of the party.

    Wike said: “I am very happy. I thank all of you who made today to be possible. God Almighty will bless you. GDI is for the emancipation of Rivers people. Change has come to Rivers state. Wherever you are, make a mark.

    “If we had allowed Chibudom Nwuche (former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives) to represent you (Rivers West Senatorial District), we would not have had a deaf and dumb representative (Senator Wilson Ake). What have they done? We have made a mistake. We shall correct that mistake.

    “They will not face reality. He (Wilson Ake) wants his elder brother (Chief Godspower Ake) to continue to be the Rivers chairman of the PDP, in order to continue in the Senate. God says it is not possible again and it will not happen again. I am not afraid of Wilson Ake. The truth must be told. “

  • My problem with Rivers governor, by First Lady

    My problem with Rivers governor, by First Lady

    First Lady Patience Jonathan yesterday spoke of her problem with Rivers State Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi.

    Mrs. Jonathan, who has been linked with the Rivers Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis, told visiting Bishops in Abuja that the disagreement started four years ago.

    Sixteen Bishops from the Southsouth Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) visited her at the Presidential Villa. She told them that she had committed the crisis to prayer.

    The crisis last week culminated in a free-for-all at House of Assembly in Port Harcourt when five members attempted to impeach Speaker Otelemaba Dan Amachree in a 32-member House.

    “Rivers state issue is one thing I’ve committed to prayer because I believe there is nothing God cannot do. God restored me and I’ll do His work without the fear of man.

    “The truth will always remain the truth and what God ordains must come to pass and so Rivers issue is something we’ve handed over to God.’’

    The president’s wife said contrary to some reports, she had always mediated between Amaechi and other parties in a crisis that began four years ago.

    “This matter started as far back as four years ago at Anyugubiri in Okrika when I begged him not to demolish a part of Okrika but (that he should) dialogue first with the people.

    “After that incident, he called the chairman of Okrika (local government) and sacked him for holding a reception in our honour; that boy was the first victim.

    “He also put my people under curfew for nine months. I called him and pleaded with him but he refused. Then I began to hear all sorts of propaganda in the media against me; this is not the way.

    “I’ve never spoken about this issue but as men of God, I believe you’ll say the truth always because there are a lot of conflicting interests; some will hear one thing and say the exact opposite.

    “I also want you to know the genesis of this problem and pray that God touches Amaechi’s heart as per his hot temper because when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.’’

    Mrs. Jonathan urged the parties involved in the crisis to help to resolve issues plaguing the state and not “whip up sentiments that will aggravate the problem.

    “I appeal to Amaechi to sheathe his sword so that we can defend our state and this country with love, unity, patriotism and truth at all times.

    “Hebrews 12:14 urges us to embrace peace with all men without which, we cannot see God.

    “Amaechi is my son; I cannot fight him and I cannot kill him. He shouldn’t be used by outsiders against his own blood because this seat is vanity.

    “One day, no matter how long it takes, we will leave this seat. Power is not forever. This seat is vanity; others sat here and left so one day I’ll also leave and we will meet at home; so why should I fight him?

    “Let’s take it easy, face issues, leave non-existent matters, stop magnifying lies and respect our leaders and people in authority. Let’s give peace a chance,’’ she said.

    Bishop God-Do-Well Awomapara, Chairman, Niger Delta Bishops Forum, who led the delegation, said the visit was significant “in view of emerging situations in our region.

    “We are on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Rivers issue and mediate where necessary,’’ he said.