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Tag: Rotimi Amaechi

  • Rivers CJ crisis: Supreme Court dismisses Agumagu’s appeal

    Rivers CJ crisis: Supreme Court dismisses Agumagu’s appeal

    The Supreme Court yesterday dismissed three appeals filed by the suspended Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice P. N. C. Agumagu.

    The court held that the appeal was premature.

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) suspended Agumagu earlier this year on the grounds that the decision by Governor Rotimi Amaechi to swear him in as the Chief Judge violated due process.

    NJC esplained that it did not recommend him to Amaechi for appointment as the Chief Judge, as required under the constitution.

    Dissatisfied with his suspension, Agumagu applied to the Federal High Court in Abuja for a judicial review of the NJC’s decision.

    In deciding how to proceed with the case, Justice Adeniyi Ademola heard the objection filed by NJC and other defendants with the substantive suit.

    The NJC appealed Justice Ademola’s decision at the Court of Appeal in Abuja. To allow for prompt hearing of its appeal, it compiled the records within 14 days.

    Agumagu’s lawyer, Akin Olujinmi (SAN), objected to the compilation of records in 14 days. He argued that the compilation did not follow due process.

    Olujimi contended that the law stipulated 60 days for the records to be compiled and that the leave of court ought to be obtained.

    He argued that the Court of Appeal had no jurisdiction to hear the appeal, if the records of appeal were not properly complied.

    The lawyer applied that the records compiled by NJC be struck out, a request the Court of Appeal refused. This prompted his appeal to the Supreme Court. He also asked the apex court to stay proceedings in the pending appeal by NJC.

    In his appeal to the Supreme, Olujimi contended that the Court of Appeal was wrong in its interpretation of the provisions of the Court of Appeal Practice Direction of 2013.

    Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, who read the decision of the Supreme Court yesterday, said: “We have examined this and the other grounds of appeal and are satisfied that the issues in the appeal are matters that can be brought to this court when the appeals are concluded.

    “Accordingly, the application for a stay of proceedings of the pending appeals in the court of appeal is hereby struck out. Notice of Appeal to this court is also struck out.”

    The court dismissed the appeal and ordered the parties back to the Court of Appeal for hearing of the main appeal.

    The court said Agumagu should have appreciated the fact that the records were compiled earlier than the period stipulated by the law.

    The court ordered the Court of Appeal to hear the appeal with dispatch. It said that anyone aggrieved by the judgment of the Court of Appeal was at liberty to appeal such judgment.

  • Rivers CJ crisis: Supreme Court dismisses Agumagu’s appeal

    Rivers CJ crisis: Supreme Court dismisses Agumagu’s appeal

    The Supreme Court yesterday dismissed three appeals filed by the suspended Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice P. N. C. Agumagu.

    The court held that the appeal was premature.

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) suspended Agumagu earlier this year on the grounds that the decision by Governor Rotimi Amaechi to swear him in as the Chief Judge violated due process.

    NJC esplained that it did not recommend him to Amaechi for appointment as the Chief Judge, as required under the constitution.

    Dissatisfied with his suspension, Agumagu applied to the Federal High Court in Abuja for a judicial review of the NJC’s decision.

    In deciding how to proceed with the case, Justice Adeniyi Ademola heard the objection filed by NJC and other defendants with the substantive suit.

    The NJC appealed Justice Ademola’s decision at the Court of Appeal in Abuja. To allow for prompt hearing of its appeal, it compiled the records within 14 days.

    Agumagu’s lawyer, Akin Olujinmi (SAN), objected to the compilation of records in 14 days. He argued that the compilation did not follow due process.

    Olujimi contended that the law stipulated 60 days for the records to be compiled and that the leave of court ought to be obtained.

    He argued that the Court of Appeal had no jurisdiction to hear the appeal, if the records of appeal were not properly complied.

    The lawyer applied that the records compiled by NJC be struck out, a request the Court of Appeal refused. This prompted his appeal to the Supreme Court. He also asked the apex court to stay proceedings in the pending appeal by NJC.

    In his appeal to the Supreme, Olujimi contended that the Court of Appeal was wrong in its interpretation of the provisions of the Court of Appeal Practice Direction of 2013.

    Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, who read the decision of the Supreme Court yesterday, said: “We have examined this and the other grounds of appeal and are satisfied that the issues in the appeal are matters that can be brought to this court when the appeals are concluded.

    “Accordingly, the application for a stay of proceedings of the pending appeals in the court of appeal is hereby struck out. Notice of Appeal to this court is also struck out.”

    The court dismissed the appeal and ordered the parties back to the Court of Appeal for hearing of the main appeal.

    The court said Agumagu should have appreciated the fact that the records were compiled earlier than the period stipulated by the law.

    The court ordered the Court of Appeal to hear the appeal with dispatch. It said that anyone aggrieved by the judgment of the Court of Appeal was at liberty to appeal such judgment.

     

  • Amaechi is reckless, says Presidency

    Amaechi is reckless, says Presidency

    The Presidency criticised yesterday Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi for being “reckless” and “a liability” to his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, berated the governor at a media briefing in Abuja.

    The presidential aide accused Amaechi of “incitement, treason and gross rascality”.

    Okupe was reacting to the governor’s statement that Nigerians would be mobilised for civil disobedience, if the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rigged the 2015 elections.

    He said: “This statement is clearly a further evidence of Governor Amaechi’s penchant for lawlessness and anarchy in his unbridled pursuit for power. It is curious and unthinkable that a man who was himself a beneficiary of the court process would disdain the platform through which he acquired the opportunity to make his reckless and provocative statement.

    “It is even more worrisome when one considers the fact that Governor Amaechi’s party, which is relatively new, came on board promising hope to Nigerians. With statements like this, it is clear that Amaechi is more of a liability to his party than an asset; he has the potential to bring his party to further opprobrium and disrepute.

    “Discerning Nigerians know that a comment like this does not only augur well for any democracy but also portrays Amaechi as a reckless, power-hungry individual who lacks the democratic temper and respect for constituted authority and institutions…”

  • X-raying the Greater Port Harcourt city

    X-raying the Greater Port Harcourt city

    The Rotimi Amaechi’s administration in Rivers State in 2009, took a proactive step by creating the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA), with a vision to build a well-planned city, through the implementation and enforcement of policies that would ensure the provision of first rate infrastructure and delivery of quality services, to enhance the living standard of the people.

    The new Port Harcourt city is an extension of the old Port Harcourt city. The intent is to allow for urban growth strategic planning and de-densification of the old city, while gradually integrating both cities as one single unit.

    The authority is providing infrastructure, some of which have been completed, while others are at various stages of completion. It is also regulating developments in the new city to avoid distortion of the GPHCDA master plan.

    Some of the projects embarked upon by the GPHCDA, which has Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, as its Administrator, are completed sports precinct access road, the Port Harcourt Centenary housing development, storm water canal and detention pond, 33KVA electricity supply substation, completed water project and Monte Rivers temporary access road.

    The other projects are M-10 highway road, internal township and priority roads, waste management facility and 18-hole Golf Course with Golf Estate and Resorts.

    In spite of commencing the first set of mixed-use housing project, in partnership with Liberty Land Limited, located in lots 124 and 143, and having conducted a transparent land ballot exercise for serviced plots, strictly for residential use in the low density area of the new city, which drew 114 winners from different categories in June this year, the GPHCDA has just recorded another feat, through offering of investment opportunities to prospective corporate and institutional clients in the commercial layout of the city, known as the Light Commercial Area and Central City District, which is strictly designated within the Greater Port Harcourt City Masterplan commercial light activities and intended for immediate development, thereby strengthening partnership and collective ownership of the new city project.

    The successful investment road show brought together over 300 stakeholders and people from all sectors of the economy, who were thrilled by the opportunities to be part of the new city’s development.

    The administrator of the GPHCDA, during the recent official presentation of the opportunities in the commercial layout of the city at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, stated that investing in the new city project would attract good return on investment, in view of the unique selling points.

    Cookey-Gam said: “The selling points are issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (Cof O) and the title documents within 45 days of receipt of application, 10 per cent discount for early birds, granting planning approval within 30 days of receipt of application, protection from multiple taxation, instalmental payment for mega investors, investors with green project will be supported by the authority and land swap for strategic investors and blue chip companies interested in extensive investment in the new city is also assured.”

    The administrator also called on investors to take advantage of the offers, stressing that despite the three anchors in the master plan, the GPHCDA has development nodes like the new industrial area in Eleme, education layout in Elikpokpodu/Mbodo Aluu, the Golf Course, Estate and Resorts in Omagwa, low density residential area, light commercial and city central district in Igwuruta-Ali and Igwuruta.

    Cookey-Gam assured that the authority would not compromise quality standards and strict compliance in implementing the master plan, which was described as one of the reasons for the phased development.

    The President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Chief Steve Onu, while also speaking at the event, lamented that cities are now growing without appropriate planning, stating that they would become increasingly chaotic, inefficient and unsustainable.

    Onu affirmed that the new Port Harcourt city’s master plan covered every aspect of physical planning and that if well implemented, would serve as a model for other cities in Africa.

    The President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners also noted that the establishment of the Greater Port Harcourt City by the Rivers government was a timely response to the need to create, control and manage the urban environment, to avoid the flaws of the previous master plans.

    The Chairman of the Board of the GPHCDA, Tonye Cole, an Architect and the Chairman of the authority’s Board Committee on Investment and Brand Marketing, Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa, in their separate speeches, stated that the dream of a new city in Port Harcourt was long overdue, because of multiple increase in population, inadequate infrastructure and unstructured development, which would not encourage investment and rapid development.

    Cole and Ohuabunwa also noted that the Rivers state government, through the GPHCDA, had set the tone for infrastructure and new city development in Africa, while assuring investors that their investments at the Greater Port Harcourt City is sustainable, safe and devoid of discrimination.

    The Managing Director/Country Chair of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), Mutiu Sunmonu, who was represented by the Anglo/Dutch oil giant’s General Manager, Sustainable Developments and Community Relations , Nedo Osayande, while unveiling the Greater Port Harcourt City identity, stated that the new city has potential to trigger economic development, with the private sector investments providing the backbone for long term growth, prosperity and opportunity, which he said would add value to the infrastructural development in Africa and lead a major renaissance in the continent’s infrastructure deficit.

    Sunmonu stressed that it was imperative to commend and encourage the GPHCDA for sticking to the new city’s master plan and ensuring that the Greater Port Harcourt City develops in a structured manner.

    Shell’s managing irector described city building as a continuous process, while calling for the support of all stakeholders for the structured growth of the GPHCDA, which he said would set the pace for the new cities’ development in Africa.

    With Amaechi’s assurance that almost all ongoing projects in Rivers State will be completed before the expiration of his tenure on May 29 next year,  the city’s dwellers have cause to cheer.

     

  • Presidency denies Amaechi’s accusations

    Presidency denies Amaechi’s accusations

    The Presidency has denied allegations against President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration by Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

    During his 7th anniversary of his Supreme Court victory in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Saturday, Amaechi among other accusations had claimed that corruption under Jonathan has reached an industrial scale.

    But a statement issued Sunday by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, maintained that claims were false and baseless.

    The statement reads: “Governor Rotimi Amaechi took his obnoxious willingness to denigrate the highest office in the land in a reckless bid to advance his selfish political interests to a new level of irresponsible and rascally behaviour yesterday in Port Harcourt with his totally false and baseless vituperations against President Jonathan, the First Lady and the Federal Government.

    “It appears from the Governor’s completely unfounded and off-the-mark allegations that he had totally lost all sense of propriety, decorum and responsible political behaviour and resorted to unacceptable demagoguery, libel, blackmail and incitement of public disorder.

    “Unless his unbridled ambition and desire for self- promotion have completely befuddled his mental faculties and caused him to totally lose touch with reality, Governor Amaechi must know that his claims and allegations are untrue.”

    The Presidency maintained that Amaechi was using falsehood to incite the people of Rivers State and Nigerians against his perceived political enemies.

    “We can only assume therefore that he is deliberately spewing malicious falsehood in a desperate effort to incite the people of Rivers State and Nigeria against his assumed political foes.

    “We warn him that there are legal, constitutional and moral limits to political rascality beyond which he will not be allowed to go without repercussions.

    “The immunity which he currently enjoys notwithstanding, Governor Amaechi should be under no illusions: A day of reckoning will surely come when he will answer for all his actions and false allegations against President Jonathan, the First Lady and the Federal Government.” It stated

    Contining, the statement reads: “He should also know that Nigerians are aware of the truth and will never be fooled or swayed by his arrant opportunism and anti-Jonathan rantings.

    “Nigerians know that while Mr. Amaechi falsely accuses others of corruption, he cannot show or explain to the people of Rivers State what he has done with the billions of Naira that has accrued to the state under his tenure.

    “They also know that while Amaechi continues to falsely accuse the Jonathan Administration of having done nothing for Rivers State, he has recklessly squandered huge state resources on dubious, vain-glorious projects or self aggrandizement.

    “Nigerians will know too that while he falsely alleges that Rivers and other states have not received funds due to them from the Federation account, the only outstanding allocation was for September, which was released to all states well over a week ago.

    “The Governor should stop trying to make President Jonathan the scapegoat for his woeful performance in Rivers State and look to his own very apparent failings and incompetencies.

    “He should also stop blackmailing the First Lady who has demanded nothing from him other than good governance, justice, equity, fairness, real development and progress in Rivers State,” the Presidency added

  • APC, Amaechi shut down Port Harcourt

    APC, Amaechi shut down Port Harcourt

    •All APC’s presidential aspirants honour Governor at seventh anniversary of Supreme Court victory

    Tumultuous crowd and all the presidential aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were yesterday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, to honour Governor Rotimi Amaechi. The occasion was the seventh anniversary of his Supreme Court victory, leading to heavy traffic in the Garden City.

    The Rivers Solidarity Convention, with theme: “Seven Years of Change We Can See,” took place at the 40,000-seater Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Igwuruta-Ali, at the Greater Port Harcourt City, near the Port Harcourt International Airport, along the ever-busy Port Harcourt-Owerri Federal Road, recently dualised by Amaechi’s government.

    Yesterday’s anniversary was also used to inaugurate the stadium, constructed by the Amaechi administration to boost sports in Nigeria, while thousands of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, led by a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Emmanuel Deeya, who defected to the APC.

    The elaborate celebration was transmitted live on the Africa Independent Television (AIT), Channels Television; the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Silverbird Television (STV).

    The APC’s presidential aspirants at the event were a former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.); ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; the Governor of Kano State, Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso; his Imo State counterpart, Rochas Okorocha and Sam Nda-Isaiah.

    Also in attendance were the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed and his predecessor, Senator Bukola Saraki, as well as a former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and his predecessor, Segun Oni, an engineer, who is also the Deputy National Chairman, South, of the APC, lawmakers and other eminent personalities.

    Buhari said the APC, from next year, would provide security and development in Nigeria, while Atiku urged Nigerians to vote for APC in 2015 to eradicate poverty and ensure steady electricity, good roads and good schools, among others, with Kwankwaso noting that Amaechi is ensuring peace and stability in Nigeria, as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

    Okorocha assured that the APC would provide the best presidential candidate with vision for Nigeria, not based on religion or tribe, while Nda-Isaiah stated that God gave Rivers people good governor Amaechi, declaring that he had never seen the kind of crowd at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium before.

    Odigie-Oyegun assured that the APC would wipe out corruption in Nigeria and that APC is in charge of Rivers State, contrary to the claim of the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that the progress in the state could be replicated at the centre and all over Nigeria.

    Amaechi, who danced so well, while addressing the unprecedented crowd, urged Nigerians to punish out the PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan with their votes in 2015, in order to bring about the much-desired change.

    The former head of state said: “I do not think there is anything remaining. All that needs to be said has been said, but I stand here to congratulate the Governor of Rivers State and you the good people of Rivers State. You have been lucky for seven good years and you are going to remain lucky for one more year, God willing.

    “I assure you that the coming together of APC of the major opposition so-called political parties is to make sure that we consolidate what is lacking in Nigeria, security and development, and God willing, APC from next year, will provide them. God will answer our prayers.”

    The former vice-president noted that he had been associating with the state since 1985 and had not seen the kind of progress in those years, like he had seen in the last seven years.

    Atiku said: “Do you want the progress to continue? Do you want to feel the projects? Do you want to eradicate poverty? Do you want to go to good schools? Do you want good roads? Do you want power? Vote APC. Vote APC. Vote APC.”

    Kwankwaso, while also speaking, said: “Let me start by congratulating my friend, my brother, my Chairman, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi. Let me congratulate him for the projects and programmes he had executed in this state in the last seven years, one of which is this very big stadium.

    “Let me also congratulate you for being a good Chairman for Governors of this country and let me also congratulate you for ensuring peace and stability in this country. We are very much aware of the relationship that existed between this part of the country with the Northern part of the country and other parts.

    “This governor (Amaechi) has worked so hard in the last seven years to ensure good relationship between us. I want to assure you that many of us from the other parts of the country will continue to work together with you and the other good people of this state and also this part of the country.”

    The governor of Imo State spoke so passionately about the crowd at the stadium and the massive support Rivers people gave the NGF chairman.

    Okorocha said: “My people, my people, let me say that today (yesterday), my eyes have seen the good works of a gentleman. I am simply tantalised, mesmerised and flabbergasted. Today (yesterday), we have seen a sign of change; the change has come and the change must be.

    “Let no one contest on the platform of tribe or you can become a tribal leader. We need a national leader that can move this nation forward. My prayer is that may the Almighty God, who has started the good work in Amaechi, may He continue with him in Jesus’ name.”

    Nda-Isaiah said: “Exactly this day, seven years ago, God gave you a good governor, who vaunted the life of the people. He built schools and did other good things. The best thing he did for you is to move from PDP to APC.

    “I hope you heard what the governor (Amaechi) had said. In 2015, I hope the other parties are watching. I have never seen this kind of crowd before and whoever is planning to rig will have to contend with this crowd.”

    The national chairman of the APC also berated President Jonathan for describing Rivers APC as a party that existed only on billboards and posters.

    Odigie-Oyegun said: “Like your governor (Amaechi) said, in Benin, during the PDP’s Southsouth campaign, he (President Jonathan) told the whole nation that APC does not exist in Rivers State. That it is only a poster party. We were worried and we were concerned. Your governor, a fantastic man, was challenged.

    “So, today, he (Amaechi) brought all of us here. The entire leadership of the APC is lined up here today. .

    “Those of you who believe that the progress in Rivers State can be replicated at the centre and all over Nigeria, say yeah. Those who believe that APC will wipe out corruption in this nation, Nigeria, give me one gbosa. Those who believe that APC will guarantee better security for this country, give me another yeah.”

    Amaechi, who was so relaxed, in spite of the intimidation and persecution by the Federal Government and President Jonathan, said he was at the stadium to test his popularity.

    The NGF chairman said: “They (PDP leaders) have made too much noise. The President (Jonathan) says we exist only on posters and billboards. So, we brought a large billboard for him. If the President is not watching (the rally), they will give him security report.

    “This stadium is 40,000 sitting capacity. I built it. It was built by me. One of them campaigning for Rivers governorship (Chief Nyesom Wike, the immediate past Minister of State for Education) was the contractor to do the roads. He abandoned the roads and took N3 billion and left. Now, he wants to be governor.

    “I challenge them to an integrity test. Any of them from Abuja to Rivers State, I challenge them to an integrity test. I have worked with them. I have their records and their (records) are in the Office of the Governor.

    “We have developed 750 megawatts, but the problem is Federal Government not allowing us to distribute electricity.

    “We were to give Port Harcourt water. As I am talking to you today, the Minister of Finance (Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala) has refused to move the file again back to Executive Council for approval, so that you can have water. They do not care for you. They want you to die of water-borne diseases. Punish them with your votes. Punish PDP with your votes. He (Jonathan) is our son, why can’t we have water?

    “The problem we have is that the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) is no longer working. Corruption is at its industrial scale. Thieves are thieves because we now have an industry called corruption.”

    The Rivers governor also lauded all the members of the National Assembly for standing by his government, stressing that eight of the members of the House of Representatives from the state came with him to the APC, while the rest betrayed him, declaring that they would be punished by Rivers people with their votes in 2015.

    The NGF chairman also thanked Rivers people, for keeping him as governor and standing by him, stressing that he had no choice, but to deliver on his promises

    Amaechi also stated: “They said the reason why the President (Jonathan) is not performing in Rivers State is because he is quarrelling with the Governor of Rivers State. Okay, what is the quarrel between the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the Governor of Cross River State that the roads from Akwa Ibom State to Cross River State is abandoned? Are they quarrelling too? It is more of lack of performance.

    “When the President (Jonathan) spoke in Benin, he spoke in a stadium that was less than 20,000-sitting capacity. When TAN (Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria) held their rally in Port Harcourt, they held it at the 16,000 capacity Elekahia stadium and this was a Southsouth rally. The rally in Benin was Southsouth. The rally in Port Harcourt was Southsouth. This one (APC mega rally) is Port Harcourt rally.

    “Do you remember Ebola? To show you how much the President hates us, he visited Lagos, did he visit Rivers State? He did not care. He wanted all of us to die, but I took it as a challenge and said none of us would die. Whatever it will take, I will do what I can by God’s grace to protect Rivers people.

    “Can you see our airport (Port Harcourt International Airport)? The president lands at the airport. But see how we look like refugees. They say there is no light at the airport. What did we do to them? We gave him the highest votes in the country and the punishment we get for giving him the highest vote is operation nothing. So, APC is the solution to protect our interest. We must go there to vote out the PDP. It is not about our son.

    “They tell you that you should not vote for these people, because they are Hausa people, they are Muslims, but the refinery in Rivers State was built and commissioned by Tafawa Balewa, he is a northerner. Shehu Shagari started NAFCON, Ibrahim Babangida commissioned it. IBB started the Eleme Petrochemical Company, Sani Abacha completed it. They are all northerners; they are all Muslims. NLNG was started and completed by Abacha and he is a northerner and a Muslim. Bonny NLNG, NDDC, Niger Delta Ministry were established by northerners.

    “In fact, when Yar’Adua was alive, Niger Delta Ministry was working, Now it is only one item: East-West Road, and they say he (President Jonathan) is our brother. He is not my brother. My brother is the man who delivers on his services for me. If the President says he is our brother, let him call one project (his administration has embarked upon in Rivers State).”

    The representative of Rivers Southeast Senatorial District, Magnus Ngei Abe, while speaking, stressed that yesterday’s rally was better than any of the rallies in Nigeria during the 2011 campaigns, stating that anybody Amaechi supports would do well.

    Abe, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), declared that the charlatans and noisemakers (PDP leaders) that Nigerians were seeing now, they would no longer see them from May 29, 2015.

    While speaking on behalf of the members of the House of Representatives, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, who represents Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro constituency of Rivers State and the Chairman of the Rivers APC Contact Committee, described Amaechi as a man of integrity and character.

    Peterside, who is also the Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), noted that with the trust Rivers people have in Amaechi, they would go for APC, all the way, while assuring that Rivers people are solidly behind the youthful governor.

    The Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, Otelemaba Dan Amachree, stated that Amaechi had brought change to the state and transformed Rivers, as well as being the face of modern democracy, with 25 of the 31 lawmakers “solidly” behind him.

    The Rivers Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Dr. Chris Oruge, maintained that labour is in support of Amaechi, while expressing surprise that just last Wednesday, some PDP leaders sent thugs to his office to kill him for supporting the NGF chairman, declaring that Amaechi is performing and Rivers workers are behind him.

    The Chairman of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Rivers chapter, Chika Onuegbu, described Amaechi as a listening and performing governor.

    In his welcome address, the Rivers Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru, an engineer, who is also the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee of the seventh anniversary, stated that the giants Rivers people and other Nigerians are seeing today, they will see them no more from May 29, 2015, but to stand for progressive change and have the courage to sweep them into oblivion.

  • Photo: Amaechi’s 7th anniversary rally

    Photo: Amaechi’s 7th anniversary rally

  • Let’s vote Jonathan out in 2015 – Amaechi

    Let’s vote Jonathan out in 2015 – Amaechi

    Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State has advised youths in the state to vote out President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

    He said it has become necessary for Rivers people to vote against President Jonathan because of the hatred he has for people of the state.

    The governor spoke in Port Harcourt during the 30th /32nd convocation ceremony of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, held at the Rumuolumeni main campus of the institution, Friday.

    Amaechi said the President had made things difficult for Rivers, adding that has resulted in the decline in revenue generation for the state.

    According to him, the students would not get jobs after their graduation if they don’t act fast and resist President Jonathan and his agents in the state.

    He said the President gave Soku oil well to Bayelsa and Etche oil well to Abia, adding that no federal project has been executed in Rivers State since Jonathan became the President of Nigeria.

    He said, “As fresh graduates what you need now is job, the President is not creating an enabling environment that would aid your employment. You must get ready to have your voters’ card as the only weapon to vote the President out in 2015.

    “We must not allow him to win, if he does the state will crash. You can imagine that as a South –south President, all the roads linking the South-south are not passable. That is an evidence that his government is corrupt and he is the most corrupt President in Africa.

    “Believe me you will not get a governor that will be like me, I mean a governor that will look at the President in his face and tell him his mind. I have walked out of the meeting with the President twice and no other governor will have the mind to do that. We must be ready to vote him out.”

  • Amaechi, Wike in war of words

    Amaechi, Wike in war of words

    Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Minister of State (Education) Nyesom Wike yesterday engaged in a war of words over the 2015 election.  Wike fired the first salvo, saying the PDP would stop ‘the abuse and insults’ by Amaechi of President Goodluck Jonathan and other PDP leaders, with their votes during the 2015 elections.

    The Rivers governor accused Wike of daydreaming, hallucinating and confused.

    Amaechi, who spoke through the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha, maintained that the APC would retain Rivers State which Wike is trying to take.

    Okocha said: “Wike and I are from Apara Kingdom. We have just buried the Kingdom’s First Class monarch, His Majesty Simon Wali. Wike was in Port Harcourt during the burial, but he did not show up, which shows how disrespectful he is and how Rivers people hate him.

    “Wike did not deem it fit to pay the members of the family of the late king and the council of chiefs of Apara Kingdom condolence visit. He did not make any contribution to the burial. He is accustomed to hiring crowds. He is confused, hallucinating and daydreaming. Rivers remains an APC state.

    ”There is no Federal Government presence in Rivers State, in spite of the over two million votes that we gave President Jonathan in 2011. Soku is in Kalabari part of Rivers State, but the Soku oil wells have been ceded to President Jonathan’s Bayelsa State. Do they expect Governor Amaechi to keep quiet?”

    Addressing the people of Apara kingdom, Wike said: “One thing I can tell all of you is to go home and sleep. I am your son. Nobody can intimidate me. Rest assured, whatever you hear anybody saying, whatever conspiracy, do not worry yourselves. This is a game we have been involved in and note that we will not be shaken at all. Whatever we have decided to do, we will do it. So, very soon, you will also hear from us, but what I can tell you is go home and sleep very well. You have nothing to lose, because the PDP will continue to rule this (Rivers) state

    “As far as Rivers State is concerned, PDP is still on the ground. All of us can see that since the independence of this country, nobody has had the type of challenges that Mr. President has had. In spite of these challenges, Mr. President has continued to show commitment and passion towards the development of this country. Mr. President has shown that it takes humility and calmness for you to be able to handle a complex country like Nigeria.

    “Forget about people going to the radio and television to abuse Mr. President and his wife (Dame Patience, an indigene of Okrika in Rivers State). The only way we can retaliate is to tell them that they will not get our votes. We are not going to radio houses and abuse anybody, but we are going to abuse you through the voting. By 2015, you should tell the man that government is not by abusing and insulting others. It is by obeying the rules, respect traditional institutions.”

    The minister also claimed that the people of Apara kingdom led the “war” that brought Amaechi’s government into place, alleging that when it mattered most, most of the current allies of the NGF chairman ran away and that Apara kingdom had not benefited from Rivers government.

    Wike said: “Yesterday (on Sunday), I was in Rumuigbo (part of Port Harcourt in Obio/Akpor LGA) to identify with one of our brothers, who is doing well in the medical profession and it was very shameful that the roads within Rumuigbo, we could not pass. The Ohiamiri Road is nothing to write home about. What is important in government is not for you to being in government to abuse people; it is for you to be in government and tell your people what you have done, while you were there.

    “Government never built a civic centre for Rumuigbo, it is my personal effort and that of my friends that we built a civic centre for Rumueprikom (his community in Obio/Akpor LGA). The civic centre in Rumuigbo is not built by anybody, but it is the constituency project of Michael Okechukwu Chinda, who is in the Rivers House of Assembly.

    “I have some people say that the President of this country has not done anything. But I want to tell the people of Apara Kingdom that the President has done a lot for us.

    “What is important is not for people to abuse us. This is not the period to abuse. This is the period for you to tell our people how you love them. I say with all sense of humility that the current government of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan means well and will continue to mean well for the people of Apara Kingdom.”

  • Doctors urged to improve healthcare

    Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi has called on resident doctors across Nigeria to give their best always to improve the healthcare delivery system.

    He spoke during the 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) held at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). The theme was Postgraduate medical training and national development, challenges of the past, present and future.

    The governor charged them not to depend on government for everything, rather they should look outside the medical book to improve the system.

    Amechi, represented the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Sampson Parker, said NARD has become a force in the fight to restore the dignity of the sector, adding that this is owing to the demand for a better healthcare.

    The governor enjoined doctors to embrace best practices to develop the sector.

    He said NARD can achieve the needed result without resorting to strike, adding that a conducive environment must be created to improve the system for the good of all rather than embarking on a strike.

    He said the country has what it takes to operate a healthy system if the demands of doctors are met.

    “We must think strongly of private sector participation in healthcare system.  This is the time to think how we can improve ourselves because we must think of policies that will make us be in charge of the medical sector,” Amechi noted.

    He further said, “I cannot use the words “Port Harcourt is free of Ebola,” but we have been able to contain it and whenever it comes up we are ready to tackle it. We have made the people have confidence in the system. Ebola is still ravaging other African countries, so we have to be careful.”

    Responding, NARD President, Dr. Jibril Abdullahi, said many issues relating to professional calling of doctors have been politicised, adding that this was why they embarked on a strike.

    He said doctors invest in themselves to improve in their profession rather than the government. Abdullahi regretted the decision to continue the strike during Ebola outbreak, adding: “This is when the country needed us the most.”

    He said over 90 percent of resident doctors leave outside hospitals, due to lack of accommodation, adding that this should not be because they need to live closer to the environment where they work.

    Abdullahi called for good working environment, adding that people will have confidence in the doctor and over-dependence on health tourism will be reduced.”

    NARD chairman, UPTH chapter, Dr. Dan-Jumbo Prince said resident doctors are affected by factors, such as poor quality tools and working environment, among others.