RIVERS CRISES: WHERE IS THE LOVE AND RESPECT?; By Adelabu Adeola Rt (Hon) Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi is currently in the eye of the storm. He seems to face a new crises at every step of his political life. Most of these, I must say, are self inflicted. He enjoys the art of war. This particular war is however poorly timed and carelessly planned. His name, Chibuike, means ‘God is powerful’. Tracing his life history, one must agree that the power of God has catapulted him beyond most of his peers. However, the current protracted crisis in Rivers state calls for concern from well meaning Nigerians. What started as a struggle for political control has since become a battle that has defied sanity and decorum. In Rivers state House of Assembly (RVSHA), there is no hallowed chamber. What we have is a theatre of war and an exhibition ground for thuggery and cultism. It is saddening that at the center of this madness is a man who was Speaker in the same chambers for 8 years. Amaechi, an Ikwerre, was born on 27th May, 1965. Amaechi seems to have done well for himself. As a 1987 graduate of University of Port Harcourt (with an honours degree in English Studies and Literature) at only 22 he had good things happening for him quite early. Haven been student leader, party secretary, Special Assistant to a Deputy Governor (at only 27 years), he was not a rookie (as his age suggested) by the time he became Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly at only 34 years. Rotimi Amaechi participated actively in student union politics, especially in the National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS) of which he was President, and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). This seemed to have laid the foundation for his future political adventure and conduct. When President Obasanjo decided to halt Amaechi’s political rise in 2007 by denying him the PDP ticket which he democratically obtained citing the ‘K-leg’ syndrome, Amaechi remained undaunted. He took up the battle through legal means and was vindicated by the unprecedented Supreme Court judgement that declared him governor without contesting election. In the events that preceded that, Amaechi felt betrayed and abandoned by those he felt should have stood by him. Only Nyesom Wike (who he appointed as his Chief of Staff) was there to weather the storm with him and for him. This turned out to be a blessing for him as he alienated them from his government hence he had a free hand in government, and later in party control. As Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Amaechi has overhauled the education sector and rebuilt the health sector with completed and ongoing 160 Primary Health Centres, three ultra modern hospitals, over 300 Primary schools and 24 model Secondary schools, all meeting international best standards. He also facilitated yearly overseas scholarship for university education through the Special overseas scholarship scheme of the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency RSSDA, an agency he established by law to see to the needs of the rural people and fast track development; and through the Rivers State Scholarship Board. His administration has also invested massively in infrastructure development, construction and reconstruction of roads and bridges, sticking to the vision of connecting all parts of the State by road. Expansion and reconstruction of some major roads in the Port Harcourt metropolis have been achieved as well as construction of internal roads in rural areas and land reclamation in some coastal parts. In his first tenure, he was among the best governors in Nigeria. As brilliant as Amaechi was, a sticking point was his non-inclusiveness. He had been accused severally of sidelining party leaders in decision making and democratic bounties. This made it easy for his enemies to join forces against him. His disagreement with Wike, now a Federal Minister meant his enemies now had a rallying point in the corridors of power. Amaechi has a collegue in Rt (Hon) Aminu Bello Tambuwwal, who contested and won his seat against the Zoning policy of PDP. Why no rational person should blame him for contesting NGF chairmanship against a silly directive from his party, he should have learnt from the tact of Rt Hon Tambuwwal, who after becoming Speaker went back home like the prodigal son. Whether PDP trust him or not is another issue, but the truth is, no one has anything tangible against him . Amaechi on the contrary has involved himself headlong in many needless battle. If he’s not against Patience Jonathan, it will be Orubebe. If he’s not influencing the suspension of democratically elected Local Government Chairman and Councillor, he’s criticizing the President. All these are needless, particularly for someone who is Chairman of NGF. He needs to understand that the power of God is not exclusive to him. I sympathize with President Goodluck Jonathan, as he is already in a difficult situation. It is difficult to ascertain his interest and the level of involvement in the saga. Spirited denials by his media aides are not tenable. After all, these same aides denied his involvement in the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) saga, yet he recognised and even hosted the dissident group. That rubbished all talk of neutrality. As it was during the NGF saga, the latest crisis happened when President Jonathan was out of the country (seems to be a trend). To further indict the Presidency, NTA immediately reported the ‘impeachment’ of the speaker and pronounced Hon Bipi, as the New Speaker (just like Jang was reported as NGF chairman). When Dame Patience was in Rivers for 10 days reportedly to strategize the impeachment of the Speaker and consequently Amaechi, she was said to be attending a wedding (coincidentally that of Hon Bipe). The double speak of the Presidency makes it difficult to absolve it of any crisis. However, what is certain is that President Jonathan has the power to end all the madness. The crisis is already dividing the PDP and tarnishing the image of the Presidency. All he needs to do is to call his wife and footsoldiers to order and ask them to stop all attacks against Governor Amaechi. After doing this, he needs to call Rotimi and talk some sense into his head. Culturally, academically and politically, he is above the Governor. If Rotimi does not accept the olive branch, whatever he faces becomes his business. As the father of the nation and the PDP, the President needs to act like a father and not bring himself down to battle Amaechi. If the President wins a battle against Amaechi it isn’t spectacular. However, if Amaechi battles the President and is victorious, President Jonathan would have made an hero of Amaechi. He who has ears, let him hear. #HowYouSeeAm
Posted on: Sun, 14 Jul 2013 19:03:10 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015