The First Lady, Mrs Patience
Jonathan, said in Abuja on Wednesday that she had committed the ongoing crisis
in Rivers to prayer and that crisis started as far back as four years
ago.
Rivers has been embroiled in a
political crisis which culminated in a free for all at the House of Assembly
last week, with some members injured.
Jonathan said this during a courtesy
visit to the Presidential Villa by 16 bishops from the South-South
geo-political zone.
“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 Gov. Chibuike 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 on curfew for
nine months. I called him and pleaded with him but he refused. Then I began to
hear all sort 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.’’
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 time.
“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.
Earlier, 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.’’
Tags
Politics
Thank you... Pllsss Ameachi shld J̶̲̥̅̊u̶̲̥̅̊ƨ̣̣̣̇̇̇̇τ̣̣̥ apologise nd let's live in peace. Bayelsa nd Rivers r d nearest states nd we shld b lyk brodas. Its not gud if a broda shld b against his own broda. I've always on Ameachi's side buh I think its high tym D̶̲̥̅̊ε̲̣̣̣̥γ̲̣̣̥ settle dis. Plss Rotimi shld apologise 4 going against his broda nd let's leave in peace..!
ReplyDeleteGoing against which broda.. have you heard Amaechi part? Nigerians with quick thinking.
ReplyDeleteAmeachi should go to hell for all I care, he was as poor as any boby, now he feels he is a big boy that can't respect. What I know is that Goodluck is returning.
ReplyDeleteLet Goodluck return if he wants, he has a right too, just as we have a right to choose whom we want, if he wins all good and if he doesn't,like I care! Nigeria is greater than any individual, and if we don't want Nigeria, just ok too! Na by force?
ReplyDeleteWether he plans to return or not many is the South don't care anymore. What matter more is he should stop the abuse of power against Amaechi like Turia did to he and the whole nation, include wole soyinka, came to his help. Let me develop his state and stop fighting petty with an ordinary governor from his region. Abuse of power and lack of development has given the north the impetus to start clamouring for power to return to their region come 2015, but who cares? What we want is good leadership and if GEJ can't deliver, let him get out of the way. The likes of Wike, with his ugly mouth and Bipi with his bad grammar should not hold Nigerians to ransom by stoning Northern leaders who visited their state to identify with their NGF leader. What if the northern youths, who we know are senselessly radicalised, decide to retaliate? We go back again to 1966?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 1208pm- abeg tell dem ooo..... I'm really impressed wit all u've mentioned above
ReplyDelete