Few
days to the December 10 re-run elections in Rivers State, former governor of
Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi
has alleged that Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike cannot deny his involvement
and sponsorship of the killing of innocent Rivers people and stalwarts of the
APC in the 2015 general elections and the March 19 re-run elections in the
state.
Amaechi
spoke with newsmen at the Port Harcourt International airport on arrival in the
State for the Saturday re-run legislative elections in the State.
He
said the cache of arms and ammunitions Wike recovered from cultists during the
first phase of the Rivers state Amnesty Programme were evidences to buttress
his allegations.
According
to him,"Wike has not denied he did not kill people, he sponsored those who
carried arms in the 2015 general elections, even, during the campaigns, our
people were beaten, manhandled and others threatened, leaving many dead, but,
we will not continue to allow these things to happen like that. Members
of the PDP were also responsible for killing APC members in Omoku".
When
asked that PDP and Governor Wike alleged the Police and INEC in Rivers state
have connived to manipulate election results in favour of APC, Amaechi said,
"If Governor Wike and the PDP have justifiable evidence, let them present
it to the general public and stop blackmailing me or INEC and Police. The allegations
are immaterial, null and void. Why is Wike and PDP making too much noise and
fruitless allegations?"
Amaechi
argued that he is more popular than all those in the PDP because, when he left
office in 2015 as Governor of Rivers state, he had over 75 per cent support
from Rivers people and other Nigerians resident in the state.
According
to him, "This is so because, as Governor then, l overhauled the Health and
Education sectors by promoting Free Health care system and Free Education, over
10,000 teachers were employed, including the building of critical
infrastructures, roads and youth empowerment, making Rivers people and other
Nigerians to experience change. So l am very sure l had more popularity than
any PDP stakeholder including Governors across the country."
Amaechi
also averred the All Progressives Congress,(APC) has been campaigning for
candidates in the re-run election in remote parts of the state, adding that,
his arrival from Abuja on Tuesday night to Port Harcourt marks the third visit
to join stakeholders of the party for campaigns in the state.
He
urged the people of the state to disabuse their minds against comments by the
PDP and Governor Wike, which he said, were calculated to rubbish him in the
eyes of right thinking persons, in order to score cheap popularity and further
whip up public sentiments to heat up the polity.
"On
Wednesday, l will also join the APC stakeholders to carry out further
campaigns, while on Thursday, there will be national campaign for the Party in
the state to indicate our readiness and preparedness for the re-run
elections" Amaechi said.
He
called on Rivers people and other Nigerians resident in the state, including
supporters and stalwarts of the APC to turn out en- mass to vote on Saturday
urging them to always protect their votes at election venues.
"Before
now, l used to tell my Party members to vote and protect their votes, but there
has been complains of indecent attacks from the PDP , so, l have asked the APC
party members to protect their votes and their lives as well, because the PDP
cannot be bigger than everybody everywhere," Amaechi explained.
Amaechi
equally expressed total displeasure over what he called, “irresponsible
comments” by Wike, stating that, at several occasions, Wike has abused the
office and privileges of the governor, especially, his sudden interception of
Security operatives who were detailed by Law to arrest corrupt judges in some
states across the country.
"During my tenure as Governor,
l never abused the office of the Governor, because, it is sacred and should be
respected in all ramifications," he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister in a
broadcast which is being aired on Radio stations across Rivers State today
called on Rivers people to take advantage of the December 10 rerun elections
and vote the right persons to represent them and put an end to the terror they
have been made to go through by the Wike and PDP administration in the State so
far.
He said, “This is another
opportunity for us to exercise our right to vote for candidates of our choices.
You would recall that the last time the elections were held, members of the APC
were brazenly, crudely and violently prevented from exercising their
inalienable rights to elect those they wanted. Those same characters and forces
that stole our votes by violently denying us the right to vote the last time
are at it again. In the months and weeks leading to this Saturday’s election,
they have employed the use of violence and intimidation and harassment all
aimed at preventing us from coming out to vote, they have turned our hitherto
peaceful state into a haven of brazen criminality culminating in killings and
maiming of innocent citizens.
“However,
it is gratifying to know that the Commander-in- Chief,
President Muhammadu Buhari has
assured the security of lives and property in the state before, during and
after the election. Mr. President has graciously provided adequate
security through the length and breadth of the state. I therefore, enjoin you
all to come out en masse and exercise your civic right on Saturday.
To this end, the reign of terror in some of our local government
areas leading to senseless killings will not be tolerated as the security
agencies have been directed to ensure the safety of all, before, during
and after the elections. I therefore,
implore you all to come out and exercise your rights to vote now that you
have a chance to vote and your vote will count, choose wisely, vote APC,”
Amaechi said.
Again,
he assured the people not to submit to any form of intimidation or threats
while exercising their civic right, adding “let me assure you all that
your security and safety is guaranteed.”
Tags
Politics