Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi has denied any rift with President Goodluck Jonathan, describing it as a “media creation.”
He said, “I am not aware that Mr. President and I are quarrelling. As far as I am concerned, we are not quarrelling.”
Amaechi made this statement in the ancient city of Kano, where he is visiting on the invitation of the Kano State governor, Rabi’u Kwankwaso.
“Governor Kwankwaso invited me to Kano to come and inspect some of the projects on the ground, and that is why I am here,” he said.
He also spoke on the forthcoming NGF election, saying it was not a do-or-die thing, as he would bow out if not given the chance to continue in that capacity.
He added, “If I am not re-elected as the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, there is nothing to lose, I will still remain a member of the forum, and work towards its success.”
Concerning his posters for the 2015 presidential race, which had appeared in some cities, Amaechi said, “My picture with that of Kano governor as well as Jigawa governor, Sule Lamido; will I be vice-president to both of them?”
Meanwhile, civil rights groups, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice and the Ogoni Solidarity Forum on Thursday in Abuja urged President Goodluck Jonathan to stop silencing the opposition.
The Executive Director of ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor, and the National Coordinator of OSF, Mr. Celestine Akpobori, at a joint briefing, said that there is a “gradual attempt to muzzle opposition and human right groups”, and instead asked the Federal Government to learn to tolerate opposing voices since constructive criticism remained the hallmark of democracy.
They also pleaded with the judiciary to redeem its image by maintaining its independence and integrity.