The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak has said that the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi is not to be taken seriously over claims that he is on a watchlist of political opponents being kept by President Jonathan.
The Governor had earlier stated that he was number one on the President’s watchlist as alleged in the famous 18 page letter penned by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Amaechi had earlier stated, “I read the President’s (Jonathan’s) letter and he said ex-President Obasanjo should prove the 1,000 names on the watch list. I am number one on the list. They want to kill me, but they have no God. The God we worship will protect me. Before the end of the year, I will address the state.
“They will shoot you. They have no fear for your blood. They want the position at all costs. Whether you all die, they do not mind governing just the land. You must know that if you read the story of revolution, you must sacrifice. Somebody said my son should come to the front. If you want my son tomorrow, I will produce him.
“If I have surrendered myself and I am ready to be in front, let them shoot. Anytime you start a street march and you do not see me in the front, you must know something must be wrong and you must know that they have arrested me. I am not a big man governor. I am a governor that is on the streets with his people.”
Addressing the issue, Gulak stated, “Let him (Amaechi) go ahead and prove his claim. I don’t really want to talk about him because he has lost credibility. He is just like a drunken man in a china shop that wants to bring down everybody with him.
“Nigerians are aware of his antics. He has completely lost bearing and the support of the people. When a leader loses the support of his people while still in office, he will react like a mad dog. No sane man will be talking to the President the way Amaechi is doing.”
Chief of Staff to Governor Amaechi, Tony Okocha told Punch reporters , “The governor knows what he is talking about and this is not just a claim; it is what is happening. There are indices the governor will use to buttress his point. We will not make many comments now until the invitation from the NHRC comes.”
He stated, “One thing you should know is that Governor Amaechi does not say one thing today on an issue and say another thing tomorrow on the same issue. You are aware of the battle between us and the police. Considering all we have passed through in the hands of the police, would anybody doubt the fact that the governor is on the Presidency’s watch list?”