Former governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has accused his succesor, Nyesom Wike of sponsoring 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 ammunition 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.”