Let's pray for Amaechi
as political crisis continues
By Eze Chukwuemeka Eze
I am sure that many
watchers of political events in Rivers State would not have imagined that the
political crisis rocking that state could last this long, especially against
the backdrop that members of the clergy, traditional rulers, civil society, opinion
leaders, to mention a few, have made frantic efforts as they know how to see an
end to the imbroglio.
More worrisome is the
fact that while some sane and well meaning Nigerians are seeking an end to the
crisis, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state led by Chief Felix
Obuah is constantly maintaining a posture that darkens on-going reconciliation
efforts, that is if any genuine one exists. The recent expulsion of 18 loyalists
of the state governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, including Commissioners, is a
case in point.
This development no
doubt has cast a dark shadow on the efforts of concerned Nigerians who are
eager to see the return of peace to this oil and gas-rich state.
This sad development
described in some quarters as being unprecedented in modern politics was aptly
captured by the member representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency of
Rivers State in the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on
Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon. Dakuku Peterside, when he said: “Rivers
people are peace-loving, decorous and law-abiding. Therefore, Obuah and his
co-travelers are a disgrace to Rivers State. I wondered why a respected party
leader like the former National Deputy Chairman of PDP, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja,
should even be considered for such despicable action of being expelled from the
party. To me, the alleged expulsion is one of the absurdities of modern-day
politics. This action of expelling Dr. Jaja and other leaders of the party in
Rivers State is symptomatic of how caution is being thrown to the winds, while
morality is on a steady decline. But like every responsible party member, I
know this action is of no consequence as they do not have the power to do what
they (Obuah-led PDP) claimed to have done. Dr. Jaja will contest the PDP party
elections for the office of the Deputy National Chairman.
“For those ignorant of
PDP Constitution, let me draw their attention to relevant sections of the PDP
Constitution. According to Article 21.4 of the PDP Constitution, a member may
be suspended by the Working Committee at any level but the member should not
lose his or her right to contest any election. Furthermore, Article 21.6 states
that ‘a decision taken against a member who has not been informed about the
charges against him or her or has not been given any opportunity of defending
him or herself shall be null and void.’ ”
Funny enough, the
Inspector General of Police, Mohmamed Abubakar, recently swapped no fewer than
14 Commissioners of Police, leaving that of Rivers State – even while the
National Assembly and other bodies have called for either Joseph Mbu’s transfer
or removal. The only option left to those who still feel concerned about this
unfortunate situation in Rivers State is to continue to pray for the safety of
Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the embattled Governor, as with God all
things are possible.
•Eze Chukwuemeka Eze is
a Media Consultant based in Port Harcourt
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