Forum of opposition parties condemn Amaechi’s detractors

By Kenneth Ehigiator
The Forum of Organised Opposition Political Parties (FOOPP) in Rivers State has condemned those it described as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fugitives in Abuja and the Federal Government for distracting Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in his efforts to give the people more dividends of democracy.

Consequently, the group has given the Federal Government three months within which to redress alleged marginalisation of the state in federal projects, especially roads, as well as a refund of the over N80 billion the state government has so far expended on federal projects in Rivers State or incur its wrath.

FOOPP, in a statement signed by Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, said it was regrettable that members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state who ought to support the govrnor to develop Rivers State were at the forefront of those distracting him with needless criticisms.

Chief Eze, who noted that opposition parties decided to rally round Governor Amaechi because of the giant strides his government has made in just two years, however, cautioned the governor not to allow himself be distracted.

FOOPP stated:  “As we join numerous other Nigerians to congratulate Governor Amaechi for the giant strides recorded thus far since he assumed office, we will like to advice that he resists all attempts of distraction by idle individuals masquerading as serious-minded politicians.

“It is sad to note that at a time when all hands should be on deck to move the state forward, a group of PDP fugitives in Abuja have continued their dastardly plots against Amaechi’s government to bring him to disrepute.

“Their desperation has assumed new heights with the recruitment of hapless individuals to contest Amaechi’s office, like Soberekon, who they have sold a dummy of false hope to and recently Omehia, who himself once stated that the ruling in Amaechi’s favour was a judgement made in Heaven.

“One would wonder why Rivers State should be treated as an outcast by the Federal Government, when one realises that the Federal Government has deliberately withheld sponsorship and execution of any project in Rivers State these past 20 years, while the state’s resources are daily exploited and used in developing other parts of Nigeria.

Today, all Federal Government’s road projects in the state have been abandoned.  They include Ahoada road project, the Bonny Bodo road, East West road and Eleme Junction flyover.

“The state government, as a palliative measure to soothe the pains experienced by motorists and road users, has since taken on the completion of some of the major roads, like the Aba Port Harcourt road, Eleme junction Flyover and the Ikwere road.

“As the members of the progressive opposition in Amaechi’s tenure, one would have expected us to play this dastardly role the Federal Government  and the Abuja-based PDP fugitives are playing; a role of pulling down Amaechi at all cost.

“It is a pity that PDP has yet again, through this collective show of shame proven that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.  For us as people-oriented political parties, we choose to put people ahead of party considerations and we consider  the attitude of these Abuja fugitives and the Federal Government a sad and unfortunate one, which is without doubt a most malicious and obnoxious policy against a state that plays a considerable role in the Nation’s Economy.

“Without mincing words, we would like to, therefore, state that we are giving the Federal Government a three month period to redress this and other issues as well as refund the N80 billion so far spent by the Rivers State government in executing most of the Federal Government projects in the state”.

“It is on record that we are and will always remain the fiercest critics of Amaechi’s Administration.  And by all intents and purposes, we have fulfilled this role. Albeit, in failing to commend laudable steps of his administration, we would be failing in our duty and suffice it to say,  Amaechi, in his two years at the helm of affairs, has surpassed all that was done by the previous administration in the state for eight years.”

The group noted that in just two years, the government had constructed 165 health centres; 250 primary schools; 24 secondary schools, fully equipped with internet and modern art facilities; 170 roads; 1000-bed Mega hospital as ell as the setting aside of N100 billion for Greater Port Harcourt City, amongst others.