The people of Rivers state converged on Port Harcourt at the Adokiye Amiesiemaka Stadium, Igwuruta, where the APC held a mega rally. Buhari, Atiku, Kwankwaso, Okorocha, Sam Nda-Isaiah were all there, among other bigwigs of the opposition party. IYALLA ADAYE was there to capture the atmosphere for Blueprint
As early as 6 am supporters from the various Local Government Areas started leaving their residents to the venue, not minding the long distance. Meanwhile, before the arrival of the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and his distinguished dignitaries’ stadium has already filled to capacity and all seated and waiting for its excellences.
Speaking in their separate speeches the former Head of State, Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State and Rochas Okorocha paid tribute to governor Rotimi Amaechi for building giant infrastructures for sports development in the state. They said achieving these, all just within the space of seven years call Rivers people’s votes, for the APC adding that these are projects anyone could see with his or her eyes. They urged the people of the state not to allow themselves to be deceived by anyone and go all out vote for APC.
The APC come 2015, they stressed, would choose the best candidate for Nigeria that will not base on religion, and who can give Nigerians dividend of democracy and put food on the table of the common man.
Earlier, the Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi said he would not allow thieves to govern Rivers State, saying “I have worked with them, I have their records.The President has the Police, Army, Navy and the Air force, but we have no gun, only look upon God Almighty who created Heaven and Earth.”
The governor added that the 25 lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) have decided to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) because the Federal Government of Nigeria hates the state.
Amaechi who made bare the reason of defection at his 7th Anniversary celebration of victory over Celestine Omehia at the Supreme Court also reflected at the recent Ebola crisis that President Goodluck Jonathan visited Lagos State and gave out support but did not visit his state.
According to the governor, he thanked God that Rivers has the capacity to contend the Ebola Virus war successfully with the cost of N11, 16 billion.
He give other reasons of defection to APC on the ceded Soku and Etche oil wells to Bayelsa State, and abandonment of work on the East/West Road linking Akwa Ibom to Rivers and suspension of work at the Port Harcourt International Airport, based on these he denied President Goodluck Jonathan as his brother.
The celebrant added that there must be a change in Nigeria come 2015, and that for the Minister of Education; Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Nwike who has looted Rivers treasury to be voted into the seat of power of Rivers State is a challenge to him.
He used the forum to highlight some of his achievements in seven years which include completion of 1,500 primary school blocks in the state, employment of 13,ooo teachers , employment of 400 medical doctors among others and thanked the 25 lawmakers and the Rivers people who despite different forms of pressure they still decide to stand by him.
The Publisher of Leadership, Sam Nda-Isaiah “My eyes have seen the good works of a gentleman and signs of change that must continue to move on”
Also speaking Rivers South East Senatorial District, Senator Magnus Abe said the supporters of APC should go home for the 2015 general election adding “they have deceived us a lot we want change”
Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Otelemaba Dan Amachree told governor Amaechi that they the lawmakers are solidly behind him saying no amount of intimidation or oppression will make them change their mind to join the opposition.
Amachree said “they have used undisclosed amount to bribe us, but we resisted”
On his part, the House of Representative, Adoni/Opobo, Hon. Dakuku Peterside said “we will not negotiate our vote with anybody”
A representative of non-indigenes in the state thanked the governor for carrying them along since he became governor for this year’s adding come 2015 they will vote for APC back to brick house.
The APC Chairman, Dr. Ikanya Davies thanked all who make the 7th year celebration/ mega rally successful.