Ministerial list: Wike, Loyalists Plot Against Amaechi

There were indications yesterday that the governor of Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike; the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and loyalists of the governor have perfected plans to protest against the ministerial nomination of ex-Governor Rotimi Amaechi by President Muhammadu Buhari.

However, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has vowed to resist any move to scuttle Amaechi’s clearance by the Senate.

A source said: “Some loyalists of Governor Nyesom Wike are planning a protest to the National Assembly this week against former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s nomination as minister.

“We have reliable information that they have set aside N350million to execute this invidious plot. What is worrisome is that loyalists of Wike are doing this at a time Rivers State children have been locked out of schools because of the state government’s refusal to pay salaries.”

The source also alleged that some PDP stalwarts also met with a group of senators from the party to “pay back Amaechi in his own coin” for defecting from the party to the APC.

“PDP is already advising its members in Rivers and Ekiti states to reject the nominees appointed by the president,” the source said.

But the APC in Rivers State may also resist attempts by loyalists of Wike to protest against Amaechi in Abuja.

Another source added: “There is further information that APC members in Rivers State are also gearing up to counter-attack as they are mobilizing their supporters to match PDP’s strength. Security agencies are very concerned about the possibility of the Rivers crisis spilling over into the FCT, Abuja.”

When contacted, the state chairman of the party, Chief Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, admitted hearing the rumours, saying he had told party members to be prepared.

He said: “The APC in Rivers State has borne with equanimity all the numerous attacks by the PDP and its leadership against our leader and former governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi.

“It is sad, indeed, as the former governor has done nothing to deserve such evil behaviour. We have decided, as a party, that we will no longer keep silent. We will match the PDP action for action and word for word.”

Meanwhile, the state government, through a statement issued by the special adviser to the governor on media and publicity, Sir Opunabo Inko-Tariah, described the allegation as “not only spurious, but fatuous and malicious.”

“Gov Wike has no cause to orchestrate a protest against the appointment of Rotimi Amaechi. Let me reiterate for the umpteenth time that Gov Wike has no nexus with the appointment of Amaechi, or otherwise. It is the right of an appointer to appoint anybody of his choice, provided such appointment is in sync with the relevant laws.”

“The appointment of Amaechi will definitely have no bearing on the governance of Rivers State. There are crucial issues the governor is more concerned with – which are issues of the state and not trifles like the appointment of Amaechi.

“It is apparent that the APC in Rivers has exhausted its basket of lies and barren propaganda but still wants to be heard or noticed despite its waned popularity in the state.”