The ‘Governor’ of Nigerian Governors (8)

By Matthew Mahmood

Police Commissioner Joseph Mbu and Governor Rotimi Amaechi

I appeal to Amaechi to sheathe his sword so that we can defend our state and this country with love, unity, patriotism and truth at all time.
—Patience Jonathan

16 Bishops on Peace Mission
Bishop God-Do-Well Awomapara led 15 Bishops from the South-South to Aso Rock Presidential Villa on a peace mission on the Rivers State political crisis. The wife of Nigeria’s President Mrs Patience Jonathan confessed that her bitter squabble with Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi AKA the Battle of Okrika (2010) was the reason behind some of the crisis.

We found a fault in her 'rift settlement' approach since Amaechi’s security officers who were withdrawn have not been recalled. You cannot ask for peace with mere words rather than do the right thing. The peacemakers should take note especially as Rivers State Government issued a Press Release that it could no longer guarantee the safety of Governor Amaechi.

Police Arrest
It was unfair when the police called for the arrest of some pro-Amaechi lawmakers in the fracas while pro-Jonathan lawmakers and thugs were free to roam around. Why did the police refuse to call for the arrest of pro-Jonathan legislator Evans Bapakaye Bipi and his mafia? Bipi boldly ordered his gang to “shoot” and “kill” if allowed to gain entry into Rivers State House of Assembly after the failed impeachment process. He hit something or somebody and the camera person lost balance. When the camera person swung back into action, blood was on the floor. Can the police claim that the video evidence is not on YouTube or that they have not seen it?

The police questioned Governor Amaechi without inviting Mrs Jonathan, Minister Nyesom Wike and Evans Bapakaye Bipi et al for questioning. Nyesom Wike planned and used vagabonds to disrupt the airport. Thugs attacked the four Northern governors that went to Port Harcourt to see Amaechi on a solidarity visit. Are Evans Bapakaye Bipi and Nyesom Wike above the law? A mere Minister of State for Education who prefers to cause trouble in Rivers State rather than face his job in Abuja. How many students can identify Wike as a junior Education Minister in Nigeria when they do not know who he is? He rose into prominence as a vagabond trainer, ‘thug’s supplier’ and rally project manager in Rivers State.

Wike had boasted after the failed impeachment attempt at the Rivers State House of Assembly that he would set Rivers State ablaze and render it ungovernable. A four-litre keg, suspected to contain some acid, was found beside the mob. “Rivers State Police Commissioner Mbu Joseph Mbu denied knowledge of the mob’s presence. Although the police stated that the airport is a public place and everyone has a right to visit freely and unhindered.
—Vanguard

Remove Mbu or Go…
As for the Minister of Police Affairs retired Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade, we are fed up of calling for his resignation and closure of his office until 2015 although the Great Police Spin was a perfect job. The spin was set off after the Presidential Committee on Re-organisation of the Police also called for the scrapping of the ministry. The Minister of Police Affairs is at it again. He is fond of heating up the polity with statements that are not problem solving at all.

For instance, organisations called for the removal of Rivers State Commissioner of Police Joseph Mbu because he allegedly contributed to the crisis in the state. The Minister of Police Affairs said that Mbu cannot be sacked pending the on-going investigation into the crisis.

Removal could mean sack or redeploy etc. Mbu should be redeployed with immediate effect. Swap him with a police commissioner in another state ASAP in order to reduce tension in Rivers State. Mbu has no respect for the Governor of Rivers State and does not get on with him. It is widely believed that he is controlled from the Presidential Villa. Must we wait until the crisis deepens before removing Mbu? Otherwise, the Minister of Police Affairs should resign.

The police deliberately fired teargas into the Government House while the governor was there. What would have happened if a stray bullet had hit the governor in a country where hundreds of people have died from stray bullets? Can Mbu confidently claim that he was unaware of the teargas scenario?

Peace
Amaechi and President Jonathan shook hands after the 'Aide-de-camp' or bodyguard to the President prevented him from greeting the President at a previous event therefore Amaechi tried to seek peace before 16 Bishops intervened. Amaechi was not ‘fighting’ with the Jonathans. It was the other way round. Apart from four Northern governors, some governors ‘shunned the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting to visit embattled Rivers State Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi’. They warned that nothing must happen to Amaechi.

Nevertheless, a report by the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College recently warned the world of the possibility of a 2015 civil war in Nigeria. A concerned and reliable Federal Government would unite the country rather than allow petty political jealousy and squabble with a State Government to trigger off a final battle in 2015.

Rivers State Government Says It Is No Longer Able To Guarantee Safety of Governor Amaechi
Panel interrogates Amaechi on Rivers crisis
Why Rivers CP hasn’t been sacked –Police minister
Rivers Crisis: Amaechi Remains My Son- Patience Jonathan
Olubolade Rejects Scrapping of Police Affairs Ministry
Governors shun Economic Council to visit Amaechi
2015: North prepares for war •Beware of another civil war, US report warns Nigeria
Rivers crisis: Perspectives beyond warring factions
Rivers: Many storms to cross
Presidential dinner: Jonathan didn’t meet Amaechi for security reason–Presidency
PHOTONEWS: Gov. Amaechi And President Jonathan Warm Up To Each Other At Port Harcourt International Airport

We will forever remain grateful to the Governor of Rivers State and RSSDA for this wonderful opportunity of a life time’’.
—Daniel Nlemogu, First Class Law graduate

The Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) sponsored some students to study at the Universities of Salford, Liverpool and Nottingham Trent in England. Three of them graduated with First Class degrees this summer. ‘Among the fresh graduates are four physically challenged with one of them Daniel Nlemogu who bagged a first class in Law while Betty A. Odema received the Vice Chancellor’s Award’.

Yesterday, two scholars and the Executive Director/CEO of RSSDA Noble Pepple appeared on The Magazine Show (Sky Channel 182) which was presented by Femi Amusan and Kome Adeoshun. According to Pepple about N5 billion is available for funding.

It will be recalled that Governor Rotimi Amaechi recently donated $100,000 to Afropop music producer and rapper OJB Jezreel who was suffering from a kidney ailment. Time was running out for OJB Jezreel in a country which lacks free medical treatment including kidney transplant. The donation came after some government officials withheld proposed donations because of a ‘malicious’ tweet by a mixed race Nollywood actress who is not a Nigerian. The actress later settled her differences with OJB Jezreel donation organisers. OJB Jezreel stopped incoming donations as soon as Amaechi paid the required amount.

OJB Jezreel saved at last

OJB Thank You Message To Gov Rotimi Amaechi
RSSDA Students Graduate In Flying Colours In The Uk, Three Make First Class
Five RSSDA Physically Challenged Students Graduate in The UK: One of Them Bags First Class in Law, Another, on The Dean's List of Honour
2013/2014 Governor’s Special Overseas (Undergraduate) Scholarship Programme Award List