|
|
|
The Current Political Situation in Rivers
StateAs we approach 2007 general elections the political
atmosphere across Rivers state is charged by the day as more
politicians indicate interest in the race for the Brick House
(Rivers state government house). Posters, billboards and
newspaper adverts are daily pointers to the intensity of the
impending “political war” that will climax on May 29, 2007
either with the change of batons or a continuation for some
incumbents. From any aspect it is looked at, the race promises
to be keen, as different political parties, rousing from the
political inactivity being witnessed since after the 2003
elections, have all fixed dates for their party primaries and
conventions.
Those gearing to succeed Governor Peter Odili are: The Speaker
Rivers state House of Assembly, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi,
Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Austin Opara,
Hon. Celestine Omeha, Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo
and Rivers state Deputy Governor, Sir Gabriel Toby.
Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is believed to get the PDP ticket
in 2007 because he is one of the Governor’s kitchen cabinet
members. He has been very loyal to Odili, even before Odili
became Deputy Governor in 1991. Amaechi is from Ubima in Ikwerre
Local Government Area of Rivers state. Ikwerre Local Government
Area is among Ikwerre tribe which is believed to be the largest
ethnic nationality in Rivers state. Amaechi enjoys the support
of his Ikwerre kinsmen. Many Ikwerre politicians believed that
Amaechi was the brain behind Odili’s victory in 2003 general
elections; he worked against his brother the acclaimed Bulldozer
of Rivers politics, Chief Sergeant Awuse in 2003.
Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Austin Opara, is
another Ikwerre man who has the desperate aspiration to succeed
Odili come 2007. Austin Opara is one of the key players of the
failed third term agenda. Opara is believed to be one of the
problems Amaechi will face in 2007, as both are the same ethnic
nationality, Ikwerre. Opara believes that the decisions leading
to who becomes the Governor of our great state ‘Rivers’ is
decided in Aso Rock not Port Harcourt. He said many times that
Amaechi has the most viable political structure in Rivers, but
political structure does not work in Rivers state if not Chief
Sergeant Awuse would have won the Governorship of Rivers.
Celestine Omeha is another son of the soil, from Ikwerre ethnic
nationality just as Autin and Amaechi. Omeha is the one that
will give Amaechi and Opara a tough challenge in 2007. Omeha is
a staunch member of Odili kitchen cabinet. Omeha is one man that
can knock on Odili’s door any time of the night and Odili will
open and receive him.
The Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo is a lifelong friend
of Governor Peter Odili. He is a medical doctor just as Odili.
He is from one the strongest ethnic nationalities in Rivers
state called Okrika. Obasanjo, in his announcement last year
made it clear that any of his cabinet members who wants to seek
elective position is free to resign, and he will be more than
willing to accept such resignation. As a result his refusals to
resign many politicians are skeptical about his governorship
ambition.
The Deputy Governor, Toby Gabriel is from different ethnic
nationality in Rivers state called Opobo. Toby is one of the
Deputy Governors in the nation who has good relationship with
his boss. Rivers Governor and his Deputy never had any problems
any kind. Toby is very loyal to his boss, and he is ready to go
extra miles to please his boss. Odili has a lot of confidence in
his Deputy. Many politicians believe that Odili will hand over
his government to his Deputy as it done in the Western world, to
continue his reform agenda.
The amazing part of this governorship race is that all the
gubernatorial aspirants for 2007 elections are all Odili
loyalists, and all are PDP members.
Many people in the state are waiting for the Bulldozer of Rivers
politics, Chief Sergeant Awuse to speak about the current
situation of Rivers politics. Awuse was the governorship
candidate under the platform of ANPP in 2003 elections. Chief
Awuse is the Governor Rivers state never had. Chief Awuse is
believed to the Rivers political ground master, and Bulldozer of
Rivers politics. This time around he has been keeping mute in
the political affairs. He has not said any time about his
political ambition.
May God Bless Rivers state and Nigeria.
Isaac Moses ,
August 2nd, 2006
Chicago, U.S.A
|
|
