Attempts by the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to instil order to its troubled fold have crashed, after both Chairman of the chapter, Hon Felix Obuah and Governor of the state, Rotimi Amaechi traded words on the latest failed peace move.
While Obuah described Amaechi’s outright rejection of the party’s peace overtures as “very unfortunate,” the governor himself censured the chairman’s peace move as “ridiculous.”
The chairman noted that the invitation he gave to the governor and Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike was in keeping with the belief that as a father, the party can reconcile its differences.
“For us, only Rivers people can settle their internal problems,” he said, wondering why the governor hastily rebuffed the effort as if he is not interested in making peace with his party and people.
In a statement issued and signed by Special Adviser on media to the State Chairman, Jerry Needam, Obuah observed that with this development, the entire Rivers people should be able to read in between the lines to know who are behind the crisis, stressing that it’s only those who have ulterior motives that will object to peace initiatives being brokered by the leadership of the party in the state.
“The peace moves were deemed necessary so that Gov Amaechi and his political aides will stop using the crisis as an excuse for not discharging their duties and also stop them from using the state resources in pursuing personal political agenda, which is presently the case,” Obuah explained.
“Although Chief Wike has not reacted, the call for reconciliation between him and Governor Amaechi was in good faith and this shows that the party is caring. We’ll however not coerce any person or group into any peace agreement. It behoves on all persons involved to choose their course and take the consequences of their actions.”
Noting that the supremacy of the party will remain for all times and can never be compromised, he reemphasised that PDP party is not a respecter of any person(s). “It will be fair and just to all members in the state but it will be firm and courageous as well,” he added.
However, Amaechi, Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, David Iyofor, slated Obuah’s peace attempt, describing it as “most disrespectful, ridiculous and laughable,” adding that the chairman needed to “show some respect for the office of the state governor.”