RIVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has prevailed in the contest to retain his leadership of Nigeria Governors
Forum, popularly known by the acronym NGF.
This was the outcome of an election held on Friday to determine the new leader of the Forum, in which Governor Amaechi beat his opponent by three votes at 19-16.
The opponent in the contest was Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State.
The outcome of the election proved close watchers of the intra-party politics of the Peoples Democratic Party wrong because Amaechi’s leadership of the Forum has not enjoyed the support of the leadership of his political party.
Top among those who opposed Amaechi in the contest was the presidency in Abuja, with whom political analysts in Nigeria say Amaechi has been in disagreement in recent months.
It is believed that the source of the troubles encountered by Governor Amaechi over the legitimacy of the operational documents of a jet belonging to the Rivers State government have to do with the tussles between President Jonathan’s men and the Rivers governor.
However, on Thursday, federal lawmakers who looked into the matter cleared the Rivers State government of any wrongdoing regarding the purchase of the aircraft and authenticity of its operational documentation with relevant agencies in Nigeria.
Federal agencies in charge of aviation under Aviation Minister Stellah Oduah’s watch had repeatedly alleged that he Rivers State government was operating the aircraft illegally in Nigeria, hence why they grounded the aircraft in Akure, capital of Ondo State, two weeks ago after Governor Amaechi had travelled to the region to attend the burial of the late Ekiti State Deputy Governor Funmi Olayinka.
Ms. Oduah actually alleged that the government of Rivers State was operating the aircraft with forged documents that agencies under the supervision of her ministry were in charge of issuing. The allegation from the aviation minister followed the initial charge that the docum agents were expired.
With Thursday’s declaration by lawmakers in Abuja that the Rivers State government was in the clear concerning the accusations from Ms. Oduah and her aides, it appears the case is settled. Today’s victory at the Nigeria Governors Forum adds a feather to Amaechi’s triumph against the hierarchy of the Peoples Democratic Party.
There were also recent reports about the withdrawal of the personal security apparatus attached to senior government officials in Rivers State, coming from unknown ‘orders from above.’ It is believed by local politicians in Rivers State that central powers in Abuja ordered the withdrawal to leave them vulnerable to deadly threats.
“Today our democracy was tested and proven,” Governor Amaechi declared after his win on Friday, adding that “Democracy is about participation. The aim of democratic governance is for everyone to partake in winning.
“Today the governors have spoken with one voice reaffirming our faith in democratic governance as the hope of Nigeria’s future. I must thank my colleagues for their tenacity and determination to ensure the unity of the forum but more importantly of our nation,” the troubled governor also said.
Amaechi gave no hint that he had any problems with President Jonathan, expressing his support for the president as his “leader”.
“We remain committed to supporting our leader, the president and commander in chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to realize the development dream of all Nigerians by reducing tension, uncertainty and insecurity in our beloved country,” he said.
“We want to pledge our steadfastness and resolve working alongside Mr. President to better the lives of our people as we render transparent and accountable stewardship.
“Finally our thanks go to all those who have patiently endured these times especially our constituents and members of the fourth estate of the realm who have followed these elections with keen interest. We promise that we will not betray the confidence you have reposed in us.”