Rivers PDP Involves Security Agencies in Battle with Amaechi over Use of Stadium for Jonathan’s Rally
The Rivers state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has announced its report of alleged threats by the State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, to the police and other security agencies after he refused to allow the use of the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium for President Goodluck Jonathan’s rally in the state.
The party released a statement on Thursday, signed by the Special Adviser, Media to its Chairman, Jerry Needam, saying that the governor’s decision was fuelled by his hatred for the President and that during a radio programme in the state, he threatened ‘fire and brimestone’ if the party went ahead to use the stadium without approval.
The statement read: “The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Rivers State chapter wishes to draw the attention of the police and other security agencies in the state to the continued threat by Governor Chibuike Amaechi to mobilize his supporters against the PDP should the party insist on holding President Jonathan’s state campaign rally in Amasieamaka Stadium.
“The party regrets that rather than issue-based campaigns, Amaechi has made it unmistaken to cast aspersions on Mr President everywhere he goes for campaigns and as though these are not enough, has gone on Love FM Port Harcourt Radio live programme, Thursday, January 22, 2015 to threaten fire and brimstone should the PDP go ahead to hold any rally for President Jonathan in the state-owned Amasieamaka Stadium.
“Regrettably, the only reason he (Amaechi) has given for refusing the PDP the use of the new stadium is that he is the governor and has the right to say No. This is outright turning himself to the state, which is wrong and anti-democratic.
“While we do not wish to join issues with Amaechi, we also make bold to say that Amaechi’s threats are a pointer to concluded plans to cause breach of the peace and order in the state and should be invited by the law enforcement agencies for interrogation.
“He (Amaechi) should also be held responsible for any possible crisis before, during and after President Jonathan’s presidential rally in the state.”
The state government had however said earlier that its refual to grant the party use of the Stadium was due to the construction work ongoing in the stadium complex.
