The Ikwerre, Etche and Orashi ethnic nationalities have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to call the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi to order.
Leaders of the Ethnic Nationalities in a press briefing addressed by Celestine Omehia for Ikwerre ethnic nationality, Prince Emma Anyanwu for Etche and Professor Keneli Ebeku for Orashi region said the purpose of press briefing was to draw the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari, well-meaning Nigerians and the International Community to current political developments in Rivers State as it affects various ethnic nationalities in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the groups, a former Governor of the state, Sir Celestine Omehia said the briefing had become necessary in view of the rising degree of tension, hostility and violence as the rescheduled 2019 general elections approached.
He alleged that “the unending atmosphere of hostility been foisted by the unholy relationship between the APC and the security agencies have become a major source of worry, threatening peace and communal tranquillity.”
“As leaders, our duty is to promote peaceful and free atmosphere before, during and after the polls and warn about possible flashpoints in the path to the 23rd February 2019 rescheduled elections,” he stated.
“On Tuesday, February 12, 2019, the Minister of Transportation and Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, at the Party’s campaign rally in Port Harcourt threatened to deal ruthlessly with the Governor of Rivers State and the entire members of PDP.
“The Minister in full public glare accused the opposing political party of committing crimes against him in 2015 and called for revenge in the presence of the President and Commander – In – Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In a veiled threat, he said it was time to be a man”
“Roaring like a warrior, he incited his followers with an Igbo war song used to decimate the lives of people.
“As Ikwerre People who understand the import of such a war song, we cannot sit idly and watch the Minister of Transportation cause our people unnecessary harm through his unbridled quest for power”
“Ikwerre People are worried that as build up to the 2019 General Elections, some parts of our Ethnic Nationality have become theatres of violence and killings. This recurring decimal may not be unconnected to the political adventurism of the Minister of Transportation who will stop at nothing to ensure that he remains politically relevant,” he stated.
He said that the group want to use the forum as the leaders of Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality to call the Minister of Transportation to order.
Amaechi had in a press conference in Port Harcourt last year said that he is not a violent person and will not be involved in any act of violence.
