An Elder statesman, the Agitator and Establisher of the case for Oil Derivation in Nigeria, 1981, Rev. Dr. Sokari Soberekon, has called on Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State to do everything within his powers to ensure he meets the demands of Federal Authorities for the release of Rivers’ Jet Plane impounded few weeks ago.
Rev Dr Sokari Soberekon argued that since the plane was bought with Rivers money it belongs to Rivers people, moreover, any tool bought by any Governor while in office, is for the people. The Elder statesman said when he fought to get Oil Derivation which is bringing more money into the Niger Delta, it was meant for development of the Region. Regrettably, many leaders of our people are on wasting/embezzlement spree, which is very unfortunate and must certainly boomerang on them as we have been seeing.
Dr. Sokari recalled that the Federal Government had earlier seized the MV OGINAB.ERETON bought with Rivers State hard earned money by our then Governor Alfred Diette Spiff. General Murtala Mohammed who seized that development tool gave it to the Nigerian Navy who changed the name to NNS ROWANYARO without any money paid back to the suffering Rivers people or any reason given for the change of name.
Consequently, the first Nigerian Professional Wrestler advised the Federal Government not to auction the Rivers plane impounded or execute the threat to prosecute Rivers State Government as it will lead to seizure and a replaying of the OGINABERETON saga. If there are issues of faulty documentation, the Federal Government should use her might to ensure its correction in the interest of the nation.
Rev. Dr. Soberekon recalled that when 44 names of Private Jet Owners were listed in the daily, he pleaded that Governor Amaechi’s name should be removed from the list since it was improper for a serving Governor to acquire a plane for his private use. Regrettably, the Government of Rivers State did not make any statement to clarify the true owner of the plane. Notwithstanding, the fact remained that this plane was bought with Rivers people’s money and thus remains the bonafide property of Rivers State.
Rev. Soberekon concluded that he had earlier advised that what Rivers people needed were Helicopters which would help facilitate our much needed improved health delivery services by conveying medical personnel and patients from the interior of Rivers State to the health centers in the cities.
The Elder statesman has earlier made a similar call to the then Government of Governor Ernest Adeleye when Late Dr. Dennis Fiberesirna was the commissioner For Health. ###
