The chairman of the inauguration and sensitization of Rivers Leadership Advancement Foundation (RIVLEAF), Oyigbo chapter, Dr. Martin Nwogu has said the elders of Rivers State must come together and reconcile Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the governor of Rivers State and the Minister for State for Education, Hon. Nyesom Wike to move the state move forward.
Dr. Nwogu made his position known in an interview with journalists shortly after the inauguration of RIVLEAF, Oyigbo chapter on 3rd August, 2013 at Afam council headquarters.
Dr. Nwogu who doubled as the guest lecturer stated that the taking over of the State House of Assembly by the National Assembly is like a partial state of emergency, but it is for peace to reign. The social critic maintained that for the state to be divided between Gov. Amaechi and Hon. Wike will not bring the desired development unless the elders of the state genuinely intervene to bring lasting peace.
The guest lecturer posited that people ought to learn from history because the crisis that started in the then Western Assembly brought about the first civil war as the crisis between Akintola and Chief Obafemi Awolowo could not be resolved at that time, which later metamorphosed into a bigger crisis.
He said the citizenry should not see themselves as Wike or Amaechi’s division which can polarize the state and all will be the losers, especially Rivers people but advocated for urgent reconciliation among the duo.
In his lecture titled ‘Leadership Qualities, The Transformation Agenda In Rivers State Under The Administration Of Governor Rotimi Amaechi,’ Dr. Nwogu enumerated many leadership qualities which every leader must have.
The chairman further stated that Gov. Amaechi has given a good style of leadership which has resulted in the developmental strides in education, health, road construction, overseas scholarship, among other sectors.
He said the leadership of the state has been steered with greater sense of responsibility.
In an interview Barr. Eric Apea, a member of Oil and Gas Free Zone Onne and an executive member RIVLEAF said there is need to celebrate the governor of Rivers State. Barr. Apea also stated that from all indications governor Amaechi is not against Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan or the wife Patience.
In his inauguration speech, the President of RIVLEAF, Hon. Wele Alex Wele said the Oyigbo people having have no option than to continue to be steadfast with the grand patron of RIVLEAF, the governor of Rivers State.
He said is not in the character of the governor to betray anybody as a man of principle. The president stated that as a responsible body, the group only engages on issues that will benefit the state not to bring people to fight.
The council’s boss who was a former commissioner in the state commended RIVLEAF while promising to work with the body to enthrone true leadership quality at the grassroots.
The chairman who condemned those who he said are only supporters of Amaechi in government house, but say another thing elsewhere, likening some of them to political Judas.
Meanwhile, the foundation chairman, Kins Okororie has promised that the LGA executive will do everything possible to support the group. ###
Pius Dukor
