The ragging war in the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is no longer news or something new in a political setting, but it is also plunging the party into another dimension of not only suspension but expulsion.
The initial stage was the sack of some aides of the State Governor from the cabinet, where a Commissioner and Special Assistant to the governor Prince Emma Anyanwu were shown the way out.
It is also viewed that the party at the state level is about giving birth to a new one even as alleged in the media and some quarters, though it is a normal scenario in the political sphere but the fear is could the outcome of all these be sooner or later harmonized?
Disagreement abound in any political family, be it on groups or individual interests, however, the Rivers State context is swimming some dimensions where the stage is clearly, or progressively becoming difficult and confusing to the governor.
Politicians, perhaps believe that, the recent expulsion of some commissioners in the Rivers State cabinet from the PDP, maybe a normal gimmicks to achieve what the party wants. But I believe it is more than that, as the party claims that certain commissioners and others either wrote the performance and evaluation committee and attached their score cards to it or sent in written apology on their absence.
Whatever, the political game might be, does it mean that the party could lie against these 8 commissioners without evidence(s)? even as I stand to be corrected with convincing and genuine proof, my position is anchored on the fact that the river is a wide one and any thing can occur, the commissioners who are trying to defend themselves now may or not be innocent of the party’s claims, watch out.
The affected commissioners wouldn’t have bothered themselves since they did not believe in the leadership of Felix Obuah but that of Godspower Ake. They never recognized Hon. Felix Obuah led PDP in Rivers State at anytime, why should they be worried over the expulsion and suspension if at all, Hon. Felix Obuah is not their party chairman.
It is also viewed that these commissioners have not been attending the PDP meeting since the coming on board of Obuah, so what actually qualifies them as members of the party, is it the Port folio as commissioners?
The stance of the Party may not be different or far fetched from the truth, you know why, the Party is supreme to individuals and its appointees no matter what and position as in the case of Rivers people in position of selfish and family enrichment.
Before the PDP Performance and Evaluation Committee began her sitting, these same group who claims their loyalty to the chief Gospower U. Ake’s party executive had approached the court of law to restrain the committee and the party from carrying out the assignment.
But, as the world may notice and say, luck ran out of them as they were asked to submit themselves to their party for assessment, yet their actions were contrary to people expectation, what a neglect and condemnation of their party.
I am convinced that these appointed exco and other members of the governor’s cabinet were duly aware of any impending danger arising from insubordination and disrespect to their preferred party which brought them to where they are now.
I am also not surprised at the action of the party so, I believe that the affected elected and appointed public office holders are equally aware, not surprised they were pre-informed but may have ignored it thinking that it may not work out.
The Vol. 07 No. 2587 of Saturday, August 24, 2013 of ‘The Nation Newspaper’ with a bold lead, “Rivers Crisis: PDP Plots to Suspend deputy Governor, Senator, other Amaechi allies,” had explained in details reasons for a possible suspension of the persons so mentioned above, so there would be no excuse for the suspension whatsoever.
Since they were courageous enough to jettisoned the party’s invitation, I think there is no need to be lamenting and still claim membership of the party as Felix Obuah’s leadership of the party is alien to them, except there is any hidden script to be played out other than creating confusion in the party, and later decamp to their new party.
It is obligatory that we adhere to the leadership of our respective organizations especially in respect to the laid down principles and constitution governing such establishment. Any act or behaviour in defiance to such order is termed insubordination, disrespect or disobedience and would attract punishment.
These could constitute more headache for the governor and throw him into more confusion as those he preferably cherished among his commissioners are those not expelled from the party, who is a suspect in this regard as they are speaking from the two sides of the month.
I have said it in several editions of my episodes that the governor should look inward, examine himself and those around him, but, I observed that was not done since all are glittering.
At this point, it is too late to authenticate or know those who are truely his, I maintain that those he maybe taking are his may not be. Time shall tell.
The best language to apply here maybe vigilant other than carefulness, since the appropriate position of those expelled and those probably under probation are not ascertained, I will advise that caution be applied by the governor while loyalty, rethink and redress be given a second thought.
From information gathered, the governor alleged excesses may be responsible for his travail in the polity as electorates are seemingly suffering in the hands of poverty, hunger and joblessness occasioned on the government high handedness.
I am optimistic that the truth which is likened to a floating object on the water must definitely come alive someday, on who is the most qualified or authentic chairman of Rivers PDP. A political party, I repeat is supreme to any individual and such must be respected.
My worries and concern if I should express it again has been the adamant nature of Mr. Governor, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi who came into office through the court of law, yet is now neglecting the same process that brought him.
Either the court judgment is on appeal or not, the governor as a matter of fact, would have honoured that process and embrace the Felix Obuah led PDP in the state, while struggling with the appeal.
But the governor, vehemently ignore doing the needful recognizing that the process was same that show case him to Rivers people when he was not voted for.
It could be recalled that Rivers people voted for Sir. Celestine Ngozichim Omehia via the umbrella party, yet remain resolute to his (Amaechi)’s entrant because of the respect to the rule of law.
The Northerners cannot singlehandedly install a president irrespective of their manipulated figures without the assistance of other ethnic groups in the country.
Mr. governor should reconsider his steps with those he sees as his allies, he should learn from the experience of his master, Dr. Peter Odili, how he failed and fallen from his high level expectation to the thorning sand, what a lesson to live with.
The APC U-turn on Vice Presidential slot could also serve as further lessons to drive the needed lesson now that the journey had just begun.
Where are the 5 northern governors now that Taraba State is witnessing crisis on who is the governor, healthy or ill and acting or not? Is Gov. Amaechi not qualified to lead other governors on solidarity visit to Taraba?
Yes His Excellency, Gov. Amaechi according to people might be stubborn, a defender of democracy if at all and capable to rule Rivers State, even if it’s the entire world, but must he forget so soon that he rose on the back of the judiciary to the brick house.
He should learn to obey the party, even if he decamp to any or not, seek the true face of reconciliation and should think of his life after government house.
He should also remember that party stalwarts, supporters and electorates are suffering in hunger, while he is enjoying with his allies and families at the detriment of those who were injured for the election that brought him to power.
Governor Amaechi, should know that it is too late for him to ascertain his true followers either within his cabinet or amongst the I believe family in extinction.
All I am saying, Gov. Amaechi should as a matter of urgency, look for those who suffered for his election and not those who are opportunists sycophants, betrayals and destiny killers, if he must continue in politics, because around him now are sycophants only to milk the state resources and deliver him up to detractors.
It is time to seek to know the truth and doing the needful. ###
With James Mgboineme
Jamesprojectgodwin@yahoo.com.
