AMID mixed reactions trailing the outcome of the Nigerian Governors Forum, the Rivers state governor Chibuike Amaechi, who was re-elected as chairman of the forum has stated that his emergence is an indication that all governors and political leaders are committed to a functional democratic nation.
However, Ijaw activist and leader of the Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Asari Dokubo, has described Amaechi as traitor for seeking re-election as the chairman of the NGF, which is contrary to the wishes and aspiration of President Jonathan.
A source disclosed to The Guardian that after the fierce Friday's NGF election, which has created a rift between pro-president Goodluck Jonathan governors and those in support of Governor Amaechi, the latter saddened by attempts by some persons to ruin his relationship with the president has indicated his desire to meet the president this week to repair their seeming frosty relationship.
When contacted to ascertain efforts to settle the lingering rift between the duo, the Rivers state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, said: "You must realise that the governor and Mr. President have been conversing, they don't need to clear with any of us."
She said there is no rift amongst the governors despite Akwa-Ibom state governor, Godwill Akpabio's claim that the NGF election was rigged. According to her, it was disheartening that Akpabio who was among the 35 governors that voted could later brandish document which contained the name of a governor who was never present at the election as one of the persons that voted for Governor Jang.
Semenitari explained that naturally those who supported Governor Amaechi are all excited but insisted that the governor's victory was a plus for the democratising process and a sheer indication that the political elites are committed to ensuring the emergence of a functional democratic society.
The Guardian