(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Rotimi-Amechi-300x224.jpg) The Rivers State Governor, the Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Ameachi has declared that the people's votes must count in the choice of who becomes Governor of the State in 2015.
The Governor stated this in Port Harcourt during an inter-party summit with the theme, "Cohesive Peace and Sustainable Development." He noted that any Government which could not attribute its victory to the people's votes would not be responsive to the people.
He said Government at all levels, become transparent and accountable only when they fear they could be voted out for poor performance.
Advising youths at the summit, Governor Ameachi said, "Come 2015, we shall punish irresponsible politicians with our cards, so what I expect from all of you whether you belong to APC, CPC where ever you belong to, start now to mobilize the State for one man, one vote. We will not allow them intimidate us with Police or anything. Instead, we shall intimidate them with our vote".
Furthermore, he averred that the only way Government, Governors or Presidents can stop mal-administration is when that Government is put in place by the people, adding that all Governments must be responsible enough to allow for a free and fair Election.
While speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Senator Magnus Abe urged Politicians in the State to preserve and not destroy Rivers State by their actions.
He lamented the lack of participatory democracy among political parties and the sole desire by parties to acquire and retain political power for selfish interest. He said that parties in Nigeria have evolved into vehicles strictly for the acquisition and retention of political power.
On his part, the Chairman of the occasion and retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Karibi Whyte urged political parties to believe in and mean well for the country they serve.
He urged Nigeria politicians to be honest and patriotic as they endeavour to work for the common good of the people who voted them to power.
Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria