In a dramatic reversal of his political fortunes, Rivers State governor and Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has been dumped by Governors of the ruling People Democratic Party (PDP); a precursor for his eventual sack tomorrow, as chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum.
Ahead of NGF election scheduled for tomorrow evening, governors of the ruling party rose from their conclave late Sunday night with a unanimous decision to boot Amaechi out and replace him with Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio; who may become the next chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum since the PDP controls the body with 26 of the 36 governors.
The PDP reached this decision at a meeting held at the Aso Villa. A source who attended the meeting but elected anonymity told Huhuonline.com that “Gov. Amaechi has become a divisive figure within the PDP, and had to be removed, so that the party can chart a new course, where party discipline is paramount. Gov. Ameachi has been at loggerhead with presidency and party leadership” he said adding:”Gov. Amaechi has continued to use his position as chairman of Governor`s forum to pursue his personal ambition to the detriment of the party.”
Political watchers have been quick to see the hand of Aso Rock and President Goodluck Jonathan in the sacking of Amaechi. “it is pure political vendetta by Jonathan” a PDP source told Huhuonline.com adding: “the move could backfire and provoke a backlash which will instead reinforce Amaechi’s determination to wrestle Jonathan for the presidency in 2015.
The PDP has been divided over a possible joint ticket between Governor Sule Lamido and Amaechi in the 2015 presidential election. Presently, the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party is sharply divided between the supporters of President Jonathan and the pro-Lamido group.
It is also believed that the former National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; the Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Sam Jaja and the National Treasurer, Bala Kaoje, has sympathy for the group. Mustapha is a Lamido loyalist while Jaja is an ally of Amaechi. On the side of President Jonathan are the National Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur; the National Woman Leader, Kema Chikwe; the National Youth Leader, Garba Chiza and a few others.
Huhuonline.com learnt from Aso Rock sources that Jonathan has been keeping a close watch on the pro-Lamido group which reportedly has the tacit support of some members of the National Assembly. An Aso Rock source revealed that the proverbial last straw that broke Amaechi’s back was his presence in South Africa a forth night ago. Some members of the pro Lamido-Amaechi group used the opportunity of the election of Hon. Bethel Amadi as the Speaker of the African Parliament to hold a secret meeting to strategize on regime change come 2015. The meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, grouped notable supporters of Lamido-Amaechi group, including three members of the PDP’s NWC, members of the National Assembly and some state governors, including Amaechi.
The meeting, however, leaked to the Presidency and Jonathan directed the Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa to furnish it with names of the attendees; who have all been blaclisted. Upon return, hardliners within Jonathan’s inner circle decided that enough was enough; Amaechi must go.
