Despite clear and convincing evidence linking his aides, wife and supporters to the political upheaval in Rivers State, President Goodluck Jonathan has continued to feign ignorance.
In the estimation of President Jonathan and his associates, Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi is an “enemy within” whose interest is contrary to the president’s second-term aspiration in 2015. Therefore Gov. Amaechi must be annihilated politically — to which end, pro-Jonathan governors were prevailed on to set up a parallel PDP governors forum while the PDP with Nyesom Nwike as arrowhead, simultaneously obtained a court order empowering an anti-Amaechi faction. The five legislators behind Tuesday’s mayhem are part of the anti-Amaechi group. The ring leader, Evans Bipi is from Okrika, same as President Joanthan’s wife. Bipi is known to have very close ties with the first Lady. Patience Jonathan was the mother of the day at his wedding in June.
For the umpteenth time, Jonathan has denied any link to the Rivers State House of Assembly commotion, instead urging the major players to allow the constitution and the rule of law to prevail.
“President Goodluck Jonathan has noted with concern the recent untoward political developments in Rivers State and he calls on all those involved in regrettable acts of political violence to show greater respect for the constitution and the rule of law,” Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati wrote in a statement.
“President Jonathan urges members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and all other political gladiators in the state to put the interests of the state and the nation above their personal egos and ambitions that seem to have gotten in the way of their expected commitment to uphold the principles of democracy and good governance.”
He implored all those remotely or directly involved in heightening political tension in Rivers State to put an immediate end to their actions, as they are capable of plunging the state into public disorder; and strive to settle their political differences without further recourse to barbaric acts of violence.
“President Jonathan expects all members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, irrespective of their current affiliations or loyalties, to comport themselves with greater restraint while efforts continue to resolve existing differences and restore internal harmony to the state branch of the party,” he went on.
“The Presidency has also noted with regret the continuing attempts by some individuals and groups to place responsibility for the unpleasant developments in Rivers State on President Jonathan. We are constrained to state once again that there is absolutely no factual basis for suggestions that some of the politicians involved in the current dispute are acting at the behest of the president.”
Abati added that “President Jonathan certainly did not instigate the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly and as President of the nation, he will never support any actions that negate his avowed commitment to the rule of law. The President will also never violate his oath of office to always defend the Nigerian Constitution.
