Be apostles of democracy, Amaechi tells opposition
By Vivian Osuji & Alice Micah
In order to experience free and fair elections in the country, the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has stressed the need for credible elections.
Governor Amaechi made the statement during the inauguration of the Forum of Organized Opposition Political Parties (FOOPP), in Port Harcourt, Friday.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Magnus Ngei Abbe advised opposition parties in the state to be apostles of true democracy, stressing that the need to sensitize the masses towards credible elections in Rivers State.
The state Chief Executive said time has come for politicians to be voted based on performance and not on elections malpractices and manipulations, saying that “when people are allowed to exercise their franchise and chose their choice of candidates, good governance would be experienced”.
Describing the inauguration ceremony as a unique and important step towards a better Rivers State, the Governor stressed that free and fair election should not only be achieved in Rivers State, but all over the country, and advised politicians to work towards a installing credible leaders come 2011.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the body, Prince Tonye Princewill expressed satisfaction over the oppositions' decision to come together under one umbrella so as to support the vision of Governor Amaechi.
Princewill who is also the leader of Action Congress (AC) in Rivers State said the implication of a unity government and its benefits to Rivers State have been placed under a number of legal, political and strategic microscope, culminating in a resounding thrust to move forward.
He said “I expected that individuals who understand the system of politics in Rivers State would encourage the steps of opposition parties coming together”, adding that such development would help restore hope to many weary hearts throughout the state.
The AC leader, who noted that the event is a call to service and movement away from money politics, further explained that FOOPP would help crave a new sense of purpose and direction towards a greater Rivers State. He emphasized the need for collective efforts in all ramifications for the good of Rivers State.
He highlighted the objectives of the organization, to include working towards supporting and strengthening the unity government in Rivers State and to encouraging electoral bodies to organize proper election that would reflect the true wishes of the electorate, amongst others.
Leader of the forum commended the efforts of Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi who he said has demonstrated that he is indeed a rare gift to Rivers State.
Princewill described Governor Amaechi as a 'Father of the forum', stressing that the governor's tolerance had helped create a conducive and enabling environment for opposition politics to thrive in the state.
He assured that the opposition would continue to criticize the administration constructively and as well support the government where necessary.
Also speaking, Chairman of FOOPP, Dr Davies Ibiamu disclosed that the inauguration was the confirmation of political parties' resolve to have adopt and implement the negotiated and harmonized programmes of the forum.
In his remark, Barrister Ledum Mitee Advised opposition parties not to see them selves only, as opposition to the governor.
Barrister Ledum called for a level playing ground and conducive environment for candidates during elections so as to enable electorates the freedom to cast their votes in favour of their candidates in subsequent elections.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ossy Georgewill had appealed to the opposition to support the Governor Amaechi-led efforts towards bringing Rivers State to a glorious height.
Speaking with this publication shortly after the inauguration, the Secretary of FOOPP, Mr. Gashon Benson stressed despite adopting a unity government, there is serious opposition in Rivers State.
Mr. Gashon noted that the essence of forming the FOOPP was not to praise the present administration led by Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, but to ensure that the opposition takes over power come 2011.
“All over the world, people learn from history. We are learning from the history in Zimbabwe, we are learning from the history in Ghana. All oppositions came together and that was why they were able to wrestle power and take over from the sitting government”, he opined, adding that there is force in unity.
He argued that nobody is was praise-singing Governor Amaechi, but that whenever a government is doing well, it deserves commendation and vise versa.
“Nobody is praise-singing Amaechi. Wherever a government is doing well, you praise that government and where they are not doing well, you condemn it.
“The government is doing well in the area of road construction, even though some of the projects are not well supervised, they are building schools, they are building hospitals. Perhaps people just believe in negativity, but what is good is good”, the scribe emphasized, adding that for ten years running the opposition has not been able to make any impact, which was the reason why they needed to come together.
