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How Osinbajo attempted to re-unite Wike, Amaechi, Abe
- Showed bias in relying on APC logistics in Rivers
The Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, while in Rivers State on Thursday to commission some projects completed by the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike, attempted to use the official duty in the state controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to reunite the governor with two APC leaders in the state – Chibuike Rotoimi Amaechi, Minister of Transport and former Governor of Rivers State, and Senator Magnus Abe.
The acting president had encouraged both Governor Wike and Amaechi to end their rivalries and work on issues that would bring development to the people rather than staying divided on partisan lines. He emphasized the need for them to build a united front in promoting the interests of the people of Rivers State.
Commissioning the Chokocho-Umuechem-Ozuzu Road and Chokocho -Igbo-Etche-Rumuokurushi Inter- Change in Etche Local Government Area, Osinbajo commended Governor Wike for initiating pro-people projects.
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The acting president reiterated why leaders in Rivers State should always work together to make life better for their people. He was of the view that that is the only way the people can feel the impact of government. Accordingly, he challenged the leaders to de-emphasise partisan concerns and work in the interest of their people. He cited the combined team of APC and PDP state actors commissioning completed projects in Rivers State.
Osinbajo declared: “We must always look for ways to advance the interest of our people. We are greater together than apart. Today is a very happy day. We will always have happy days.
“Here with us to commission the project of the Rivers State Government is Senator Magnus Abe, who is from another party. The Federal Government supports every effort that benefits the people.”
National Daily gathered that the acting president, however, was biased in choosing the shuttle chopper provided by APC leaders in Rivers State and rejecting the one provided by Governor Wike for his itinerary within the state, essentially, when being accompanied by Wike, Amaechi and Abe to the commissioning of some projects, including the inauguration of the $1.5 billion Indorama’s fertilizer plant in the Eleme.
Amaechi and Abe were gathered to have arranged for a chopper, while Wike had arranged for a BMW to convey Osinbajo from the Port Harcourt International Airport to Eleme.
Osinbajo alighting from the presidential jet, being received by Wike, exchanged pleasantries with traditional rulers and other stakeholders who were on queue a formal handshake with the Acting President.
Thereafter, Wike had pointed at a sparkling BMW waiting to convey Osinbajo to the venue of the commissioning plant. At that time, Amaechi, Abe and other APC leaders were already sitting waiting in the chopper for the acting president.
To the consternation of all stakeholders, Osinbajo did not hide his partisan sentiments when he insisted on shuttling between Port Harcourt and Elelme in the chopper provided by APC leaders.
Wike had endeavoured to persuade Osinbajo to go together for the commissioning of the project, the Acting President insisted that they both rather go in the Chopper for the commissioning of the Fertilizer project.
Wike, however, conceded and joined Osinbajo to ride in the Chopper, joining Abe, and Amaechi already seated.