The leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC have thrown an open invitation to the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and the people of Rivers State to join and support the party.
The political rally was held at the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt, the state capital, despite the earlier challenges.
The APC delegation included Former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, Former Military Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, the APC Interim National Chairman, Bisi Akande, National Secretary, Lai Muhamed, as well as the National Vice-Chairman South-South (APC) and Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi.
Thousands of Amaechi supporters, members of the National Assembly and chairmen of all Local Government Areas of the state also thronged the rally, singing his praise and reaffirming their support for the embattled governor. The leader of the state’s chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Chimbiko Akarolo in his speech, declared the councils’ support for Amaechi, saying “Wherever he goes, that is where we are going to go”.
Taking turns to address the crowd, the APC leaders showered encomiums on the Rivers State Governor. National Chairman of the APC, Bisi Akande commended his courage and brilliance while Former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, refered to him as a visionary who has performed extremely well in fighting for the rights of his people. He said “a man who stands to be cheated is not a man but a pig”
Speaking further on the validity of his party’s proposition, he encouraged Governor Amaechi to consider the APC’s offer saying “this is a mission to rescue Nigeria from polarization, division, intimidation and oppression.”
Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Tom Ikimi on his part eulogized the values of the All Progressives Congress as the better option for Amaechi. He claimed that the APC provides ‘balance of power’ and an alternative platform for Nigerians.
The event climaxed with the anticipated response by Governor Rotimi Amaechi who delivered his speech amidst intermittent singing and dancing.
The visibly excited Amaechi said to the APC leaders “If I say I am not happy that you are, I am only lying”. He went on to condemn the activities of his political opponents and the many accusations against him and his administration.
Recounting his administration’s achievements and emphasizing his popularity among the masses, he dismissed threats to unseat him and called on the citizens of Rivers State to confront the Nigerian Police and end impunity.
Amechi who has long been suspended from the People’s Democratic Party alongside 6 other Governors promised that he would embark on consultations with his fellow G7 Governors, the APC leaders and the Nigerian President before responding to APC’s request to join the party.
