The Save Rivers Movement (SRM) today (Saturday) successfully held its rally in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers state after thugs appeared before it started last week and dispersed the gathering.
The rally, which was guarded by heavily armed security operatives was attended by the state governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
Making reference to the botched rally on Sunday January 19th, Amaechi told the crowd that while he does not condone violence, the people of Ogoni land must always be on alert to forestall further unprovoked attacks.
He however thanked the Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar for his role in ensuring the high level of security during the rally.
“I had to call him and I told him that I am going to Khana; and I thank him for sending security and re-assure him that Rivers people are peace loving people” he said
Amaechi, who told the cheering crowd that he remains the “governor of Rivers state” and “governor of Ogoni people”, maintained that he “will allow the Save Rivers Movement to continue with their rallies” but warned that “they must comply with anything that has to do with the law”
He noted that he attended the rally “to prove to you (Ogoni people), not to Nigerians that you should not run away from violence” and urged them to take advantage of the coming party and voter registrations to equip themselves ahead of the elections.
A member of the House of Representatives, Andrew Uchendu, speaking at the event, debunked the rumoured return of Rivers state lawmakers, federal and state, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Rep. Uchendu noted that “they said that some people are going back; I speak on behalf of the 37 members that defected to APC” emphasising that “we have passed the red line, there is no going back.
Organisers of the rally however maintained that it will continue round the state.
