Amaechi has metamorphosed to an Institution gliding to a destination yet unknown but all seems possible, positive and unstoppable (he who God blesses, no man can curse).He is one man many people love to hate; and he truly doesn’t care about presumed assumption about him. Away from the prejudiced impression that may attract negativity from whatever angle one chooses to pass one’s narrative.
Ameachi has clinched controversy on most political platforms and yet still stands tall despite his critics being beclouded to appreciate a man that maybe controversial, but beneath lies a deep Soul, a Man of faith, and faith is hope for the unseen to happen. As a Believer, he is confident and does not give up easily , no matter the odds. Ever proud of his humble beginning, from where he has achieved a feat not so easy, considering the numerous controversial upheaval he has journeyed through to get to his present position.
Ameachi philosophy is equipped with fairness which inherently shows no preferential treatment. Just as the rain has no preference on space, Ameachi does not show favouritism to a particular group but rather the whole of Rivers State.
The unfair criticisms which have given rise to prejudiced and parochial views, will invariably bemoan analytical minds to sieve out the in-depth qualities of a man that resisted all odds, prosecution, flaring darts, hatred and stood as a lone ranger in an unfriendly jungle.
He possesses a tenacious character that can not be broken in midst of intimidation and crises. Furthermore, a man who never gave into the vicarious pressure of joining forces to unseat a sitting President and was a focal point in installing a new President, such formidable qualities of a Niger Delta indigene should not go unnoticed. I met Amaechi wayback in 1991 at the former Governor Rufus Ada George’s Campaign Headquarters at GRA phase 1, Port- Harcourt.Back then, he was an enthusiastic young vibrant man, full of positive words, smiles and a charismatic personality of which we are now seeing to have captivated the hearts of his numerous admirers . Before Dr Peter Odili emerged as the Gubernatorial Candidate of PDP in 1999, Amaechi was considered as the average boy next door. Among his peers he was never anticipated as a rising star but the moment his mentor (Dr Peter Odili) became the flag bearer of PDP, his momentum transformed into a Sprinter like attitude, which saw him overtake all his contemporaries and was subsequently adorned the Speaker of the House of Assembly in-waiting. Eventually, he was made a Speaker which was the Political birth of Ameachi, on a blissful journey.
Another admirable aspect about Amaechi’s character is his independent free spirit which is not easily influenced by internal dispute between Rivers State Political Elders. He has always been an advocate for peace, even in midst of the alleged friction that occurred between Odili and Ijaw Elders in 2000 thereabout. He was seen relating with the late Marshal Harry and Chief Aminasoari Dikibo amicably, despite holding close ties with Odilli. Amaechi’s vision for peace and respect at an early stage in his career cushioned his relationship with Senior Stakeholders in Rivers State.
Apart from seeing a man full of life and fun, one may wish to pause and take a keen look at him and truly may not take in much of him. A closer observation, you will notice and agree with me that his Positive nature outweighs his Negative side; at which point you will be endeared to see a man of good heart not intimidated to interpret other people’s dreams.Amaechi, is not a Superman. He is just a man with flaws just like all of us with present and past imperfections. Expecting perfection from him, and being judgmental, you will miss out the components that made him who he is. Amaechi is many things to many people, but let’s use a digital frontier telescope to beam and appreciate a man no one can easily ignore, despite being perceived a Traitor and vilified son of Niger delta.We should also bear in mind once seen as vilified, one is also seen as a Hero to some persons, vice versa.It is so sad to realize the present development in Nigeria today, where we have evolved to be a Nation of bitter People with hatred and unforgiving spirit for one another, regardless: Amaechi has been the only Governor that has holistically impacted Rivers State positively since 1999.He may have flaws of being diplomatically incorrect, which is not the best in public relations or in Leadership. Leaders must be discipline to have Lips sealed when necessary and walk with a big stick. His love for Rivers State cannot be queried and as a Governor, he ruled well. He acted like a baby in a lollipop shop that wanted to lick all the jellies and sweets at a go. I heard how he wanted everything laudable to be replicated in Rivers State, in some cases he was too greedy and ambitious to give River State the best.His first four years were the best period Rivers state ever had in Governance for a very long time up to date. Amaechi regime, embarked on remarkable development that cuts across the 23 LGAs unlike some Governors that clustered all projects in Port Harcourt to receive accolades from visiting Dignitaries.His projects were based on true Governance covering Health, Education, Welfare and infrastructures and all were genuine and sincere without any motive of eye service.
EDUCATION :Understanding the power of Primary Education in line with restoring our Youths to have a good Foundation they were deprived of in previous Administration, he invested massively in Education.Parents were withdrawing their Wards from expensive Private Schools to State Schools referred to as Amaechi schools. He had a very active Ministry of Education under a Ms Alice Lawrence as Commissioner.She was never ready for any raw deal, so contractors dare not step on her toes. For the first time in many years, Teachers were scrutinized and given quality Professional Teacher’s Training Courses by a consulting Professional Training bodies from abroad .The Commissioner was given an ample scope to deliver quality services and she did not disappoint Rivers State. “I salute you Ma’am”.Amaechi is a true Son of Rivers State, and in conjunction with all lovers of Rivers State, he joined forces in condemning the monster created by previous Government that truncated the future of our youths. Having zero tolerance for militancy, cultism and wastage of Youth’s energy on frivolous activities which has been associated to our people in recent times, proved his disdain for wastage of youth’s energy with action as he embarked on Amnesty Training Program in the state for ex militants before the Federal Government started the National Amnesty program.He introduced the best Education system and Overseas Scholarship program to heal the wounds and sores our children went through under Odili Government.Rivers State Sustainable Development Authority, (RSSDA) was a key player in Oversea Scholarship Programs, under Amaechi Government .They had the best Brains Rivers could boast of that were in charge at the helms of affairs in the Authority and they were 98% Transparent in their Scholarship selection scheme; the best Scholarship transparent program in Rivers State after Diete Spiff’s Government. no doubt, Amaechi administration was next to Afred Papamie Diete Spiff’s Government; that is a big size of shoe to compare with, but that is the truth.If in doubt , I challenge anyone to a bet to bring facts of all Governor’s achievements for comparison.With such imperial feat,you cannot just ignore Amaechi In Nigerian Politics.Today, I Doris Mcdaniels a Mother, i stand to Celebrate and salute Rt. Hon. Chibueke Amaechi on having compassion to develop our Children, future Leaders of Rivers State. HEALTHCARE Under Amaechi, Rivers State had the best Primary Healthcare system, first of its kind in Nigeria. We had free medical care for Emergency, Free Cesarean section , Free Surgeries.State Hospitals like Kelsey Harrison and Braithwaith Memorial Hospitals were revamped, re-equipped with State of the Art Hospital Equipments and Modern Theatres. Doctors were being invited from around the World to perform Surgeries in Rivers State owned Hospitals for free,for Rivers People and Residents. As I write my Tribute, I weep for Rivers state of today since 2015, all the Health centers with free Medical care, all the hospitals are all forgotten by the present Administration. Mega State Schools worth Millions to build, all dilapidated.Free School Fees, free Uniforms and Shoes under Amaechi Schools, stopped. RIVERS STATE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (RSSDA) death. Overseas Scholarship cancelled: our Children got stranded in Canada, UK, USA etc.Today we are back to Pre Amaechi Leadership. Poor healthcare, our Children out of schools and under our nose, they are calling upon our children to enroll in NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH to be armed and expose the lives of our children to Guns and blood, instead of being in higher institutions, oil/gas skills acquisition and Marine Trainings.As we all know, non of our personal children will be part of this risky venture.Mothers are praying for Wike’s Government to revisit Amaechi’s laudable funding of RSSDA, so our Children can be given quality Education, Employment and be redirected for a brighter future.Apart from Education and Healthcare which are very dear to my spirit and soul, the Government came up with innovative ideas on Agriculture by repositioning Songhai farm, which was a phenomenal achievement. Another project was the Buguma Fish Farm one of the largest Fish Farm in West Africa. His input in Agriculture surpasses all other civilian Governments. The Fidelis Oyakhilome’s School to Land Scheme was one innovative input we are still proud of up to date.I truly cannot get to an end with Amaechi’s achievements as Governor of Rivers state, facts don’t lie. I am not available for academic debate on Amaechi; am available for comparative facts on display or exhibition.Ministry of Transport…? the Neon lights are flashing non stop on his achievements.CRUCIFY HIM!!!What were Amaechi’s issues before Pontios Pilate?1. His audacity to challenge a First ever, ever !imagined First Lady from Rivers state; that was sacrilege to her local fans that felt as a demigoddess, nobody should dare stand before her and exchange words because every knees are meant to bow, but Amaechi’s refusal to give into such demands is a reflection of his………2. The water front issue!That was a time bomb ready to engulf a community that fears no foe. Amaechi may have been advised to thread carefully, but as his true self, his question would be WHY? Well, there is a long history of Diobu and Okrika and this two people apply wisdom to live peacefully together .A Diobu Ikwerre May have been more tactful I guess.These were his first ever feud with the Riverine People that attracted CRUCIFY HIM.Politicians are skilled manipulators, always seeking for opportunity to undo each other.The gap in animosity between Patience Jonathan and Amaechi, was an easy ladder for Wike to climb to his benefit. Due to Amaechi’s nonchalant attitude, he wasn’t wary of the so called Snakes he had around him so he cared less on this singular garment that needed immediate stitch; but rather left it too long to amend the tear and the gap.When Patience, needed a Wild Dog to bark on Amaechi,unfortunately for her, the Ijaw Politicians were not willing Tools for such degrading show of shame, Wike became a willing tool for her, which earned him her support.At that point, things degraded, Amaechi was perceived as a dead man Politically, seeing his predicament he decided to fight for his survival regardless of whose horse he grounded. Time was not in his Favour because the Niger Delta Presidential sentiment of Jonathan was agog.PDP Stakeholders and Admirers of the Niger Delta Presidential Project, could not watch and see the first minority Presidential project, being truncated so badly by one of their own. To Amaechi it was Self preservation first and saying no to a Project he has identified as a Raw Deal for the Region. His lack of diplomacy in utterances, stubbornness and being his very True self at any given time, was diplomatically Suicidal, the battle was no longer an easy task. At this point, there was no Paddy Man in the jungle; to swim ashore to survive the political waves he encountered , he had no choice but give his last lap of swimming skills. When swimming to survive, you must protect yourself first to survive, at that point he was swimming, Amaechi was deaf to Niger Delta and PDP tears until he landed safely, but safety at the expense of being hated and tagged as a Traitor.Some Persons in his shoes with Lily Liver, may have not had the courage to dig in that deep, to survive out of fear of being castigated by there people. But Amaechi with strong survival instinct, could not be bothered . “ANY WHICH WAY BUT LOOSE”.I may be wrong, but I felt this was one of his PAST IMPERFECT POLITICAL moves in the eyes of his People, that has been tolling the name AMAECHi, the Niger delta Vilified Son Who turned overnight Hero to the Nation,that was against Jonathan.As he was being celebrated as a Hero, the South South and the South East, saw him as a Saboteur and called for his crucifixion.Amaechi has come to stay as the Politician to beat.People May love to hate him, but he has soared like an Eagle far above others so far in Niger Delta today, a feat yet to be defeated. We watched with amazement as some persons tried to emulate his feats, but we witnessed their strategies fell like a pack of Cards ♦ in the hands of Neophytes in the Game.Through Amaechi singular achievement, South South Region are the biggest contributors to APC victory to have installed a President. His contribution is akin to building a Raft Foundation for APC to scale to Victory which surpassed electoral votes rom all other zones.And also, Goodluck Jonathan’s act of being civil to have conceded defeat to Buhari on a Platter of Gold, adds additional accolades for the South South Region to be considered for 2023 Presidential support as payback time for our age long Political Alliance to be trusted. ✓ The old Rivers, Akwa ibom and Cross Rivers State are known Political Allies with the Northerners from first Republic to date. We are not strange bedfellows politically not to be trusted. We may have some misgivings on current Political development but being old Allies, we can always come to a round table to resolve our differences devoid of mischiefs.Did Amaechi struck a sour Deal for himself, Rivers state and Nigerians? Yet to know, until Buhari Government comes to an end in 2023.
Long Live Rivers State!Long Live Nigeria!!.
Doris Mcdaniels. email:dorismcdaniels@yahoo.com
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow Africa Update Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!
