The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday charged Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, to take up his responsibilities seriously in order to secure the state.
At least 21 people were killed in the state on Monday. The victims were returning from New Year service when they were attacked by unknown gunmen in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of the state.
Speaking to State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Amaechi pushed for inclusion of more requirements other than age for position of governor.
“I think the governor needs to get a bit more serious, he should stop encouraging the militant groups in the name of politics and election. You heard about 21 only in Omoku, what about in Akutoru where two person were killed, what about other LGA. I think there should be much more than age to qualify to be a governor because it takes much more than age.
“I was governor of Rivers State, I did not play PDP/APC politics, life is life and it has no symbol. Nobody has APC life or PDP life. The first responsibility of a governor which is what the oath of office requires is that you swear to protect lives and property.
“When you don’t protect life and property what do you do? Is impeachment. Unfortunately there is no House of Assembly in Rivers State.
“Too much noise coming from Rivers State, the governor just wakes up and starts shouting, abusing people that’s all he does. Mr. Project painting roads, the first thing you do is human capacity development and keeping human beings and we are losing lives every day.
“Two important men were kidnapped before I left Port Harcourt, the first person is Chief Adoke till today, nearly one month after nobody can tell you where he is. The next person to be kidnapped was Chief Omogu. Luckily the villagers ran after the people and rescued the old man from the bush.
“It never happened when I was governor. We (the security and myself) ensured that we will not sleep at night. We stayed awake for the citizens to sleep. I think the governor needs to do much more than that or quit the office.”
