The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked Governor Nyesom Wike to publicly apologise to the people of the state and his predecessor, Chibuike Amaechi, over the ceding of Soku Oil Wells belonging to the state to neighbouring Bayelsa State by the administration of former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

“The 19th of September, 2017 will remain memorable in the politics of Rivers State. This was the day that one of the hidden truths was brought to the open. By his confession, Governor Wike has vindicated our claim that he collaborated with Dr. Jonathan to fight Amaechi to a standstill and dislodged APC that clearly won the 2015 general elections, from the Brick House, Port Harcourt. One of the ways in which they achieve this infamous feat was to cede our oil wells in a bid to economically emasculate Rivers State and starve Amaechi of funds,” Rivers APC said in a statement signed by the State Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Davies Ibiamu Ikanya.

The APC also said that on the 19th of September, 2017 Governor Wike, while addressing the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Mr. Ebisintei Awudu stated, “I call on the Surveyor-General of the Federation to help in resolving the dispute between Rivers State and Bayelsa State. We believe that the oil wells belong to us. We are brothers and there is no need for this conflict to linger. Imagine if it was between two states with no relationship, it would have been worse.” The Governor pointed to the deadly boundary conflict between Kogi and Anambra over oil found in the area to affirm his latest stand.

“Wike’s latest stand on this controversial issue is a reflection of a misguided leader who likes to play politics with every issue so far it will benefit him not minding if such a stand is against the progress of Rivers State and her people.

It is on record that Governor Wike used this particular issue about three years ago to dehumanise and abuse his predecessor Hon. Amaechi and called him several uncouth names for pleading and stating that it was wicked of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, then President of Nigeria to cede oil wells to Abia and Bayelsa states just to prove his disdain and hatred for the people of Rivers State after giving him one of their daughters (Dame Patience Jonathan) for a wife and ensured that he was properly educated.

“Because of Amaechi’s stand, Wike as the then Supervising Minister of Education threatened him with everything including brimstone and arrest immediately after Dr. Jonathan was declared as president for a second term in 2015. According to him, “Once the Independent National Electoral Commission announces the victory of President Jonathan, we will immediately shut down the Port Harcourt International Airport and all land and sea borders in Rivers State to prevent Governor Amaechi from escaping.”

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