2015: South South Not Taking Any Position Below Office Of President, Says Clark

Governor-Rotimi-Amaechi-and-President-Goodluck-Jonathan-360x225South-South leaders yesterday led by the former Federal Commissioner, Chief Edwin Clark, met to discuss the ongoing cold-war between President Goodluck Jonathan and Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi with the aim of reconciling them.

The meeting which held in Abuja at the instance of Clark, had two issues on the front-burner, the mid-term performance report of the President and the lingering crisis from the fall-out of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) elections which has pitted the two South-South sons against each other.

Clarke, in his remarks at the meeting, emphatically declared that South South is not interested in any political office lower than the Office of the President.

He noted with dismay Amaechi’s undying crave to be the chairman of the governors forum which according to him is premised on the Rivers governor’s ambition to use it as a platform to become the vice president in 2015 – a move he said will be resisted.

He said Amaechi had threatened to hand over to Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano who according to the elder statesman, does not like the Southsouth zone.

“Here lies my worry”, he said. “If reports that Governor Rotimi Chubuike Ameachi’s undying craze to be the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum is premised on his ambition to use it as a platform to serve; the interest of the people of the South-South or his personal interest?”

Clark further stated that “If he must contest in deference to his constitutional right, let him contest for the office of the president because the Southsouth of today is not interested in any other office than the President.”

The roll call of attendees at the meeting include: Senator Stella Omu, Chief Don Etiebet, Dr. Stephen Oru, National Vice Chairman, PDP, South-South; Chief Joe Ediowele, Secretary, PDP, South South; Chairman, PDP, Delta, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi.

Others are former Deputy Speakers, Chibudom Nwuche; Austin Okpara; Senator Lee Maeba; Senator Ewa Henshaw; Senator Victor Oyofo; former Senatorial aspirant, Chief Richard Lamai; Cairo Ojougboh; former Minister of State, Education, Kenneth Gbagi; General Cletus Emein; General Etukudo; AVM, Idongesit Nkanga; Chief Ayakeme Whiskey; Ima Niboro.