Gov Wike, Amaechi sheathe swords?

Nyesom Wike and Chibuike Amaechi have agreed to ensure that peace reigns in Rivers state.

Governor Wike and the former governor and present Minister of Transport, Amaechi, accepted to sheathe their swords and embrace peace so that the protracted rerun election in the state, which has been postponed twice due to violence, may hold.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), cancelled the rerun election earlier fixed for July 30, after its office in Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area was burnt by unknown persons.

But, Ibrahim Idris, Inspector-General of Police, and Lawal Daura, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), brokered peace between the present and former governor of the state, after they arranged a meeting with the duo.

Questions are however being asked as to the genuineness of the agreement to sheathe swords, as Amaechi and Wike supporters have always maintained stiff positions concerning the elections in the state, with one side always blaming the other for the violence and killings.

Disclosing the outcome of the meeting in a statement, Donald Awunah, police spokesman said:

“In a concerted effort to guarantee a violent-free and credible re-run Senatorial/House of Representative elections in Rivers state, a crucial meeting to chart the path to peace in Rivers state before, during and after the re-run elections in the state was held today, July 26, 2016 between the inspector-general of police, Ag IGP Ibrahim K. Idris and the director-general of Department of State Services, Musa Daura.

“The two major players in the politic of Rivers state, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, the governor of Rivers state and the Hon Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi were in attendance.

Read also: Again, INEC puts off Rivers rerun election

“The meeting deliberated on the overall need to have peaceful, free and fair election devoid of violence, which was the hallmark of the previous elections in the state.

“The governor, His Excellency Nyesom Wike and minister, Rotimi Amaechi resolved to be irrevocably committed to lasting peace and vouched to play the game by the rules in the forthcoming re-run elections in the state. They also agreed to prevail on their teaming supporters to adhere to their commitment to peace and security in the state.

“In addition, the two major stakeholders agreed to convene another meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, aimed at further solidifying the commitment to peace reached in the meeting, which is a prelude to the roadmap that will usher a permanent and lasting peace in Rivers state.”

By Ebere Ndukwu …

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