by ‘Jola Sotubo

Following remarks recently credited to the Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, to the effect that Rivers Governor, Rotimi Amaechi would be arrested in 2015, the latter has said that he would not back down.

[READ: How Amaechi plans to escape in 2015 – Wike reveals]

The duo are know to be fierce rivals as Wike is on President Goodluck Jonathan’s side and is believed to be gunning for the Rivers governorship seat in 2015 while Amaechi is decidedly anti- Jonathan.

Governor Amaechi has responded to Wike’s threat by saying that he would continue to fight President Jonathan’s anti-Rivers policies and no threat of any sort would make him cower away.

The Nation reports:

Amaechi vowed to continue to speak up against the policies and decisions of the Jonathan Administration whenever he considers them inimical to the ultimate interest of the people that voted him into office.

He insisted that he is not a coward and has never liked a coward.

The governor spoke through his Chief of Staff, Chief Tony Okocha, on phone to reporters in response to Wike’s threat that Amaechi would be arrested and sent to jail once President Goodluck Jonathan is re-elected next year.

“I presume Wike is speaking the president’s mind,” Amaechi said.

“Nothing will stop me from fighting for the right and interest of the people of Rivers State. The people and residents of Rivers State are my primary constituency, and I have sworn on oath to protect their interests. I have repeatedly said that I will support and vote for President Jonathan if he gives back to Rivers State the five Soku Oil wells that have been ceded to Bayelsa State.”

He added: “The issue of the Soku oil wells is not about Amaechi, it is about the economic interest of our state. So, I cannot be cowed because of some imaginary threat. No! Amaechi is far more than that.”

The governor  also revealed that although he (governor) was not aware of any plan to punish or humiliate him if President Jonathan is re-elected, it was clear that Wike was speaking the president’s mind.

“It is not surprising that Wike speaks so despicably of a man who threw him up politically. He is one of those who ill- advise the president that opposition is punishable by death.

“Now, see where we are today. One will expect that Wike is scolded for making such gutter statement but, alas, it’s a further meal ticket for him. Nigeria we hail thee!”