by Akan Ido
First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan has revealed the genesis of the political crisis rocking Rivers State saying it all started four years ago.
Jonathan who was speaking at the Presidential Villa during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa by 16 bishops from the South-South geo-political zone, said the problem started when she advised the state governor, Rotimi Amaechi not to demolish part of Okrika Local Government area without having a dialogue first with the people.
According to her: “After that incident, he called the chairman of Okrika (local government) and sacked him for holding a reception in our honour; that boy was the first victim.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports it thus:
The First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, said in Abuja on Wednesday that she had committed the ongoing crisis in Rivers to prayer and that crisis started as far back as four years ago.
Rivers has been embroiled in a political crisis which culminated in a free for all at the House of Assembly last week, with some members injured.
Jonathan said this during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa by 16 bishops from the South-South geo-political zone.
“Rivers state issue is one thing I’ve committed to prayer because I believe there is nothing God cannot do. God restored me and I’ll do His work without the fear of man.
“The truth will always remain the truth and what God ordains must come to pass and so Rivers issue is something we’ve handed over to God.”
The president’s wife said contrary to some reports, she had always mediated between Gov. Chibuike Amaechi and other parties in a crisis that began four years ago.
“This matter started as far back as four years ago at Anyugubiri in Okrika when I begged him not to demolish a part of Okrika but (that he should) dialogue first with the people.
“After that incident, he called the chairman of Okrika (local government) and sacked him for holding a reception in our honour; that boy was the first victim.
“He also put my people on curfew for nine months. I called him and pleaded with him but he refused. Then I began to hear all sort of propaganda in the media against me; this is not the way.
“I’ve never spoken about this issue but as men of God, I believe you’ll say the truth always because there are a lot of conflicting interests; some will hear one thing and say the exact opposite.
“I also want you to know the genesis of this problem and pray that God touches Amaechi’s heart as per his hot temper because when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.”
Jonathan urged the parties involved in the crisis to help to resolve issues plaguing the state and not “whip up sentiments” that will aggravate the problem.
“I appeal to Amaechi to sheathe his sword so that we can defend our state and this country with love, unity, patriotism and truth at all time.
“Hebrews 12:14 urges us to embrace peace with all men without which, we cannot see God.
“Amaechi is my son, I cannot fight him and I cannot kill him. He shouldn’t be used by outsiders against his own blood because this seat is vanity.
“One day, no matter how long it takes, we will leave this seat. Power is not forever. This seat is vanity, others sat here and left so one day I’ll also leave and we will meet at home; so why should I fight him?
“Let’s take it easy, face issues, leave non-existent matters, stop magnifying lies and respect our leaders and people in authority. Let’s give peace a chance,” she said.
Earlier, Bishop God-Do-Well Awomapara, Chairman, Niger Delta Bishops Forum, who led the delegation, said the visit was significant “in view of emerging situations in our region.
“We are on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Rivers issue and mediate where necessary.”
You call someone believed to be an elder mumu.Now tell me,what moral right do you have to call her names,rather than give a constructive and intelligent analysis or argument?You say in your comment that Jonathan has been sacking public office holders,so Amaechi’s sacking of the LG chaiman,the councillors is justifiable.You are wrong!Neither Jonathan nor Amaechi has the sole right to sack or dismiss any elected officer.If a cause arises that any erring officer should be sacked,it must be done within the confines of the Nigerian Constitution.Lastly,and point of correction,Jonathan has never dismissed anyone holding an elective position.Jonathan can dismiss a minister,an ambassador and other public office holders,who are not elective into office.I hope i have lectured your ignorance,so that tomorrow you’ll not have to open that mouth of yours to brand the first lady ‘mumu’!
Kudos to Mrs Patience for realising that peace is the only solution. I also want to stress here that Amaechi should also go for peace. From the voice of Mrs Patience I can understand that she has been nursing malice for years against Amaechi, this is not Christian like. Please Amaechi and Patience should know that any live lost in this crisis the blood is on their head.
@solo indeed a big mum and a bigggg distracter.may God expose all her wicked deeds
Madam mumu,since he remove the chairman of ur LGEA u having been try to nail him and God will not allow ur evil plan,by ur statement we no u are the cause of all this,why must u advice some one that is wiser than u,ur husband has been sacking many people those any body advice him?