The Amaechi Vanguard, a body of volunteers who are urging the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon Rotimi Amaech to indicate interest in the presidency has been launched in Etche.
The group which was launched under the chairmanship of a former federal lawmaker and Publisher of the Port Harcourt Telegraph, Chief Ogbonna Nwuke attracted top notchers of the movement as well as political leaders in Etche.
Speaking on Thursday during a brief ceremony at Okomoko, Chief Nwuke extolled the qualities of Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, describing him as a fit and proper person to lead the country in 2023.
He said the Minister who has demonstrated commitment and determination has blazed the trail in delivering efficient rail services despite herculean challenges.
The Spokesman of the APC accused Governor Nyesom Wike of impoverishing Rivers people, saying efforts to turn the State into a major agricultural hub prior to the advent of the Buhari administration were deliberately scuttled by his government.
He also alleged that Governor Wike who did not want the people of Rivers State to benefit from federal projects is purportedly conspiring with some persons at large to halt the execution of projects such as the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri rail line.
He urged the people to remain steadfast, assuring them that at the appropriate time, the Nigerian people who are searching for a visionary and patriotic leader would stand with former Governor Amaechi.
The National Leader of the Amaechi Vanguard, Haruna Bature who was present at the occasion said Nigerians are becoming increasingly enthusiastic about an Amaechi presidency.
He said Amaechi, a detribalized and focused personnae, has proved that he can do the job and enjoined Nigerians to throw their lot behind the two-time governor of Rivers State.
In his speech, leader of the Etche Caucus, Reginald Ukwuoma lauded the leaders of the group for their courage in propagating the good qualities of the Minister of Transportation.
He recalled that Amaechi led the forum of Nigerian Speakers as well as the Nigerian Governors Forum and twice led the campaign to ensure the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ukwuoma observed that Amaechi has garnered sufficient experience to pilot the affairs of the country as president.
The State Coordinator of the Amaechi Vanguard, Innocent Amadi inaugurated the leadership of the Etche chapter, urging the new officials to remain fearless and committed.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State has assured non indigenes resident in the State of its continued understanding and support.
Spokesman for the APC, Chief Ogbonna Nwuke who met with some leaders of indigenous groups in the State capital urged them to embrace the party.
He said the APC is acutely aware of their contributions towards the development and progress of the State.
Nwuke who urged them to remain law abiding recalled that under the administration of Governor Rotimi Amaechi, non indigenes enjoyed rights and opportunities that were due them.
He said that the APC which is widely accepted in the State as a viable alternative to the Wike administration would not relent in its bid to carry everybody along.
“I bring you the greetings of our leader and Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon Rotimi Amaechi. I bring you the greetings of the APC in Rivers State”, Nwuke remarked.
“2023 would be crucial in efforts to reposition our State and country. We shall require support from everyone to build a society which will protect the interest of all. Things are turning around here in Rivers State.
“We should all be ready to punish those who have taken our support for granted. We shall punish them with our votes when the time comes. They do not deserve our support and they have proved they have no regard for us.
“The Onitsha seaport is functioning after 40 years. Goods are moving further inland, from the Onne Port through inland waterways to destinations in the East. Our son has made that possible.
“We are gladdened that despite the disturbances recorded in the State, non indigenes of all extractions are sitting side by side. It doesn’t matter if we are Muslims or Christians, Rivers people or non indigenes, we must all learn to respect one another and live together. That’s the way forward in building the Nigeria we want.”
Earlier, Dr Amandi Beleonwu, a prominent leader of non indigenes in the State hinted that the group was making efforts to reach out to their people whose businesses have been wrecked.
Dr Beleonwu said that the bulk of non indigenes resident in the State have resolved to work with the APC, assuring they would take advantage of the forthcoming registration exercise planned by the party to empty into the APC.