Former military leader, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has urged President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State to set aside their differences and embrace peace for the betterment and stability of Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
The former military ruler, who made this known yesterday in Port Harcourt at a one day symposium to mark the centenary anniversary of the founding of Port Harcourt city, stressed the need for the two political leaders to embrace peace to avoid situations that can lead to break down of law and order.
He said: “As we gather to celebrate 100 years of the founding of Port Harcourt, I would like to take the opportunity to counsel that we all continue to work for peace and stability of Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole. This is because if any part of our land is not at peace everyone will suffer the consequences at one time or the other. It is in this regard that I especially commend Mr. President for making out time to attend the event which is a great opportunity at celebrating a proud heritage while mending fences and rebuilding bridges. In the same vein, I like to appreciate Governor Amaechi whose handshake with Mr. President will not be a mere ceremonial courtesy to fulfil all righteousness”.
Mr. Gowon added that “For the records, I would not have attended this event if I had reason to believe that the possibility of brokering peace between the key leaders of thought had been foreclosed. I urge you to take the opportunity of this celebration to unite, more so as you are both at home here in Port Harcourt”.
While performing a symbolic reconciliation between the two leaders, Gowon directed President Jonathan, who was represented at the occasion by his Special Adviser on Research and Documentation, Oronto Douglas, to stand up and have a handshake with Governor Amaechi.
“Mr. President, your excellencies, we must preserve this legacy and it is in the light of this that I now invite Dr Good luck Jonathan and Governor Amaechi to be upstanding and solemnize the anniversary of the great city by having what, on account of its importance, I have called the centenary handshake, that will henceforth be the emblem of this city, for the next 100 years. As they do so we pray to the Almighty God to bless them, to bless this city and all who live and work in her.
“We pray for her peace and prosperity and for it to continue to contribute positively to the overall well-being of our great country, Nigeria and her people”, he said.
Mr. Gowon noted that his respect and admiration for Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, stems from several factors such as the quality of men and women which it has produced over the years, saying the city serves as a major hub for the country’s economy.
“I am particularly happy that I made modest contributions to the development of Port Harcourt as a capital city with the creation of Rivers State by my administration in 1967 following the split of Nigeria’s four regions to create a 12 state federation”, he added.
In his remarks, Mr. Jonathan called on the various political actors in the Rivers State crisis to embrace peace and work for the growth and stability of the state.
The President noted that the present political crisis in the state had created tension and enjoined all those involved to sheath their swords and ensure that peace and normalcy is restored.
Speaking also, the host governor, Mr. Amaechi pledged his continued support and loyalty to the president, saying, “I am not arrogant but people say that I am arrogant. I suffered as a child hawking wares in the streets of Port Harcourt just to assist my parents. I thought President Jonathan would have been here. I would have thanked him for all the good things and development he has brought to Nigeria. I have respect for Mr. President. I submit completely to Mr. President. I support him and I will continue to support him. I also ask for social justice”.
-Daily Trust
Daddy Gowon you’re a greatman you tried your best,but you wouldn’t have wasted your time because that governor ameachi is like when you pour water on a duck he’s too arrogant & irresponsible.
@donjeff thanks ua very right just like mr president who is not tolerance and very undemocratic, he shd not be afraid even if his junior brother wants to contest against him his good work will work for him now.
All those who have been hired to make opposite opinions when others err their views about Rivers State. If you who accuse the President of not being tolerance could give me an instance with a proof of an action done by the President himself in your assertions then i will commend you but that of Governor Amaechi is too obvious as a tyrant Leader whose peoples views and opinions are never regarded for any reason or we make example of abuses done by him on Rivers people is un-countable. Most of his followers are around him 2day because he is the Governor and their pay master in his evil bid to become a Vice President hahahahahaha I laugh at you all. God is fighting for the masses to put a stop to all his evil antics. You call him a visionary leader how many times did he consult his excos or fellow office holders in decision making? Let’s see how this move by Dr Gowon will turn out to be by this Governor Arrogant in actualising the word of an elder.