Patience Jonathan Explains Why She's Mad At Governor Amaechi

SAN FRANCISCO, July 17, (THEWILL) – The First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, Wednesday threw more light into the political crisis rocking Rivers State, her home state, explaining that her disdain for Governor Rotimi Amaechi started about four years ago when he demolished a part of Okrika and imposed a 9-month curfew in the area against her counsel.

Mrs. Jonathan spoke on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa by 16 bishops, led by Bishop God-Do-Well Awomapara, Chairman, Niger Delta Bishops Forum, South-South geo-political zone.

She said, “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.

“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.’’

The political crisis in the state escalated last week when five legislators loyal to the first lady engaged other house members loyal to Amaechi in a free for all fight that left a couple of them injured.

Mrs. Jonathan however appealed to Governor Amaechi to “sheath his sword” in order for peace to reign.

“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.

*** NAN contributed to this report.