How Gov. Chibuike Amaechi gave N5m each to select Facebook commentators for their anti Jonathan stand
The story of how agents of the APC and Governor Rotimi Amaechi invited some online praise singers to Port Harcourt for a thank you dinner, and that each got N5 million for the dogged bashing of the Goodluck Jonathan's administration has been on the world wide web for over 24 hours
Pointblanknews.com gathered that the whole scheme was put together by one of Amaechi's lackeys named Preye Aganaba.
The criteria used are not quite clear but most of those invited from Abuja, Lagos and Owerri, are ardent critics of Jonathan. But Aganaba claimed he also invited 'pro-Jonathan ' online commentators.
A reliable source close to APC interim publicity secretary, Mr. Lai Mohammed disclosed to Newsday Reporters that APC has released the sum of N300 million to be shared among its online “warriors” for the final push against Goodluck Jonathan and a possible fall of the Nigerian government. This strategy is coming amidst what he tagged an excellent result from the Public Relations firm the party hired from the United States in the tune of $1 billion to help the party tarnish the image of the Nigerian government. It should be recalled that the PR firm managed by Obama 2008 and 2012 campaign Manager, David Axelrod, has been instrumental to Nigerian government being featured in the international news media as weak and corrupt.
Meanwhile, while one of the guest,s Mrs Theresa Ugwuayin tried to make light of the scandal on her wall, Victoria Ibezim who was invited, allegedly got part of the booty but did not attend, was livid . She took shots at those who said she was there. But Aganaba's detailed disclosure did not help both women in the damage control bid.
Pointblanknews.com gathered that the event was a double because it was Amaechi's birthday and also used to somehow formally 'launch the Ameachiiknow hashtag
It was learnt that these men and women who often come on Facebook to portray themselves as patriots, were sent air tickets to fly to Rivers State. The governor took them round the state where he showed them his only 'achievements'
The highlight of the event according to sources, was a dinner and brown envelopes which contained cheque of N5million each.
The Rivers government invited some members of the social media community to attend the first session with the governor …. 49 in number to mark his 49th birthday. According to Aganaba 34 of his supporters and 15 anti Amaechi (actually pro GEJ supporters) were in Port Harcourt
Aganaba's revelation shocked some of those who attended but decided to be quiet about it..He said on his Facebook page “ I Preye Aganaba, took out my time to select all the persons invited either directly or by proxy …. especially the 15 anti Amaechi persons … i called several persons … some accepted, others promised to attend but didnt, others promised to attend and did … at the end of the day, it's all about Nigeria … point is that we provided an opportunity for people on both sides to interface with the governor … and whether u like it or not, also provided an opportunity for the governor to hear directly from people who oppose him. and the persons didn't disappoint as they took on the governor with several hot questions”
Aganaba disclosed further ” . 11 persons came in from Abuja and Lagos and I paid for their tickets to and fro … put them in a subsidized hotel for one night (which was the original idea) and a 2nd night after it became obvious that leaving same day was impossible for most of the invitees …. Those who drove in from nearby towns like Owerri Theresa Ugwuanyi, Kelechi Jeff Eme from delta state Eba Okorodudu White and others came in covering their expenses … Opposition persons like Eze-Basil Chinwendu Oluo D'Oracle, Ross Alabo-George, Mark Olise etc etc covered their own transport expenses and not a dime was given to them … This people are friends and political divides cant put us apart … they all came to honor me and our friendship … and am so so grateful”
Aganaba however stressed that no dime was given out by Amaechi for a 'job well done'
Some of those who attended and took photos at the event include.. Kelechi Jeff Eme , Femi Adeoya. Petra Akinti Onyegbule, Preye Aganaba, Jasper Azuatalam, Japheth J Omojuwa, Soni Akoji, Theresa Ugwuanyi, Danjuma Azemobo Musa, Kelechi Deca, Oviebor Okeh Goodluck, Eba Okorodudu White, Mercy Ugo and Uche Igwe.
Those that did not attend due to work engagement like Victoria Ohaeri-Ibezim, Bukky Hassan, Tokunbo Aremodua, Susan Henshaw , theirs were sent to them.
Aganaba added “ t was an interesting session as everyone had a fair chance to speak and throw questions at the governor …. and #theamaechiiknow, didn't disappoint too … expect the video of the encounter before end of day on youtube … The amaechi i know doesn't share money and that point came to light in the course of the conversation …. We hope to organise another event soon”.