The planned grand entry of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and several leaders of the APC into Port Harcourt appears to have suffered a setback as throngs of supporters have been left disappointed after waiting endlessly for the Governor and his visitors to touch down.The scenes at the Port Harcourt International Airport at Omagwa were somewhat carnival – like as several bus loads of supporters arrived the airport to welcome the Governor and leaders of the APC who were scheduled to touch down Port Harcourt earlier today (Monday).
The Deputy Governor of the State, Tele Ikuru was also on hand at the Airport to receive the Governor. However, several buses conveying numerous supporters of the Governor were prevented from entering the main airport gate. The supporters were forced to disembark at the Airport gate; they then began to sing and dance led, as it were, by controversial Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Cassidy Ikegbidi. City News Port Harcourt correspondent reports that about 15 buses were held up at the airport gate.
It soon became clear to those waiting at the Airport that there was a hitch in the arrangement as several hours later the visitors were yet to arrive. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Airplane billed to ferry the visitors to Port Harcourt from Lagos was not cleared for take –off. Some persons around suggested that the delay was due to political reasons while others said it was due to the fact that the first lady was to leave the State soon.
Governor Amaechi who is in Lagos, was scheduled to come in with the APC leaders while a massive crowd was already waiting at the Government House Port Harcourt. Interestingly,the gates to the government house were thrown open for people to come in. Residents were being let into government house without security checks as a crowd was building up outside.
It is not clear whether the Governor planned to declare for the APC today as the fanfare surrounding the visit seemed to be unusual. There was huge traffic build up around the state government house, and surrounding areas housing the Central Bank, High Court, and Civic Centre.
In a related development, there are some indications that cracks may have begun to appear in Governor Amaechi’s camp over the decision to heighten his dalliance with the APC. A source who prefers anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the reports told CityNews Port Harcourt that erstwhile PDP Chairman in Rivers State, G. U. Ake is not comfortable with the idea of flirting with the APC and may soon decide to part ways with Governor Amaechi.
Also, it would appear that when it became clear that the APC leaders would not be able to make it to Port Harcourt on schedule, the Governor called the Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru to return to Government House to address the teeming crowd there. However, the Deputy Governor who could not honour the request informed the Governor that the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan had told him that she was set to leave the State for which reason the Deputy Governor was to wait at the Airport to bid her farewell.
It would be recalled that the break away PDP Governors had recently been courted by the main opposition party, the APC, leading the Publicist for the break away Governors, Chief Chukwuemeka Eze to describe the group as the “new bride of Nigeria politics.” In his statement, Chief Chukwemeka Eze had said that the G7 Governors were not ruling out the possibility of a merger with the APC while emphasizing that they had not closed the doors on the possibility of reconciliation with the PDP and President Jonathan.
Chief Eze said, “However, even though we remain hopeful that wise counsel would prevail and our demands would be granted by the PDP, we, at the same time, feel comfortable in the company of APC since we share the same goal of rescuing our dear country, Nigeria, from the edge of the precipice and putting her firmly on the path of sustainable development.”
The APC Leaders would now be expected in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
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