Indications emerged yesterday that the Rivers State governorship candidate of the Action Congress(AC) in the April 14, 2007 election, Prince Tonye Princewill, may withdraw his petition against Governor Rotimi Amaechi at the tribunal.
Princewill had petitioned the tribunal, alleging fraud in the governorship election and prayed the tribunal to nullify the election of Celestine Omehia, who was declared winner of the election.
The tribunal had not determined the petition, when the Supreme Court last week, nullified the candidature of Omehia and ordered that Amaechi be installed as governor of Rivers State under the PDP umbrella.
However, THISDAY learnt yesterday that as soon as Amaechi assumed office, he held a meeting with the Princewill and promised to form a Government of National Unity(GNU).
An understanding was also reached with Princewill to withdraw his petition at the tribunal.
Contacted yesterday, Princewill, who was on his way to London, told THISDAY that he was consulting with his family members and party before he will announce his next line of action. Said he, “as due process was a hallmark of good governance, a good politician needed to consult widely before taking such a major decision. Amaechi is enjoying the goodwill of Rivers State people and is currently riding on a wave of anti-Odili sentiment.�
Turning my back on him is not an option, because despite our differences, we now represent a new beginning both in terms of our generation, our thought processes and our collective vision. I have spent a lot of time with him in the past few days assesing his thought processes and I am happy with what I saw.�He said if he decide to withdraw his petition and work with Amaechi,� the conditions for such an alliance will be tabled for agreement, prior to the withdrwal of the petition.�Meanwhile, Chief Edwin Clark, the Ijaw leader who had led thecall for imposition of State of Emergency in Rivers State, has assured Amaechi of the support and cooperation of Ijaw elders.According to a statement from the Director of Information in Amaechi�s cabinet, Mr Ogbonna Nwuke, the elders, comprising Alabo Graham Douglas and Professor Dagogo Fubara among others, promised to work with and advise Amaechi when the need arises.Amaechi yesterday dissolved the Universal Basic Education Board, with a promise to look into its activities and correct what impeded its success so far.
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