Amaechi Still the Main Man: Rivers APC Chairman Speaks Out

In a spirited declaration that might as well have come with a dramatic soundtrack, Emeka Beke, the no-nonsense Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has made it abundantly clear that former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, is still very much the face of the party in the region. If you thought Amaechi had packed his bags and vanished into the sunset of political retirement, think again! According to Beke, he has not only left the building but is firmly holding the proverbial keys—though he might be opting for a quieter role these days.

In a statement released on Thursday, Beke assured the public that although Amaechi may seem quieter than a church mouse lately, he remains a pivotal force in the APC’s operations. “You can’t talk about Rivers politics without putting a huge spotlight on Amaechi’s contributions,” Beke asserted, probably imagining an entire volume dedicated to Amaechi’s escapades—political and otherwise.

Beke’s defense of Amaechi comes amidst swirling rumors suggesting that the former heavyweight of Nigerian politics might have retired to a life of fishing and gardening. But let’s not get carried away; that’s not the case, as Beke stresses that Amaechi continues to have his finger on the APC pulse, even if he’s not making headlines daily.

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The occasion for Beke’s emphatic statements coincided with a rather colorful ceremony where flags were handed out to candidates across all 21 local government areas in anticipations of the upcoming local government elections set for October 5. You could almost hear the collective cheer of the candidates as they received their symbols of authority—flags that might as well have come with their own theme music.

During this energetic flag presentation, which was attended by party loyalists and a few curious onlookers wondering if snacks might also be served, Beke stated unequivocally that Amaechi is not just a distant figure in the political landscape but is fully supportive of the party’s candidates. “Amaechi is in the loop, folks! He knows what’s at stake,” Beke declared, rallying his troops like a coach before a championship game.

Staying true to the spirit of sportsmanship—or at least political gamesmanship—Beke also reiterated the APC’s firm commitment to making this local election a fair one. Of course, for any election to be truly “fair,” it requires the ever-watchful eye of security personnel, who Beke called upon to remain neutral and vigilant. After all, we wouldn’t want a repeat of that one infamous election where ballots seemed to fly away like leaves in an autumn wind.

He went further to announce that all candidates for the election have been thoroughly screened and certified as qualified by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). “Rest assured, the electoral committee has done its homework!” he remarked coolly, perhaps imagining a world where political vetting didn’t involve any last-minute scandals.

Not one to shy away from a bit of drama, Beke took a moment to throw shade at former governor Nyesom Wike while simultaneously showering praise on the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara. The contrast was quite stark—like comparing a raging bull to a gentle lamb. “While Wike’s administration was fraught with turmoil,” Beke stated dramatically, “our present governor is, without a doubt, God-fearing and ready to lead the state.” The crowd likely nodded in approval, although one can’t help but wonder what Wike’s fan club was thinking at that moment—might there have been a faint sound of crickets?

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Addressing concerns about potential election disruptions, Beke scaled up the alarm bells for security personnel, urging them to remain vigilant against anyone looking to sow discord in the peaceful atmosphere of Rivers. “We know the chaos that loomed over us under Wike’s rule,” he warned, “but anyone attempting to provoke violence during these elections will face the full force of the law.” Imagine Beke as a political superhero, cape billowing behind him, ready to thwart any evil plots aimed at undermining democracy.

In conclusion, as the river of politics flows through Rivers State, Emeka Beke positions himself not just as a chairman but as an enthusiastic trumpet player for the party, loudly proclaiming the influence of Amaechi and asserting that the APC is gearing up for a notable showing in the local elections. With Amaechi’s presence still looming large, and Beke rallying the troops, the stage is set for what promises to be an exhilarating electoral showdown.

So, there you have it! Whether you’re an ardent supporter of the APC or just someone who likes to watch political dramas unfold, you’re in for a ride. It appears that Amaechi’s reign isn’t over just yet—he’s still part of the ensemble cast, much to the delight of his supporters and perhaps the chagrin of his critics.