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… Says Mai Buni-led Exco on Course
Former chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Rivers State, Hon. Mina Claver Tende, has lauded the “brilliant qualities” found in the person of Nigeria’s Transport Minister, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and his ability to hold the All Progressive Congress, APC, and its faithful together despite being an opposition party at the state.
He described Amaechi as a thorough-bred politician, a reformer, a great leader and a great performer.
Speaking in an interview in Port Harcourt, Hon. Tende explained that the issue of a consensus candidate, “as is peddled in some quarters does not hold any water,” adding that such rumour was out of place for a large political party like APC. He insisted that APC will hold credible wards and local government congresses across the country.
The APC chieftain dismissed claims in some quarters about “a conglomerate of diverse interests and competing blocs in the party,” stressing that “every qualified and interested party man will be given the opportunity to compete for any position of his or her choice.”
Tende said that the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led national executive “is in order, because those agitating for different things outside the party rules are disgruntled and disloyal party men and those planning to hijack the party structures,” while describing Governor Buni as “a very open and transparent man.”
The former council chairman claimed that the drift of decampees into the party is as a result of the performance of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, especially his programmes and policies, which Tende said has impacted positively on the nation’s economy and the lives of Nigerians.
Assessing the APC at the national level, he said the party has achieved a 90 percent score, adding that issue of insecurity and criminalities are not only seen in Nigeria but are global issues.
“At least, we have done well, say 90 per cent. The issue of insecurity people talked about is a global thing. Everywhere is boiling; as a Christian, I look at it as a sign of the end-time,” Tende said.
On the relative calm witnessed following the “arrest of some agitators,” the former chairman noted that “The Federal Government is going against all those disturbing our nation and I felt there are no sentiments on this issue. When the Niger Delta Avengers roared, I believed there was a common ground for negotiation, and also do I think there is a way out,” he stated.
He said he was in support of the Federal Government’s proactive approach to these issues, adding that despite all odds, “government remains government anywhere.” He said that even in advanced nations, the government there has its own ways of dealing with these issues, adding that he is confident that Nigeria would bounce back in spite of all challenges.
Assessing the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, Tende said “Barr. Nyesom Wike was my colleague when I was the chairman, and if I have to rate him, it will be at the end of his tenure, in terms of the monies he has collected and the number of projects executed. You can’t rate a student while he/her is taking exam.”
