TheCable

Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation, has appealed to voters in Saturday’s rerun election not to support George Sekibo, who is seeking to return to the senate following the nullification of his victory by the appeal court.

During the ministerial screening, Sekibo (pictured), the senator representing Rivers east, was among those who mounted stiff opposition against Amaechi on the grounds of allegations of corruption and fraud brought against the minister by the Rivers state government.

“We are fighting to recover our looted funds just as the president is fighting to recover the nation’s stolen funds. Our take is, if you are appointing Amaechi‎ as minister, how do you want him to be investigated? We want the president to know that there are allegations of corruption and fraud against Amaechi,” Sekibo had told the senate.

Though both men exchanged pleasantries when Amaechi was finally screened, the minister has proven that the rivalry between them is far from over.

Speaking on Tuesday at a town hall meeting in Afara community in Etche local government area of the state, Amaechi appealed to the people to ensure that Sekibo, who hails from Etche, does not return to the upper chamber of the assembly.

“The final thing I want from you is a favour, and I will tell you why. I couldn’t have built this beautiful primary school, put computer and many good things and you won’t try to pay me back, will that be fair?” he asked.

“I couldn’t have given you light and road and you won’t pay me back. George Sekibo tried to stop me from being a minister, someone that I helped to be a senator tried to stop me from being a minister, please vote out that man.

“Imagine my closeness to the president, imagine the position I occupy, imagine how I would defend your interest and one man out of selfish interest wanted to stop me. Someone for whom I fought with Wike (so that he can become senator) wanted to stop me, is that good? Please stop him. You must stop him as a way to pay me back.

“Etche people and Ikwerre people are brothers, so this night, you must go from house-to-house and tell people not to vote for Sekibo.”