Why I said no to Goodluck Jonathan — Rotimi Amaechi
Transportation minister Rotimi Amaechi said he would have remained a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) if he was someone with tribal sentiments.
The former Rivers governor said that was why he, in 2015, chose to work with Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said then President Goodluck Jonathan pleaded with him to remain in the PDP ahead of the election which Buhari eventually won.
“Next year, we are starting prayer sessions,” Amaechi said.
“You know, when Goodluck (Jonathan) fought us, he was not fighting me, he was fighting God and I knew he would fail.
“Tell them, from next year prayer will start. I will come to Port Harcourt like I used to and I will say this will happen and it will happen.
“Let me tell you who I am. I do not drink, I have never tasted alcohol in my life. I don’t smoke; I am not tribalistic. Whether in Rivers State or in Nigeria, I am not tribalistic.
‘If I were tribalistic, President Goodluck Jonathan offered me an opportunity to remain in the PDP, he offered me all sorts of opportunities and I said that I have given my allegiance to Buhari because I am not tribalistic.”
Amaechi made the comments in Port Harcourt while receiving some politicians who defected from the PDP to the APC in the state.
Among those that defected were a former Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Dr John Bazia; Chief Alabo Michael West, Chima Obinna and Chief Salvation Ezengwogwo.
