By Emmanuel Thomas
October 22, 2015 – The Senate today screened former Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi with less rancor but he was not allowed to just take a bow and go.
The former governor who appeared in a traditional attire which he said he never wore before, said he had to pray before leaving his bedroom and was quite amiable in look unlike his agitated looks in the days of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The Senator who appeared quite tamed and not in his usual firebrand style told the Senators that he was trained to fight for his right as a former student union leader.
He told the Senate that he was never indicted by the Committee set up by the Rivers State Government to investigate his government. The former governor who came to the Senate with copies of the report said what is in the report is different from what is in the White Paper released by the Rivers State Government.
The former governor who said he has never taken bribe in his life said he remains the first speaker to serve 8 years when it was the routine for speakers to be impeached.
He told the Senate that he was also privileged to serve as governor in Rivers State under PDP and APC during which he drafted two bills, among which is anti-kidnapping bill.
He pride his government as the first to introduce public procurement law and fiscal responsibility law in Nigeria, adding that If confirmed he will bring his past experience to bear on his government.
Reacting to questions on why ministerial nominees should come to senate without portfolios, he said it is a constitutional matter, adding that the Senate will have to put it in the constitution if it is the desire of the upper chamber for names of nominees to be forwarded with portfolios to the Senate, otherwise the president will be forced to act in line with the constitution.
He also used the screening to unveil his ambition, stressing that he wants to be a minister now and later a Senator.
He said he used to believe that since Nigeria’s resources are domiciled in the Niger Delta, those in the region deserve a fair share until he went to Germany.
He said his experience in Germany altered his belief. He now believes that resources should be distributed in a fair manner such that those who receive more during revenue allocation will have to contribute to those who receive less.
However, Amaechi’s screening did not go without incidents as the floor was thrown into noisy confusion when Senate Majority Leader, Ndume referred to his colleagues as “You People”. He later apologized but it seems it did not go down well with many until President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki stepped-in in his favour.
Senator Udume had referred the house to order 53/9 as senate leader adding that since the committee report laid by ethics and privileges is before the House, Amaechi should take a bow and go since Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio had said that caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) have no question for Amaechi.
“We are glad that you are not asking question. We can as well ask him to take a bow and go”, Ndume said, adding that as Majority Leader, “it is my responsibility to manage him and you people that are given responsibility to ask question said you have no question”, he said.
Former lawmaker, Senator Hieneken Lokpobiri who also appeared for screening was asked to take a bow and leave after a brief comment.
Also screened were Omoyele Cladius Daramola and others.
