The three senators representing Rivers State in the National Assembly has move to forestall the confirmation of former Rivers state governor, Chibuike Amaechi, as a minister.
The Senators said President Muhammadu Buhari ought to have reconsidered the nomination of Amaechi as a minister following allegations of fraud and corruption against him.
Speaking to journalists on behalf of senators from Rivers State, at the national assembly on Wednesday, George Thompson Sekibo (PDP/Rivers East), said Amaechi was alleged to have looted N70billion of Rivers state funds – and allegation Amaechi has denied, maintaining that he is being witch-hunted by his successor, Nyesom Wike.
The senator had earlier caused a rowdy session on the floor of the senate when he sought to read a petition against the former Director-General of the Buhari campaign.
According to Sekibo, “The Integrity Group”, a non-governmental organisation, had two months ago petitioned the president over fraud and corruption allegedly committed by Amaechi while he was governor.
He said the president might not have seen the document, but said that stopping Amaechi’s confirmation at the senate was the next option.
“I’m informed that this petition reached the EFCC two months ago. And soon they will begin investigation. As a serving minister how can Amaechi be investigated for corruption?” he asked.
“As a state 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.”
