From: TONY JOHN, Port Harcourt
A former Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Leyii Kwanee, has denied the alleged diversion of monies meant for Constituency projects to the pet project of wife of former governor of the state, Dame Judith Amaechi.
Kwanee debunked the allegation, on Monday, in Port Harcourt, insisting that lawmakers of the Seventh Assembly had projects executed in their respective constituencies.
The denial followed the allegation by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), that monies meant for constituency projects were diverted to former governor Chibuike Amaechi’s wife’s pet project, Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI), during his administration.
Kwanee, who represented Khana 2 Constituency declared: “That is not true. Let them bring the records for us to see. It is not true. I am saying it’s not true. All my constituency projects are standing there for inspection. These allegations are false, unfounded and lies from the pit of hell”.
The former lawmaker, who was a strong loyalist of the former governor during the political crisis in the State, reaffirmed his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), notwithstanding being away on “two years political vacation”.
He declared: “Chibuike Amaechi is my political leader. I stand by him wherever he is. Where he is, is where I am. He is a visionary leader. I am here to partner with him. Firstly, to build the party and to ensure that APC takes its right place in Rivers State. The important thing for now, is to work to put the party together.
“Rivers State is at a critical state now. Rivers State needs a thorough democrat. It needs a man of vision. It needs a man that will continue the good works of Chibuike Amaechi; build his good work and move the State forward”, he expressed.
Reacting to the alleged rift between Amaechi and the senator representing Rivers South East senatorial district, Magnus Abe, the former deputy speaker said described them of belonging to the same political family and would not allow politics to tear their long-built relationship.
“I have my respect for Senator Magnus Abe and I know we belong to the same political family. There was nothing indicative that there is crisis between him and Chibuike Amaechi. I know there friendship has come a long way, and I do not see politics tearing them apart.
He expressed optimism that the current electoral process would take the country to, where victory will no longer be achieved by might, but, by popularity.
“Nigeria is evolving. The electoral laws are gradually taking us to where we will have free and fair elections. We are getting to a point where it is not going to be by might anymore, but by your popularity and number of people you are able to mobilize from the community”, Kwanee noted.