Concept of Non-Indigine Abolished by Amaechi in Rivers State

Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the governor of Rivers State has made a historic move in the annals of governance in Nigeria by abolishing the non-indigeneship in any state of the Federation.

He made this historic announcement over the weekend as he was welcoming a crowd of non-indigenes of the state who were paying a visit for solidarity at the Port Harcourt Government house.

Amaechi addressed his guests, who were members of the Non Indigene Political Forum (NIPF), which is a support group of the All Progressive Conference (APC) of the Rivers State. He said that he doesn’t believe in Non-indegeniship. According to him, anyone who has lived in Rivers State for over five years is entitled to all benefits of indigenes.

He said that he would personally deal with any case of segregation suffered by the so called, non indigenes.  This is because all are living in Nigeria and are legitimate citizens of the country. The APC believed it was time for change as the government in power was reluctant to spend money on this group of non-indigenes.

The non indigenes need a bottom-top approach to benefit the people and improve their standard of living. The governor announced a slew of largesse for the non indigenes people including a bus for the NIPF and 20% scholarship for non indigenes in the state.

 The announcements made by the governor left the audience in a tizzy. It was particularly challenging day for security personnel in the government house as they had to deal with an unprecedented crowd in the history of Solidarity gatherings at the house.

High Chief Williams Samuel Ubaka, a chieftain of the forum made the delegation address on behalf of the coordinator of the Forum, namely Chief Uchenna Okokoba. He told governor Amaechi that they were pleased with the developments made by the latter’s administration including good, accessible roads, higher education, health care and primary and secondary schools designed and run on world class basis. Their children were admitted to these schools with the help of scholarships and they were particularly grateful.

High chief Ubaka also thanked the governor for reserving 20% of seats for teacher’s recruitment for non –indigenes. Their children were given political offices so that they could participate in mainstream politics. Non indigenes also made further demands such as vehicles for the NIPF, implementing scholarship and employment quotas, pilgrimage facilities for non-indigenes, skill acquisitions and empowerment and reduction of fees for burial at Port Harcourt cemetery.

Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, chairman off Rivers State APC said that as  increasing number of people support the governor and the APC, the People’s Democratic Party  has minimal chance in River state. Dr. Ikanya expressed his administration for the governor who with his agenda for bringing non-indigenes to    the main stream was proving himself as a true Nigerian. He also claimed that no other government had done so much for the non indigenes residing in any part of Nigeria.

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