PDP accuses Amaechi, Dakuku of plotting to stop P/H from hosting int’l football matches

Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has alleged an attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to ask FIFA to transfer last Tuesday’s World Cup Qualifier between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Swaziland from Port Harcourt to Abuja, and the plan for subsequent international matches to be played in Abuja.

A statement from the office of the State PDP chairman, Bro Felix Obuah, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jerry Needam accused the Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi and the APC governorship candidate in the April 11, 2015 governorship election in the state, Dakuku Peterside of ‘having a hand in the botched attempt,’ adding; ‘this is not the first time the duo is teaming up to work against the interest of the state in their spurious attempt to get back at the PDP-controlled government.’

“Information available link the unsavoury news development to Mr Dakuku Petersideas as he, and Amaechi prevailed on the APC led-federal government to write to FIFA on the need to shift the venue of the international football fiesta to the federal capital territory, citing political issues as the reason.

“The main reason nonetheless, is that Rivers State is PDP controlled and nothing else,” Bro Obuah insisted.

Describing the collaboration of Amaechi and Dakuku Peterside against the state as ‘dangerous politicking,’ the State PDP chairman wondered why sports should also be politicized, saying ‘it’s a threat to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.’

“Notwithstanding, the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the State besides the revamping of the infrastructural and social amenities in the State by Governor Nyesom Wike who is a sports enthusiast will continue to place the Garden-City of Port Harcourt on world map and number one choice to sports lovers across the globe.

“The sabotage by Mr Amaechi and Peterside will therefore not change anything”, Bro Obuah declared.