Assets’ Sale: Rivers Govt Withdraws Criminal Charges Against Amaechi, Cole

The Rivers State government has withdrawn the criminal charges it filed against the immediate-past Minister of Transportation and former governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Architect Tonye Cole.

The state government, through the office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, had on June 10, 2022, filed criminal charges against the duo before a Rivers State High Court, over alleged misuse of N96billion proceeds, which accrued from the sale of state’s assets.

Some of the state assets included Omoku Gas Turbine, Afam Gas Turbine, Trans Amadi Gas Turbine, Eleme Gas Turbine, Olympia Hotel and the award of contract for the execution of Monorail project.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the suit, which was before Hon. Justice Okogbule Gbasam, was withdrawn since on September 22, 2022.

Confirming the development, APC governorship candidate, Tonye Cole, said the charges were withdrawn by the state government due to lack of merit.

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Cole said: “As you have probably heard, The Rivers State government recently withdrew the case it instituted against my person for lack of merit.

“The state government had hoped they would be able to use their power to intimidate the judiciary to do their bidding, but we are grateful that our judiciary has shown itself to be upright and above reproach.

“The agents of the state government were loud when they approached the court, but with the judiciary having shown it cannot be used to fight political battles, the state government has quietly withdrawn their case, without any of the usual fanfare.

“I salute the courage of our judiciary and commend it’s leadership for the message of incorruptibility which they have sent to everyone who thought they could pervert justice through intimidation.

“This election is different – it is about the people of Rivers State. My people, I am for you and support your aspiration to escape poverty through better education, employment opportunities and access to healthcare for you and your families. If our families prosper, River State prospers, so my entire movement is to make this shared prosperity a reality in all of our communities.

“There will be more battles ahead, but I will stand for you, my people, emboldened by your support and belief in our movement. For anyone seeking to intimidate any law abiding supporters around the state, you will find our resistance swift and firm.”