What matters are even in court against Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi? 1-An appeal challenging the competence and validity of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry. 2-A case of defamation of character and libel against Livingstone Wechie and some national newspapers instituted by Advante Consulting and management Company Limited NOT Amaechi.
It is important to state, that these cases are not in any way cases of corruption charges against Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi. So the issue of subjudice or questions on prejudice can NOT apply.
Therefore, Senators can demand, answers, and explanations from Rotimi Amaechi on the allegations of corruption against him.
Still on the issue of prejudice. I would like to ask Rotimi Amaechi and his lawyers Edward Pepple & others, who wrote to the Senate President; that it would amount to prejudice should the Senate attempt to find out from Rotimi Amaechi any issues raised in the petition before it.
Is it not prejudice for Rotimi Amaechi and his lawyers to say the allegations of corruption against him are false, especially as Amaechi has not appeared before any court; where the charges were read out to him and he pleaded NOT guilty?
Therefore, I would like the Nigerian Senate to revisit the issues surrounding this nominee; Rotimi Amaechi at least to ascertain what matters are in court; and what statements and comments, amount to prejudicial statements and comments.
If Babatunde Fashola; could explain to the Senate how he misappropriated funds, for the construction of borehole and the building of a website; then Rotimi Amaechi must answer to the allegations of corruption leveled against him. Nigerians want to know. Rivers people are desirous to know. I’m sure President Buhari would also want know.
This is yet another opportunity for Rotimi Amaechi to break his silence on these issues. Not everyone gets a second chance, to defend oneself.
Like Fashola, Rotimi must answer. And if he refuses to speak; let the Senate consider such silence to mean consent, and do the needful.
Rivers Amachree is a political analyst. She is also a software architect working in Shell. Connect with her on Facebook.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
