All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has dismissed allegations that former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, frustrated plans by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote to site his multi-billion-dollar refinery in Port Harcourt.
The rebuttal follows claims by former House of Representatives member, Chidi Wihioka, who accused Amaechi of disrespecting Dangote during negotiations and allegedly making personal demands that discouraged the business mogul from investing in the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Eze described the allegations as false and politically motivated. He argued that Wihioka, who once represented the Ikwerre/Emohua federal constituency, owed his political rise to Amaechi’s support and should not be used as a tool against him.
Clarifying the circumstances of Dangote’s visit, Eze maintained that the industrialist never came to Rivers State with plans for a refinery. Instead, he said Dangote explored the possibility of establishing a gas plant in Port Harcourt.
“When Dangote made his plan known to Amaechi, he was taken to a befitting site in Onne where Amaechi promised to build a bridge to ease movement of products aside from several other promises just to ensure the project comes to light,” Eze stated.
According to him, despite the assurances given by the Amaechi-led administration, Dangote chose not to return to pursue the project. Eze added that Wihioka was not present at the meeting between Amaechi and Dangote, making his allegations baseless.
“Dangote never wanted to build any refinery in Rivers State,” Eze insisted, stressing that the claim was a fabrication aimed at tarnishing Amaechi’s reputation.
The clarification comes amid renewed political tensions in Rivers, where Amaechi’s allies and opponents continue to trade accusations over his legacy as governor.
