~ Says Fintiri secretly worked against electronic transmission of result

~ Pledges to champion aspirations of his people not wishes of the governor

~ Says my difference with gov Fintiri based on principles not out of malice

The member representing Guyuk/Shelleng federal constituency in the house of representatives, Gibeon Goroki has disclosed that he has no spat with governor Ahmadu Fintiri adding that his difference with the governor was based on principles not malice.

Goroki during a session with newsmen noted that as a federal lawmaker, he can’t be a yes man to governor Fintiri but a political associate who could offer suggestions on how the party and the state could be better managed.

He noted that his stout stance for the truth and independent mindedness were some of the issues that pitted him against the governor adding that as a representative of the people, he will always go with their aspirations even if it is against the governor’s wishes.

Goroki said that as a senior stakeholder of the party, the fortunes and the growth of the party is at the core of his mind adding that he will oppose anything that will bring misfortune to the party even if it is obverse to wishes of the governor.

“People erroneously think that I’m fighting the governor. I don’t fight the governor but as a member representing my people I will always tell the governor the wishes of my people and also tell him my mind about how I see things since I’m not his lackey but a stakeholder who is keen to see the growth and success of our great party.

“But it is like the governor is not comfortable with my candid posture on things as he always attends to my suggestion with a pinch of salt or otter disregard,” he said.

He noted that some of the issues that pitted him against the governor have to do with his stance against imposition of candidates during local government election, the rejection of Fintiri’s stand on electronic voting and the election of minority leader of the house of representatives among several issues.

Goroki said Fintiri has tried to influence Adamawa federal lawmakers not to vote in favor of the electronic transmission of results during the process of the amendment.

“Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri sent a text message to the member representing Michika-Madagali, Federal Constituency Hon. Zachariah Nyapa, telling him to inform us not to vote in favor of electronic transmission of election results which Hon. Zachariah told me, but it was too late because my political godfather, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria has already sent me a text message asking me to vote in favor of the electronic transmission of electoral results. After all, it will bring reforms into the polity of this nation and further strengthen democratic tenets aside from denying INEC the chance to manipulate results.

“So, Governor Fintiri should not expect me not to adhere to the voice of my mentor,” he said.

Goroki added that he knows Atiku as a true democrat and will not fail to obey his instructions over a person who hardly gives listening ears.

“I have confidence and trust in the former Vice president, so I always prefer to do his bidding in everything,” he said.

He said disagreement between him and Fintiri started during the election of the leadership of the 9th house of representatives.

The lawmaker said Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri wanted them to vote for Kingsley Chinda from Rivers State as the minority leader while Atiku Abubakar, the Waziri Adamawa presented the member representing Aniocha North, Aniocha South, and Oshimili Federal constituency, Ndudi Elumelu as his choice for the minority leader noting that he voted for Atiku’s candidate and he emerged the winner.

” When we were preparing to vote for the 9th Assembly leadership, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri called me via his phone and asked me to Vote for Kingsley Chinda as the minority from Rivers State. When I said Rivers State everyone should understand what I mean. I responded positively but down in my heart, I know it is a contrary opinion to what Atiku Abubakar told me. So, I voted for Ndudi Elumelu, the Atiku’s candidate, and today he is our minority leader.

“Let it be known to Governor Fintiri that whenever they have divergent views with Atiku Abubakar, I won’t support him. My unflinching loyalty is to Atiku Abubakar,” he said.

Goroki further alleged that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri picked offense with him when he presented before the house a violent attack in his constituency noting that as a result of that his constituency got huge relief package from the federal government.

He said in the same manner Fintiri prevented some of his loyalists in the house of representatives from discussing about attacks in their constituencies so as to prevent the world from knowing happenings in those areas.

According to him, the Governor had bitterly complaint to his associates that he is the Chief security of the state saying that it is wrong for Goroki to take the issue to the National Assembly.