Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has accused Nigeria’s ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of treating him unfairly in suspending him today, saying he was not given a chance to defend himself.

The embattled governor, who was suspended for alleged anti-party activities, stoutly defended himself in a live TV broadcast to mark this year’s Children’s Day.

“The action of the PDP in suspending me is a political witch hunt,” he charged. “They met around 7:00 a.m. and the next I heard is suspension. I was not given a fair hearing.”

Amaechi’s suspension was based on a petition by the state chapter of PDP, which accused him of complicity in the suspension, on April 22, of the Chairman of Obio Akpor Local Government Area, Chief Timothy Nsirim, his deputy, Mr. Solomon Eke, and all the 17 councillors of the council, for alleged financial recklessness. The party’s directive for their recall has yet to be heeded.

Defending himself, the governor said it was wrong to punish him over a matter that is already subject to litigation. He also noted that PDP is sending a wrong signal, suggesting that it supports corruption.

His words: “The suspension of Obio Akpor Local Government Council is a legislative matter. There was an allegation of corruption in the Council and the Assembly suspended the Council officials to pave way for a thorough investigation. If at the end of the day the Council officials are absolved of the corruption charges they will be recalled. But if they are found guilty of the allegation of corruption the Council will be dissolved.

“PDP as a party should not encourage corruption. As a party they should frown at corruption. Unless they are supporting corruption, then, what the Assembly is investigating in Obio Akpor is wrong.”

•Photo shows Governor Amaechi.