by Rachel Ogbu

He was suspiciously missing from the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum that took place in Abuja on Monday but Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has denied shunning the meeting saying he had another official engagement.

Amaechi through the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Ibim Semenitari, said in a statement that he had to attend the Commonwealth Observance Day, at Westminster Abbey, London because he was one of the speakers.

“Governor Chibuike Amaechi arrived Abuja this morning after speaking at the Commonwealth Observance Day, held at the Westminster Abbey in London. He was in the United Kingdom to make Nigeria proud at the historic event.

“Since 1973, Commonwealth Day has been marked on the second Monday in March by a unique multi-faith observance, where globally recognised persons, who are embodiments of the year’s theme spirit, are invited to deliver evidence-based testimonials,” the statement read.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, and six other governors were absent from the PDP forum and speculations arose especially after news reports claimed a deliberation about his replacement was to occur at the meeting chaired by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio.

Amaechi labeled people driving the rumours as mischief makers, he expressed his loyalty as a party man, who would always participate in PDP activities.