A Civil Society Organization in Rivers State has described as a welcome development, the trial of former Governor of the state, Rotimi Amaechi, Sahara Energy and Patrick Tonye Cole over alleged “misappropriation of state funds”.

The group applauded the “courage of the state government to prosecute the former governor and his partner, Sahara Energy” and others mentioned in the suit.

Solomon Lenu, spokesman of CSO in the state said the state government will “win the heart of Rivers people if the trial will be wholistic”.

Lenu also called for the investigation of the Peter Odili administration as well as the current Nyesom Wike administration which has the former Accountant General, Sim Fubara on the “wanted list of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission”.

According to him,the move will enable the state government to debunk allegations of a witch-hunt against former Governor Amaechi.

The CSO maintained that anything short of its suggestions will “amount to a witch-hunt against the former Minister of Transportation and his partner”

Report has it that recently,the Rivers State government had instituted a suit against the former governor and others over alleged misappropriation of state resources.

They are facing nine counts of charges bothering on stealing, conspiracy and cheating.

During the hearing on Tuesday, the presiding judge, David Gbassim granted the prosecution team leave of court to serve the defendants the processes through substituted means using the national dailies.

The matter was adjourned till July 12 for a plea.