Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that his Principal interest is to create a peaceful environment for the development of the state, saying despite all the contrived distractions, his administration has recorded superlative achievements.
Governor Wike also declared that his administration is premised on truthful relationship with the Rivers people as he would fulfil all his campaign promises.
The governor spoke on Easter Monday during a special appearance on Channels Television Sunrise Daily Programme televised from Government House, Port Harcourt.
He explained that his administration has taken concrete measures to improve the security of the state through funding of security interventions and provision of necessary logistics for all security agencies. He noted, however, the security in the state has been impacted negatively by the frequent unnecessary transfer of security chiefs masterminded by the former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.
He said: “I won’t make a promise that I will not fulfil. The problem most politicians have is the bid to satisfy everyone. I don’t politicise development. My interest is to deliver the best for Rivers people .
“In spite of distractions, we have succeeded in completing many abandoned projects left by the previous govt.We have cleared backlog of unpaid salaries and pensions left by the previous government. We have succeeded in restoring the judiciary and reopening courts shutdown by the previous government “.
He added: “The Federal Government needs to allow Security Chiefs remain in Rivers State to do their jobs & douse the tensions.I have had over three Commissioners of Police removed since I became governor.”
Commenting on the death of the youth corps member during the rerun elections, Governor Wike said it was unfortunate and painful. He said an independent investigation and post mortem on the corpse of the corps member must be carried out to ascertain the type of gun and bullet that killed him and those who carry such weapons.
He explained that he had to increase the allowances of youth corps members serving in the state in line with the present economic reality. He said funds for the increment have already been approved. Corps members serving in Port Harcourt will receive N10,000 instead of the N5000 they were getting while those outside the State Capital will be paid N15,000 instead of N10,000.
He said: ” I have told the NYSC, we must know the kind of bullet that killed the Corper. We want to know those who killed the Corper. The death of a Corper during the rerun is painful. Investigation of his death has been ordered”
The governor noted that majority of the media reports about violence in the state were politically motivated and negatively influenced to cast the state in bad light.
He said: “In spite of the bias media tag: ‘Rivers of blood’, our IGR is improving and there is peace in Rivers State.There are no political killings in Rivers State. Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA crisis is cult related and is being tackled.”
The governor noted that he has no regret warning those who plotted to rig the polls.
“Election rigging, subverting the will of the people is one of the worst crimes.I don’t regret warning election riggers from rigging elections in Rivers State.
“The strength of PDP is overwhelming in Rivers State and it is evident on the streets. PDP is popular in Rivers State and has won all elections since 1999,”Governor Wike said.
He pointed out that it was his commitment to credible polls that took him to the Mile One Police Station where the Ward 10 collation officer who was abducted by suspected APC agents was held.
He pointed out that even in Opobo/Nkoro where INEC declared APC winner, polling units results indicate that PDP emerged victorious.
He regretted that former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi has taken the politics of the state personal, insisting on creating crisis to further his anti-people interests.
He said: “The battle for Rivers State has become personal to Chibuike Amaechi and he is escalating tensions in the State. Security Chiefs must be allowed to remain and do their work to help tackle insecurity.”
The governor stressed that despite his commitment to the completion of the numerous projects abandoned by Chibuike Amaechi, monorail will not be one of them.
“Rivers people have told me not to touch the Monorail left behind by the other government,” he said.
Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor,
Electronic Media.
28th March, 2016.
