The Special Adviser to Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Corporate Matters, Prince (Barr.) Emmanuel Utchay has stated that the governor’s olive branch offer to the opposition political parties has nothing to do with the indicted members of the public who were invited by the panel of Enquiry into the election violence as well as that of embezzlement of public funds under the immediate past administration.
Prince Utchay stated this in a chat with newsmen in his country home, Elimgbu, Port Harcourt over the weekend.
According to him, “the opposition political parties should be grateful and take advantage of the governor’s magnanimity, join forces with him to move the state to greater heights”.
However, he stated, indicted and invited persons, by the panels should honour the invitation in order to defend themselves.
The Special Adviser however made it known that for indicted members to refuse invitation of the panel on the basis of peace and reconciliation offer of the governor could be interpreted differently as they there are two different things.
On the just concluded general election in the state, Barr. Utchay described it as most unfortunate especially the role played by the former governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
“I am personally not happy for all the pains he made Governor Wike pass through, however since we are talking of peace and unity, it is important everybody embrace the peace.
The Special Adviser clarified that the panel had long been set up as part of government’s instrumentality to strengthen and sanitize governance and so has nothing to do with the peace, unity and progress of the state.
He disclosed further the governor is sincere in his offer and commitment to unity government, urging the opposition political parties to grab the opportunity with two hands as the interest of Rivers State is paramount.
Barr. Utchay used the opportunity to thank Governor Wike for lifting the ban on employment which he noted is going to engender peace and tranquility in the land.
According to him, “when the youths are busy, they would have little or no time to engage in any vices and everybody will enjoy peace and development”.
He equally thanked the governor for the distribution of interest free loans for small scale businesses, adding that his office will support this laudable effort by picketing the companies operating in their environment to ensure that Rivers youths are gainfully employed.
He also used the opportunity to urge Rivers people and residents to continue to support the Wike administration to consolidate on its lofty achievements in the interest of all.
