Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, says his administration’s deliberate policy not to tamper with funds due councils from the federation account has enabled them execute major projects.
The governor said this on Thursday during the inauguration of 3000-seater stadium in Abonnema constructed by the Chairman of Akuku-Toru Council, Rowland Sekibo.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Engineer Emeka Woke, the governor declared that all funds due to the 23 councils in the State are given to them directly.
“As a policy of this administration, the Rivers State Government has not even one day tempered with the funds of local governments. All funds allocated to local government is given to the respective local government councils.
“Because of our non interference I am sure that is why the chairman (Rowland Sekibo) can stand before you here and numerate the projects he has embarked in the last three years.”
Governor Wike, commended the Akuku-Toru chairman for executing projects that affect the lives of the people of the council. To this end, the governor said the chairman has not disappointed the government of Rivers state and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
“The chairman said he is embarking on projects because Governor Wike has embarked on massive infrastructure in the state. The chairman has no alternative than to also perform. I have seen what you have done. Three thousand seater capacity stadium and furnished with required services. We are indeed pleased with you. You have done well. That is why we are boldly congratulating you. Little wonder the people of Akuku-Toru decided to give you another mandate for a second term.
“Let me advise the upcoming politicians, when you are given an opportunity, try as much as you can to serve your people. Forget about other selfish interest. This is the first time a chairman is to run for a second term in Akuku-Toru Local government area. He earn this because of his performance. I have no doubt in my mine that he would be re-elected on 17th of April 2021.”
The governor lauded the people of Akuku-Toru and the entire Kalabari Kingdom for the support and acceptance accorded him right from the inception of his political aspiration to become the Governor of Rivers State.
According to him, chiefs and prominent leaders of Kalabari extraction identified with his vision and voted massively for him in 2015 and 2019 general elections.
“When we started this journey sometimes in 2012-2013, the then administration had tried to brainwash the people of Kalabari, tried to deceive the people that the governorship of Rivers State will be given to Kalabari people. Even though those of us who had worked with him (Governor Chibuike Amaechi) closely at that time knew he was only deceiving the Kalabari people. But Akuku Toru people as intelligent people as they are were not deceived.”
The governor said he remains eternally grateful to the people of Akuku-Toru for fiercely resisting attempt by some unscrupulous soldiers working in connivance with All Progressives Congress chieftains to subvert the will of the people during the 2019 polls.
He pointed out that his administration has embarked on Phase one of the Trans-Kalabari road and completed other numerous projects in Kalabari kingdom including the Abonnema Ring road.
Governor Wike appealed to the council chairmen of Akuku-Toru, Asari Toru and Degema to cooperate with the contractor by ensuring the project is completed on schedule. In same vein, he charged the contractor to employ youths in the area and empower local contractors.
Sekibo explained that he has been able to bring value to the people of Akuku-Toru who availed him opportunity to serve.
“The stadium we are commissioning today is among the several projects we have done in various sectors.
We have realise that for our economy to grow, we have identified critical issues especially the electricity that we have boosted to improve our economy.”
