Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi says there exist a healthy competition and rivalry among present state governors in the country as they are working hard to justify their mandate.
Governor Amaechi said this Friday night when he hosted students of the National Defence College, Abuja on study tour of the state and the executive of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission on pre-pilgrimage Retreat in Rivers State to a dinner at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The governor hinted that the trend is changing as available evidence shows that all the state governors are working hard not because of second term but to make a difference in governance.
He however, urged the public not to assess the state governors equally because some states are richer than others and that more would be expected of the richer ones but remarked that they are all doing well within the lean resources allocated to them.
The state Chief Executive, thanked the students of the National Defence College and the executives of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission for visiting the state, noting that there is a lot of improvement in security in the state.
The governor explained that the only way to restore and sustain peace in the state is to enforce law and order and commended the security agencies for their tireless effort, emphasizsing that the state would invite all the security officers that served the state during the security challenge period for special honour.
Governor Amaechi used the occasion to reassure Rivers people that his administration would not lack the courage to chase away criminals from the state and restated the overriding interest in the demolition of waterfronts.
He thanked the Christian clergy men for assisting the state with their prayerful support which contributed in no small way to the achievement of peace and security in the state.
Responding the commandant of the National Defence College, Abuja Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah lauded the government and people of the state for the cordial relationship existing between them and security personnel in the state.
Admiral Jonah expressed happiness that the state government is giving security issues the attention it deserves, pointing out that the amnesty programme of the federal government is succeeding and solicited the support of all stakeholders.
Also speaking the executive secretary of the Nigerian Pilgrims Commission Mr. Kennedy John Opara, described Governor Amaechi as the bridge between the old and new politicians in the country, stressing that he has become a source of challenge to many people.
Mr. Opara thanked the Rivers State government for consistently sponsoring the highest number of Christian pilgrims .