The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has warned land speculators and private property developers in the state to desist from encroaching on public school lands or face unpleasant consequences.
Wike gave this indication, Saturday while speaking at the 2015 synod of the Evo Diocese, (Anglican Communion) held at Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girl’s Secondary School (ACMGS), Elelenwo, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
The state chief executive, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, said the state government was committed to ensuring conducive learning environment, and advised those that have encroached on public school lands, to remove their structures in their own interest.
He assured missionaries and churches running schools in the state of government’s support in the task of providing qualitative education, noting that the task of inculcating sound morals in students would help produce better future leaders.
The governor said the theme of the synod: “Recapturing the Spirit of Excellence and Integrity in Service”, was in tandem with the philosophy of the present administration which places premium on integrity in service delivery as its core value.
Wike thanked the bishop and members of the church for allowing him use their seminary premises free of charge during his election campaigns, and attributed their victory at the polls to the prayers of the churches in the state.
He urged the church to continue to synergise with government in caring for the less-privileged ones in the society, adding that the diocese had recorded tremendous success within the few years of its existence.
On the state of roads in the area, the state chief executive, appealed to the people of the area to be patient as the operation ‘Zero Pothole’ recently launched by the governor would extend to all roads  in Port Harcourt and its environs.
Earlier, the Bishop of Evo Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Innocent Uchechukwu Ordu, who took expository teaching from the theme of the synod, “Recapturing the Spirit of Excellence and Integrity in Service: the Daniel example”, called on Nigerian leaders to emulate King Darius in the Bible who appointed Daniel as prime minister based on his capacity to deliver service.
Ordu appealed to the governor to accord attention to agriculture which has the capacity to create jobs for the teeming youth, and reduce over dependence in oil.
The clergy man used the opportunity to congratulate the governor on his victory at the polls, and advised him not to be distracted by detractors so as to deliver on his election promises.