The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, says the state places high premium on the rule of law and independence of the judiciary.
Wike made assertion while declaring open the 2017 African Bar Association Conference (AFBA) in Port Harcourt, recently.
The governor said that on assumption of office on May 29, 2015, he reopened the courts shut for almost two years, and has so far given financial autonomy to the judiciary which was key to good governance.
As a way of encouraging investment and creating conducive business environment, Wike stated that his administration has streamlined a new tax regime by cutting double taxation, improved land acquisition process and tackled security.
So far, he said that about N130billion has been expended on infrastructure development, adding that, “Our vision is to provide world-class infrastructure such that Rivers State remains attractive to both local and foreign businesses.”
Consequently, Wike has tasked AFBA to stimulate ideas towards changing the stereotype of the continent in order to drive investment in business cooperation among African countries.
He lamented that the poor perception of Africa stemming from bad leadership and lack of cooperation has affected investment, stressing that, “All is not well with African business community”.
The Rivers State governor reasoned that the theme of the conference was apt as it will provide the impetus for understanding the business environment, and setting agenda for future growth.
In Rivers State, he disclosed that his administration was providing the necessary environment germane for business growth.
These include granting independence to the judiciary, separation of powers of different arms of government and provision of world-class infrastructure so that, “Rivers State remains attractive to both local and foreign firms”.
In the same vein, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal pointed out that Africa’s challenges are surmountable with upfront united action.
With members from different countries, Tambuwal posited that the association can provide leadership in harnessing diversity capable of promoting unity and common vision.
He commended AFBA for its interventions in the crisis at The Gambia and Burundi, saying, “These are the roles that AFBA can continue to play to help Africa.”
Meanwhile, Governor Wike, has inaugurated the 14-member Rivers State Law Review Commission in Port Harcourt, and advised its members to amend existing laws to strengthen governance in the state.
He said that the function of the commission was to contribute toward reviewing and enforcing instruments that would assist the government in its law amendment process.
The governor noted that the state’s law was last reviewed in 2013, and urged members of the committee to take advantage of the assignment to contribute toward enhancing the laws of the state.
According to him, the commission was expected to carry out its task for a period of six months after which its report would be forwarded to the state House of Assembly for consideration and approval.
The members of the commission are: Retired Justice Osu (chairman), Florence Fiberesima (secretary), Mr. Queen Goodwill, O. C. Okocha (SAN), Prof. Paul Worika and Fidelis George.
Others are, Dr Zacheus Adango, C .A. Chinwo, Somiete Inko-aria, Blackstone Gogo, Oroma Omodu, K.O. Saaka and the director of Legal Service in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In his response, the Chairman of the commission, Justice Osu, thanked the state government for the opportunity afforded them to serve the state.
He promised that the commission would make effective use of the opportunity.
