Rivers Orders Inquiry Into B-Dere, K-Dere Clashes

Rivers State Government is to set up a Judicial commission of inquiry into the Inter-communal clashes between B-Dere and K-Dere communities in Gokana Local Government Area of the State.

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi announced this yesterday at the inter-denominational thanksgiving service held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Diobu Port Harcourt, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration.

Governor Amaechi who decried the incessant killings and destruction of properties said government would implement whatever would be the outcome of the white paper to forestall a re-occurrence of the urgly incident.

The governor gave an assurance that there would be no rigging in the forthcoming general elections in Rivers State, and appealed to the people to register when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commences its registration exercise, to boost the political strength of the state.

“The only way we can bargain in Abuja is if we have two million voting strength, we can say give us what we want or we keep back our votes”, the Governor declared, as he emphasised that the exercise might last for only two weeks.

The State Chief Executive who explained that voters registration was part of the people’s obligation to government, said parents must show evidence of registration before their children could be admitted into the model primary and secondary schools, as well as other social services.

He also appealed to the people to embrace the social services contributory levy, explaining that Government decided to ask for the levy, not because it has no money, but to ensure sustainability and maintenance of the model schools and free health services.

Governor Amaechi noted that some of the decisions his administration had taken may have been harsh, but stated that such decisions were taken in the overall interest of the state.

“In course of governing, I know I may have hurt a lot of people, but consider, if we did not demolish people’s houses, we would not have been able to expand most of our roads”, he said, and apologised to such people.

The Governor emphasized that development projects ought to be sited according to need, not as a result of political considerations, urging the people not to politicise issues of development.

Governor Amaechi used the occasion to express appreciation to the legislative and judicial arms of government, members of his cabinet, the clergy and the people of the state for their support, which he said had enabled him to succeed these past three years, and called for continuous prayers of the church.

In his sermon, the Arch Bishop, Niger Delta Province and Bishop of Niger Delta North Diocess, Most Rev. Ignatius Kattey urged the governor to remain steadfast in prayer the way he started, pointing out that he has so far demystified the office of the governor.

Bishop Kattey pointed out that the past three years of Governor Amaechi’s administration had been glorious to the state, as there had been improvement in security and infrastructural development, adding that, Governor Amaechi should not forget that as a leader people must continue to criticise Him.

The first lesson of the service was read by Governor Chibuike Amaechi while the Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Tonye Harry read the second.

The Service featured special prayers for the Governor and his family, the state and the country as well as special renditions and thanksgivings.