Improved Security In Rivers Excites Envoy

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari (standing) addressing journalists ahead of Late Prof Claude Ake’s inaugural lecture organised by the Rivers State Government, slated for February 18, 2011. With her are Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon Gogo Charles Levi and Director Government Printing Press, Mr Augustine Wikinaka

The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Chris Cooter, has lauded Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for the improved security in Rivers State.

Mr Cooter, who paid a courtesy call on Governor Amaechi yesterday at Government House, Port Harcourt said despite the negative reports centred on insecurity in the Niger Delta in the foreign media, he had seen a well secured Rivers state, noting that he would be meeting with Canadian investors next week to inform them about the improvement in security in the State.

“I can see fundamentally, an improvement in security and a well secured Rivers State,” the Canadian High Commissioner declared”.

He also commended Governor Amaechi for investing in education and health programmes both at the urban and rural areas of the state, and assured the governor of his country’s willingness to invest in the state.

Responding, Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi said government would continue to spread the message to the world that there was now a remarkable improvement in security in Rivers State and the Niger Delta at large.

He noted that the free education and health programmes of the administration were geared towards making education and healthcare not only accessible but affordable for the people, especially the poor.

The Rivers State Government, according to Governor Amaechi, would be ready to partner with the Canadian Government in the areas of construction, technological development, the building of the new campus of the State University of Science and Technology, and the development of the Greater Port Harcourt city.

Governor Amaechi expressed the hope that with the improved security in Rivers State, the travel advice placed on the website of Canada as it affects Rivers State, would be removed, adding that Rivers State would be delighted to do business with the Canadian people.

The Governor also conducted the High Commissioner round the new primary schools and health centres at Elekahia, the new secondary schools at Ebubu in Eleme Local Government Area and Saakpenwa, in Tai Local Government Area.

Also visited were the Rivers State Songhai Farms, the new Open Power Cycle Plant and the health centre at Bunu Tai also located in the area.