French National Day: Rivers Pledges Partnership With France

Rivers State Government says the cordial relationship with France will be sustained just as opportunities for profitable engagement between them will continue.

The State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, said this last Saturday during the French National Day Celebration in Port Harcourt.

Governor Amaechi, represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, congratulated the people of France on the occasion of their National Day, expressing the hope that the cordial relationship between the State and France will be sustained.

He said “the French stood by us during the bleak days of militancy and criminality which we have been able to overcome now”.

Describing France as a “dependable partner”, the State Chief Executive assured that French interests and investments will be protected, pointing out that Total Exploration and Production Nigeria and other French companies have provided avenues of gainful employment for its indigenes and positively impacted the economy of the State.

In his speech, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jean Michel-Dummond, said “the event is happening at a very critical time in Nigeria just after the general elections,” saying that the recent polls in Nigeria was adjudged the freest and fairest by local and international observers, while commending President Goodluck Jonathan, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the State Governors for a wonderful work.

Disclosing that Nigeria is the second largest host to French investments globally totaling $2 billion which will be reviewed upwards as security improves, Mr. Michel-Dummond observed that “Nigeria has the potential to be  one of the best economies in the world by the year 2020.” Condemning the rising spate of terrorism in the country, he assured of the readiness of France to cooperate with Nigeria in arresting the monster.

Speaking, Deputy Managing Director, Port Harcourt, Total Exploration and Production Nigeria, Mr. Denis Berthelot, appreciated the presence of the Rivers State Government, noting that it reflects the uniqueness and unity of the State and France, saying “Nigeria has been kind to France and both countries share similar goals in education, health and human capital development.

Dignitaries at the event include the Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Leyii Kwanee, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. George Feyii, the State Commissioners for Finance, Mr. Chamberlain Peterside, Environment, Mr. Nyema Weli, Power, Mr. Augustine Wokocha, Vice Chancellors of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Joseph Ajienka, and the State University of Science and Technology, Professor Barineme Fakae, among others.