Amaechi’s Aide Promises Parastatals’ Autonomy

Parastals in Rivers State would soon enjoy autonomy in the running and management of their affairs if plans to push for their independence sail through.

The hint was given by the newly sworn-in Special Adviser to the governor on Parastatals, Mr Batony Mitee, while chatting with newsmen shortly after being sworn-in on Wednesday in Government House, Port Harcourt.

Mr Mitee told newsmen that he would push for independence of government-owned parastatals as that would inject efficiency and creativity in their operations.

In the words of Mitee, “I think the major challenge for these parastatals is to be independent. Once they are independent, they will run effectively.”

The two-time special aide to the Governor said he would strive to make sure that parastatals were given special attention by government as well.

He expressed appreciation for being given another opportunity to serve the state and promised to put in his best.

Mr Mitee promised that as an adviser he would provide good counsel that would lead to the betterment of governance and the citizenry in general, “we are behind the scene giving backing to governance and some of the things we find happening are the products of advisers. I am ready and I’m prepared to advise on governance generally.”

Meanwhile, Governor Chibuike Amaechi, has sworn-in to new Permanent Secretaries, Mr Nukah Nwikpasi and Mrs Nmene Clara Tam.

Rt Hon Amaechi while congratulating the new top civil servants charged them on the need of probity in their dealings, “we should protect public funds,” he said “as public money and not as private funds.”

“I have decided that before we leave office if I have enough evidence that you have dealt improperly with public funds, you will be disciplined and I am serious about that,” he said.

He particularly charged the new female Permanent Secretary to be exemplary, adding that she has a huge task as a model for other women, since her performance would determine more promotion for the womenfolk.