Amaechi Pledges People- Oriented Leadership

Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivets State, has described governance as a continuum meant to solve society’s problems slowly but in stages.

He made the remarks while playing host to a Coalition of 2011 Guber Candidates in the state led by its leader, Uchechukwu Ichenwo of Alliance for Democracy(AD) at Government House,  Port Harcourt, yesterday.

The Rivers State Chief Executive said it was difficult to address the problems of the state at a go, but assured that his administration would do its best in touching the lives of the people.

Responding to various requests made by the group in addressing some of the challenges in the state, Amaechi said,” in giving your advice, you need to have at the back of your mind that whoever becomes a Governor would do the little he can according to the availability of the little resources at his disposal. And when his tenure expires, another Governor will continue from where he stopped.

“ If you had become a Governor you would have known that all these things you say are usually backed by funds, and funds are not unlimited. You can’t do everything you have said here..in education. in water, the light, tourism…if you finish everything, then, there will be no need for the next governor,’’ he submitted.

Rt Hon. Amaechi, however, congratulated them for contesting the elections and for extending a hand of fellowship in working with the administration to move the state forward.

Earlier in his speech, Mr Ichenwo, while lauding the Governor for his strides in education, health, power and security called on the government to give special attention to other core areas like water provision, agriculture and housing.

The AD governorship candidate in the 2011 elections said that so far the tourism potentials of the state had not been fully tapped, recalling that as far back as 1977, after FESTAC, UNESCO had listed the state as the third best place with tourism potentials in sub-Sahara Africa.

While commending government’s efforts on security, he stressed the need for the administration to enlist the support of traditional rulers at the grassroots since they were closer to the people.

Ichenwo also called on government to declare a state of emergency on water, further suggesting that the city needed ring roads to reduce the load on the numerous roads now being expanded and built by the government.

On education, Ichenwo said, “we wish to particularly congratulate you on the recent N400m (Four hundred million Naira) Universal Basic Education Award which you decided to re-invest in the construction of more model primary schools”, adding, “your sense of rehabilitation of existing road networks in Rivers State is unparalleled”.

The Coalition chairman further commended government’s huge investment in security which he said had created the enabling environment for increased investment in the state”, and pledged to partner with the Governor in the advancement of the noble goals of his administration.

The 18-member Coalition of Rivers 2011 Governorship Candidates who came  to the Government House on a courtesy visit included Prince Uchechuwku Ichenwo (AD), Rev. Dr. Harry Sillis D. T. (NSDP), Hon Roberts Go-Oba (PRP), Engr. Worlu Joshua (SDMP), Engr. Godwin David (NNPP) and Joeffrey M. M. Anugwo (PPP).

Others are Sir Dave Banijo (ALP), Prince Chijoke Amadi (UNDP), Chief Tamuno Roberts (ADC), Fred N. Nwibeke (CAP), Hon. Young Luke Lot (NTP), Mr Nelson Douglas (PPA), Chief Doopue Nnaa (ACD), Engr. Justus Cyrus Green (CPS), Elder Samuel O. Ibiama.

(DFPF), Asiemie E. Dumo (NCP), Barrister Samuel Urang (JP) and Vince C. Orgwu (ACPN).