Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State has defended the
recent deductions from the state civil servants’ salaries as part of the Social
Contributory Levy established by law to meet the demands and well- being of the
people, saying that his administration would give account of how the funds were
spent to justify the commitment of his administration to transparency and good
governance.

The Governor made
the clarification while speaking at a special Interdenominational Church
service to mark the 52nd Independence anniversary at Church of Christ
Interdenominational yesterday in Port Harcourt.         “We have started deduction of the Social
Contributory levy, this is to enable government provide those basic things that
the people need, I want you to demand for an explanation and this is the reason
I ask the Chief of Staff of Government House to call for town hall meetings
across the 23 local government councils, we must ensure transparency and good
governance”, he said.”

Government is trying
to meet the demand of our people and we have the responsibility of ensuring
that our children are properly trained, and due to the increase in registration
of new pupils, we will now build one-storey buildings as our new plan for the
new model primary schools”, he further remarked.

Governor Amaechi
who also listed education, health, road and power as priority projects in the
state said some roads in the state were built 30 and 50 years ago, and his
administration had concluded plans to fix the roads during the dry season.

He said his
administration would commence work on the Onne-Eleme road and the
Omagwa-Airport road which would be completed by December this year, while roads
in old Port Harcourt township including Hospital road, Diobu, Borokiri and
D/line would be constructed with drainages and street lights.

The State Governor
also explained the decision of his administration to hand over the new
government hospital at Emenike Street and the Dental Clinic at Garrison to
Americans as measures to sustain the public private partnership initiated by
his administration.

Amaechi also used
the occasion to thank traditional rulers, men of God, politicians and
stakeholders for their maximum co-operation in moving the state forward since
the inception of his administration.

He urged residents
of the state to remain patient and cooperate with his administration to
facilitate the needed development in the state.

Amaechi stated that
already, he has directed the Executive Council to liaise with the Chairman of
Port Harcourt Local Government Council to allocate the completed New Layout
Market to traders.

On his part, the
chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Rivers State, Apostle
Zilly Aggrey said the administration of Governor Amaechi needs the prayers of
men of God and the total co-operation of Rivers people to succeed, stating that
the new model schools, health facilities, roads and infrastructure are
testimonies that should be encouraged.Earlier in his sermon, the Resident
Minister of Christ Church, Very Reverend Jacob Ibikunle warned against immoral
activities, including corruption which he said, is sin against God and prayed
for the restoration of the state and the country in general.

Meanwhile, Governor
Amaechi has commended the Pastor, Region 5 and Province 1 of the Redeemed
Christain Church of God, Belemina Obunge for his humility and steadfastness in
the service of God.

Speaking at the
50th birthday celebration held in honour of the cleric in Port Harcourt
yesterday, Amaechi said,” Pastor Obunge is among those called by God to serve
in his vineyard. I respect him and adore him for that.’’

Amaechi thanked the
Church for celebrating their leader and sought more prayers for government
and  those in power in order to pilot the
affairs with the fear of God.