Rivers To Partner UK In Econ Dev …As Reps Commend Amaechi On Security, Dev

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has
assured of the readiness of his administration to partner with the British
government in improving the economy of the state and the country through
investments.

Amaechi spoke yesterday when the United Kingdom Secretary of
State for Business, Innovation and Skills,Dr. Vince Cable paid him a courtesy
visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The Governor said the state government was ready to partner
with foreign investors to create employment opportunities for Rivers people and
Nigerians.

Amaechi pointed out that his administration was open to
investors who were ready to key into organized investment opportunities in the
state such as the agricultural sector, and is exploring ways to improve the
Small and Medium Scale Enterprises sector.

He expressed the commitment of his administration to create
an enabling environment for investments to thrive.

The UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and
Skills, Dr. Vince Cable said the delegation was in the state to strengthen
bilateral relations with the Rivers State Government, especially on crucial
aspects of the economy that would attract investors.

Cable commended Amaechi on the existing collaboration
between his government and the British Council resident in the state, noting
that the British government is ready to partner and ensure sustainability.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has commended Rivers
State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for promoting the security of oil
firms, lives and property in the state.

Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Downstream Sector,
Hon. Dakuku Peterside made the remark when he led a delegation of the committee
to a courtesy visit at Government House Port Harcourt, yesterday .

Peterside said companies in Rivers State have testified to
the resilience by the Amaechi administration to restore and maintain peace in
the state.

Responding, Governor Amaechi urged the Committee to seek
ways of addressing the problem of bunkering in the nation’s waterways.

Amaechi called for the prosecution of all those involved in
the oil subsidy probe, saying that, subsidy must be removed to enable leaders
work within the provisions of the nation’s budget.

“The National Assembly must rise and remove oil subsidy so
that we can have money to fund projects for our people and give them the good
things of life. “, Amaechi said.

He explained that if the nation’s funds are properly
managed, there would be economic growth which in turn creates employment
opportunities and eliminates the tendency of pipeline vandalism.

Meanwhile, Governor Amaechi has urged the House of
Representatives Committee on Aviation to prevail on the Federal Government to
speedily complete the ongoing reconstruction work at the Port Harcourt
International Airport.

“We congratulate the Ministry of Aviation for the innovation
of repairing the airport; we pray that it should be completed. The Rivers State
Government will be glad to work with you for the success of your oversight
function,” Amaechi said.

Earlier, Chairperson of the committee, Hon. Nkeiruka
Onyejeocha said the committee was in the state to inspect some capital projects
especially the Port Harcourt International Airport and commend the governor for
his laudable achievements.