Amaechi Commissions Okrika Projects, Lauds Chairman

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has commended the Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council Barrister Tamuno Williams and President of NUPENG, Comrade Achese Igwe for empowering and bringing development projects to the people of Okrika in the State.

Amaechi spoke on Saturday when he flagged-off the Tricycle Empowerment Scheme initiated by the NUPENG President, Comrade Achese Igwe and Commissioning of Okrika Local Government Council Development Projects in Okrika.

While Commissioning the Divisional Police Headquarters in Okrika in the company of the Commissioner of Police Mohammed Ndabawa, the Kalio-Ama road project, ATC road and other projects, Governor Amaechi advised Barrister Tamuno Williams to make proper use of funds allocated to the Council by government to the benefit and welfare of the people of Okrika and also urged the people to pay their taxes for the smooth running of the council.

“We congratulate the Okrika council Chairman, Barrister Tamuno Williams for proper use of the council resources that come from government to improve the welfare of the people, but we must urge our people to pay their taxes to run the council, your councillors too must begin to evolve ways of raising revenue for the council, because the taxation process is all about optimum utilization of the peoples’ resources and funds to improve their welfare, if the people see what you are doing with their taxes, they will be encouraged to pay more”, Amaechi said.

Speaking further, Governor Amaechi assured the people of Okrika that all road projects embarked upon by the state government in the area would be completed soon.

He explained that even as his administration focuses attention in providing portable drinking water to the people of Port Harcourt, Eleme and Tai Local Government Areas, efforts would be made to ensure the problem of portable drinking water in Okrika is solve.

“Earlier this year, I was embarking on water project in Okrika before the federal government came that they will handle the project, so the Rivers State Government pulled out, even UNEP didn’t include Okrika and Eleme but my administration did and for the reason that you so desire to have water”, Amaechi said.

On the tricycle empowerment scheme initiated by the President of NUPENG, Comrade Achese Igwe, Governor Amaechi commended the efforts of NUPENG and contribution made so far in awarding scholarship to students of higher institution in Okrika.

“What impresses me most is the scholarship scheme you to indigenes of this place, just like what the Rivers State Government has been doing, I congratulate you”, Amaechi said.

Responding, the Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, Barrister Tamuno Williams said, the commissioning of the Divisional Police Station in Okrika was to indicate the peaceful disposition of Okrika people in complementing the efforts of Governor Amaechi’s administration in bringing peace to the people of the state.

Barrister Williams stated that, the Divisional Police Station was burnt down during the militancy insurgence in the past administration, saying that, the project was started by the former Chairman, Hon. Tammy Datoru.

He further expressed his administration’s commitment in providing one hilux patrol van to assist the police in monitoring and checking crime in the area.

Also speaking, President of NUPENG, Comrade Achese Igwe said, the union has awarded scholarships to ten students of higher learning, including the provision of borehole water project to the people of Ogoloma in Okrika, as well as the building of Craft Centre to train indigenes on vocational skills and other empowerment programmes.

Comrade Igwe thanked Governor Amaechi for creating peaceful atmosphere for investors and citizens of the state to go about their legitimate duties without fear, saying further that, the road construction projects by his administration was a welcome development.