‘I Won’t Surrender Rivers Wealth To Crooks’

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi says he will not succumb to blackmail, vowing to protect the resources of the state.

He disclosed this to newsmen yesterday in Port Harcourt while reacting to insinuations that he was “acting God”.

Amaechi alleged that there were attempts by “few individuals” to get access to the wealth of the state.

“You know, I continue to say to the public the greatest problem we have in Rivers politics is the attempt by few individuals to get access to the wealth of the state.

“They do not care, they have no conscience; they absolutely do not have the conscience.

“And, within the period that I am Governor, I will not allow people tear the resources of Rivers state.

“They are setting up themselves here and there now to grab the wealth of the state.

“And, I think, I owe the state a responsibility that within the period that I am Governor, whether they will blackmail me that I am God or not, whether they will blackmail me that I am Idi Amin or not, I will continue to protect the meagre resources of this state.

“You people assume that we have resources, we do not have. I have sat down with you people before to say that we do not have money. If we had money, we would have turned this state into a mini London,” he said.

Meanwhile the Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi has condemned the culture of quota system in the country as it kills creativity and development.

He was speaking while playing host to the out-going General Officer Commanding (GOC) the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Olayinka Ashinowo, who paid him a farewell visit at the Government House , Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Amaechi said, “the rich class should stop sharing things based on where you come from and where you are going and all sorts of things, and allow people to serve out ideals of service”.

The quota system the governor asserted stifles creativity and inhibits talents and should be discarded.

He, however, observed that the military has been able to shield itself from this, noting, “the military institution in Nigeria is one of the best thing still remaining in the country, therefore, they should stop this quota system.

Commending the GOC for his meritorious service, Governor Amaechi said, Major General Oshinowo has displayed excellence and commitment in his duties.

Amaechi said, he would deeply miss the presence of the army general, “it is usually difficult to bid people farewell”.

He commended his contribution in raising the security profile of the state, especially during the military period.

“With you and your troops, we are now safe. It may not look remarkable achievement, but what makes it remarkable is that we were the time you came we were still on the list of those states Americans were asking their people not to go to”, Amaechi stressed.

On his part, Major-General Oshinowo thanked the governor for the support he has given the division during his command, noting that, “whatever he is doing now would remain green in the minds of soldiers”.

He expressed gratitude for working with the good people of Rivers State, pointing out that his stay in the command had been memorable.

The outgoing GOC also prayed for the governor and the people of Rivers State for continuous God’s protection.

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi laying a wreath at the Isaac Boro Park, during the 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony in Port Harcourt, yesterday.