RSG Spends N500bn On Roads

Governor Chibuike Amaechi for the first time has reacted to claims in some quarters that the state has recieved over N2 trillion since his administration came to power in October 2007.
Addressing thousands of Opobo and Nkoro people who paid a solidarity visit to him in Government House, Monday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Chief Executive described promoters of the false federal allocation receipts as those who do not appreciate the enormous projects being executed by the government.
According to him, only roads construction has gulped about N500billion, stressing “ I will not answer them because only roads have taken N500 billion’’.
Describing the N2 trillion receipts as conjecture of those making such claims, he said many of those engaged in such reports are blind to the numerous projects scattered in all nooks and crannies of the state, noting  that a recent review of projects in Orashi region alone indicated that each of the four local government areas have a minimum of 22 ongoing projects , “ So, I’am satisfied with what is so far on ground’’, he stressed.
“ Those who are not seeing these things or have refused to see should ask their children,’’ Amaechi further emphasized.
He used the visit to lament the dwindling fortunes and revenues of the state, stating that since many of the oil wells have been lost to neighbouring states, the state’s federal allocation has equally dwindled, “ By 2007, we were number one among oil producing states, but now we are number two with most of our oil wells lost to other states’’.
Amaechi decried the lack of any prominent federal project in the state, and tasked the Federal Government on the completion of Ogoni/Bonny Road since it will help drive development in Rivers State and Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Mr. George Feyii has inaugurated new Nigerian Legion executives in the 22 local government area of the state.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services , Mr Sovens Okari, the SSG described the recent legionnaires elections as the best in the history of the body, and enjoined them to work in harmony.
“This is an exco of a new challenge of friendliness and peace. And I’am very sure my chairman will not disappoint us. To us as a government, we will do our utmost best to support you. Just as His Excellency Governor Amaechi has said, everything we do, you will always be part of the system’’.

Former National President of NUJ, Mr. Ndagene Akwu(left), Andy Briggs Most outstanding Government Spokesman Award to Hon. Ibim Semenitari, Commissioner for Information and Communications (middle) during a ceremony tat Le Meridian Hotel, in Port Harcourt, recently.