Amaechi Tasks New Commissioners On Illegal Structures

The Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on Monday, sworn-in two new commissioners with a charge to restore sanity in urban and housing construction in the city of Port Harcourt and its environs.
Though the two new commissioners, Hon. Isobo Jack and Engineer Ode ThankGod, have not been assigned their portfolios, the tasks given them suggest that they may be charged with the responsibility of implementing the state urban renewal policy as well as a robust housing programme for the people.
The two commissioners replace Marshall Uwom and Dr Tammy Danagogo both of whom where in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Renewal and Development before they resigned last year.
In the words of Amaechi, “Let me congratulate you on your new appointment, and to say that, our urban development policy must be improved upon. You are expected to assert law and order to regulate indiscriminate building of illegal structures and dumping of refuse in our  environment”, Amaechi said.
The state governor also inaugurated the reconstituted Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Nwogu Boms.
Other members of the Committee include, W. S. Pepple, Dr. Jonah Hart, Venerable Jolly Ndubuisi, Barrister Chinemerem Wisdon Jerome, Mrs. Gloria Oyoophil Atako, and Professor Amakievi Gabriel.
Amaechi further directed the committee to use their good offices to pardon offenders who deserve the prerogative of mercy.
According to him, “There are many offenders who were arrested for one crime or the other and are now in Prison custody. You are aware that some of the reasons for the increase in crime in our society are that there are no consequences. Unfortunately, we all belong to a society where the rich are not arrested; it is only the poor people that suffer arrest and prosecution. You are expected to use your good offices to pardon those offenders who deserve the prerogative of mercy.
“It is alarming that over 400 APC members have been arrested by the police. In Nigeria, criminals don’t go to jail any longer. The arrest of the APC members was led by the state commissioner of police, and that is why I said, the fight in Rivers State is between the APC and the police, not the PDP. The wife of President Jonathan is the person masterminding the attack and arrest of APC members, using the police to intimidate and harass innocent people”, Amaechi explained.
Responding, Chairman of the Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, Barrister Nwogu Boms  assured Governor Amaechi that the committee will work within the ambit of the terms of reference given to them and ensure fairness to all.