We’ve Maintained Healthy Balance Sheet -Amaechi

The outgoing administration of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, says it has maintained a healthy balance sheet in the last eight years, despite the servere economic down turn in the country.
Governor Amaechi, who made this disclosure in a valedictory speech in Port Harcourt, yesterday, said that, “for years running, Rivers State maintained an economic and fiscal rating only associated with solid economies.
“We ensured that our civil servants received their salaries, as at when due until recently”, he said.
The governor described Rivers State as the least indebted state with a loan portfolio of N17.7 billion with a breakdown of N2 billion agricultural loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria and N15.7 billion from Zenith bank Plc.
He said that, the state’s loan from Access bank will be zero balance by the end of the month, adding that under the watch of the administration, Rivers State economy and potential for doing business grew to a position of envy outside that of Lagos, a situation that has made it Nigeria’s next economic giant.
The governor also admitted owing pensioners three months arrears, while that of parastatal pension arrears stand at two months,
“You will recall that when we assumed office, our pensioners were owed pension arrears of over N4.5 billion. A situation we found unacceptable, and strove to resolve. It is our firm belief that those our compatriots who have served our State so meritiously should not be denied the benefits of retiring in peace and comfort.
“We commend the same attitude to those who may come after us,” he said.
Amaechi also gave the administration pass mark in the areas of health, education, physical infrastructure, and security.
He particularly said that the administration has completed 90 per cent of the phase 1A of the Rivers State Monorail, completed two major interchanges, two flyovers, 25 bridges and five shore protection projects across the state.
“There are over six land reclamation and shore protection projects at Andoni, Opobo, Buguma, Abalamabie, Olumbie/Owukiri island, Oba-Ama, Okrika with over 1,140,000km completed.
The governor, who also listed achievements in power sector, development of mega city project and others, thanked Rivers people for their love and steadfastness.
“Your accommodation and acceptance of our service and even our weakness, your commitment to our beloved state, and your prevailing prayers through some of the darkest patches of our governance, have made our trek easier and journey worthwhile,” he said.
John Bibor/Benice Iragunima

Executive Director/CEO RSSDA, Mr. Noble Pepple (4th from left) with the Leadership Team of RSSDA during the presentation of the Agency’s 2014 Annual Report to the Media yesterday