We’ll Return Power To The People – Wike

Last week, Government House, witnessed a change
of baton in leadership as Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi’s administration came to a dramatic end with a special thanksgiving service at Corpus Christi Cathedral and birthday and valedictory broadcast to bid farewell to the State.
On Friday, the State witnessed a jubilatory inauguration as Barrister Nyesom Wike took over the mantle of leadership after Justice Kate Abiri, Chief Judge of Bayelsa State had sworn him in.
But before Wike’s inauguration, former Governor Amaechi had held a week-long activities. On Monday, he swore in 22 local government chairmen and later four Permanent Secretaries into the state civil service.
The new Permanent Secretaries include former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman in the state, Chief Chris Oruge, Stella Wigwe, Osumaebo Sam Dabere and Ngozi Abu. On Tuesday, a special talkshop was organised with the theme, “Deepening Democracy in Nigeria: The Implication for Africa”. The forum was chaired by former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) who was represented by Donald Duke, erstwhile governor of Cross River State.
Former United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Robin Sanders spoke on the theme of the forum and sued for patience, reminding Nigerians that democracy was a process that needs to be nutured and encouraged. Therefore, she urged the citizenry to give support to the President Muhammdu Buhari led administration to succeed.
On Wednesday, former Governor Amechi and other bigwigs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) attended a special thankgiving service to mark the end of his administration at Corpus Christ Cathedal.
On the same Wednesday, the former governor’s 50th birthday was held at the banquet hall of Government House. Amaechi received accolades from dignitaries which included the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Oyegun, Chief Ebitimi Banigo and others.
Ameachi later held a valedictory session of the State Executive Council, after which the body was officially dissolved. From there, the former governor proceeded to address the state during which he listed his achievements’ and bade the State farewell.
On Friday, Chief Wike was ushered in as the new Chief Executive of Rivers State with a tumultuous celebration at Liberation Stadium filled to capacity.
After the administration of oath by the Bayelsa State Chief Judge, Barrister Wike addressed the citizenry and enumerated his policy directives. He announced the appointment of Justice Daisy Okocha as acting Chief Judge of the State and Justice Christy Gabriel Nwankwo as President, Customary Court of Appeal.
Governor Wike said the rule of law, separation of powers and welfare of the citizenry will be the tripod on which his government will stand.
“We shall return power to the people ….our government will be that of the people for the people and by the people,” he stressed.
The new governor further stated that infrastructure, agriculture, eco-tourism and job creation will be given top priority in his administration. He also disclosed plans to reticulate water in Khana, Gokana within the first 100 days in office.
Proceeding from the Stadium, Governor Wike flagged off “Operation No Pot Hole in Port Harcourt.” The exercise is expected to address the dilapidated road infrastructure in the city covering Diobu, old Township and other areas.

Kevin Nengia