Wike Urges Aides To Be Above Board

Activities in Government House ended on a strong note
last week, with the swearing-in of seven government functionaries, including four commissioners, Secretary to the State Government and a chief of staff.
The commissioners are the first batch of the state executive council and are expected to get the ground running  two weeks after Governor Nyesom Wike and his deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo were sworn-in.
Governor Wike had returned to the state on Wednesday morning after attending the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly on Monday. Shortly after the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki as President of the Senate and Ike Ekweremadu as Deputy Senate President, Governor Wike told newsmen in Abuja that it was a good development for the country’s democracy and a great opportunity for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contribute its quota to democratic governance.
Shortly after arriving Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, the Rivers State governor hosted a joint delegation of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and Petroleum Technical Association of Nigeria in Government House.
The delegation had come under the umbrella of Business Community in Rivers State led by the newly elected President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Eni Membere-Otagi and outgoing president of the Chamber of Commerce, Emeka Unachukwu.
In his remarks, Dr. Membere-Otugi informed the governor that the visit was part of the group’s plan to rekindle cordial relationship between government and business community in the state. He thanked the governor for hosting them despite the short notice.
On his part, Mr. Unachukwu congratulated Governor Wike on his electoral victory, adding that “the visit is historic” and “a practical demonstration that change is coming to Rivers State”.
He placed before the governor the requests of the business community, saying “we believe that you will stop the problem of multiple taxation and other challenges facing by businesses in the state”.
Unachukwu urge the state government to constitute an Investment Promotion Council, and revitalise the Public Private Partnership (PPP), while lauding the governor for the appointment and policies made few weeks into his administration.
Responding, Governor Wike promised that his administration would ensure strong interface between government and business community. Among other things promised by the governor include appointing a professional to oversee the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, checking multiple taxation and issuance of certificate of occupancy as at when due to facilitate loan transaction for businesses.
On Thursday, the governor held meetings with different groups and firms. However, on Friday, he swore-in seven government functionaries. Among them are: Chief Kenneth Kobani as Secretary to the State Government, Engr. Emeka Woke as Chief of Staff, Fred Kpakol as Commissioner for Finance, Emeka Okah as Commissioner for Housing, Onimim Jack for Agriculture, Emma Aguma as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, while Mr. Opunabo Inko-Tariah as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.
Wike challenged the new appointees to work hard and ensure the state moves forward, reminding them that they were selected based on merit and not on patronage. He further warned against mediocrity and favouritism, stressing that he will not hesitate to disengage anyone found wanting.
As part of activities last week in Government House, top management staff of the University of Port Harcourt led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Joseph Ajienka paid a visit to the governor, intimating him of the 30th Convocation Ceremony of the institution and further seeking for government’s support.