Wike Restates Commitment To Peace

Last weekend in Government House ended in a mourning
note after the governor Chief Nyesom Wike attended the burial rites and obsequies of  late second republic  House of Representatives member, Hon. Ovundu Nsirim  in Rumueme, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Before attending the burial, the governor had visited the site of the burnt Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office at Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government  Area.  Chief Wike  described the  arson as the handiwork of those who want to scuttle the re-run elections, since they were not prepared.
On the same Saturday in the evening, the governor attended a dinner nght  and fund raising organized by the umbrella socio-cultural group, Ogbakor Ikwerre, USA chapter, at the Presidential Hotel.  At the dinner, Chief Wike called for direct foreign investing in the state.  As far as he was concerned, the state is safe and conducive for investors to do business.
Last  Monday witnessed the commencement of the 2016 Annual Conference of Magistrates Association in the State.  Governor  Wike, at the event, urged judicial officers to play by the rules, so that they can address issues of low quality and poor output in the system.  Wike reminded them that they are the bedrock of an effective judicial system and therefore should discharge their duties fearlessly.
The magistrates were later hosted at a state banquet  attended by Governor Wike and other top government functionaries.
Following the news of the postponement of the re-run elections slated for July 30, 2016 by INEC, the state Deputy Governor, Dr.  Ipalibo Harry Banigo in a statement on Tuesday, said the development was in confirmation of Governor Wike’s assertion when he visited Bori.  At a campaign rally at Okehi in Etche Local Government Area he reaffirmed  that neither INEC nor the APC were ready for the conduct of the elections.
Last Wednesday, the Governor attended the People Democratic  Party (PDP) Rivers West Senatorial District Rally at Degema Town in Degema Local Government Area. He thanked the mammoth crowd of supporters that attended and used the rally to explain why he attended a Peace Meeting summoned by the Inspector-General of Police and the Director of State Security at Abuja.
Governor Wike explained that he attended the rally because peace and stability of Rivers State was above party or personal interest.
Last Thursday, the governor played host to the Management team of the federal owned University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). The team was led by its Chief Medical Director, Prof. Aaron Ojule. After an address by Prof. Ojule commending the governor and listing areas of assistance, Governor Wike promised that, among other requests, the State Government would take up the completion of the repair of the hospital’s access road and the abandoned Doctors’ quarters.
The governor, on the same day, played host to the Managing Director of SAIPEM Nigeria Limited, Mr. Guido Daloisio. He assured the SAIPEM boss of state’s partnership in the development of manpower and growth of the oil industry. Assuring him of conducive business environment, the Rivers State Chief Executive hinted that by next year Government will harmonise the tax system and reduce duplication to encourage investors.
Friday last week was busy for the governor. Returning from Abuja he went straight to inaugurate three board. The are the State Universal Basic Education Board, newly established Private Hospital Fund Management Committee and the State Petroleum Task Force.
He specifically mandated the Petroleum Taskforce to ensure all-round availability of petroleum products and avoid touting. He tasked the Private Hospital Fund Committee to be prudent and ensure hospitals at the local centres are incorporated in the scheme. For the Universal Basic Education Board, he tasked them to ensure the reform and improvement in Basic Education.
Last Saturday the governor hosted Editors under the Nigeria Guild of Editors. He took them round to visit project sites and wished them a successful conference in the state.