Politics
Wike Tasks Christians On Looted Funds
Activities to herald the State’s Golden Anniversary took the front seat in Government House last week. The chairman and alternate chairman took turns to address the press on programmes outlined to mark the celebrations.
Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt Alternate Chairman of the Committee, Chief Onueze Okocha, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said the purpose of the celebrations was to showcase the history, unique geography, and the rich cultural tapestry of the state.
According to Okocha, other events lined up for the celebrations include, a polo tournament, football competition, a beauty peagant and the colourful canoe regatta for which the state is famous.
Nonetheless, last week started with Sunday Easter celebrations with the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike and his family attending Easter Sunday service at his home Church St Peter’s Anglican Church, Rumuepirinkon.
The State Governor used the service to enjoin Christians to pray unto God so that the federal government will return looted state funds under Amaechi administration to the state.
The Governor emphasised that no blackmail or criticism will stop the state government from pressing for return of its looted funds. Recall that Chief Wike’s call follows an earlier press conference he gave to newsmen on Good Friday affirming that the $43 million found in a private apartment allegedly owned by ex-Governor Amaechi belongs to the State Government.
Last Wednesday, Special Assistant to the State Governor on Electronic Media, Mr Simeon Nwakandu played host to members of the State Newspaper Publishers Forum (RNPF). The governor’s aide urged the group to always support the Wike-led administration through the dissemination of accurate information on the development efforts of the administration.
He said, “We want you to assist us promote projects in Port Harcourt and all across the three Senatorial Districts of the State. We are happy that as journalists, you have your time to project the achievements of the administration”.
Last Thursday, the Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, through her Special Assistant on Social Media and Research,Ms Uki Asemota, called for regular check- ups to stem medical emergencies. She believes that regular medical check-ups will help people ascertain their health status.
The deputy Governor was speaking at a one-day Mental Health Awareness Programme organised by a Christian Non-Governmental body, Caywood Brown Foundation at Elelenwo, Port Harcourt.
The Head of Service, Barrister Rufus Godwins received members of the Rivers State Publishers Forum in his office last week Friday. He thanked them for the visit and charged them to be a channel for disseminating positive information that will enhance unity, development and project the state in good light.
Barrister Godwins described the press as the vigilant arm” of the realm pointing out that every son and daughter of the State has a role to play to engender development. He stressed the need for publishers to be sensitive to issues that affect the people, especially culture and values of the state.
Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief, Emeka Woke represented the State Governor at a Special Constituency Project and presentation of Power Transformers to communities in the Rivers East Senatorial District. The programme was organised by Senator Thompson, Sekibo last Saturday.
The governor’s representative was full of praises for Senator Sekibo whom he described as a visionary and people-oriented legislator. On his part, Senator Sekibo said it was a way to touch his constituents and aaleviate their power challenges.
Later in the evening of Saturday, the governor, through the Secretary to the State Government addressed participants at a Special Polo tournament to celebrate 50 years of State creation.
Top government functionaries attended the event during which the State Government team defeated the state creation committee by 3-0 goals.