We Stand On Fiscal Federalism – Wike …Says APC Has No Electoral Value

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, says only fiscal federalism will guarantee even development and equitable status of all states of the federation.
Wike made the assertion during his mid-term report and town hall meeting with the citizens as part of his two years anniversary and Democracy Day celebrations held at Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre, last Monday, in Port Harcourt.
Aside state government, the governor also said fiscal federalism should be extended to the local government councils as the third tier of government.
According to him, “our geographical terrain is very difficult and we consider the neglect of Rivers State in federal projects as if Rivers State is not part of the federation.”
Wike held that if fiscal federalism is enforced, it will lead to faster development as each state of the federation has unique terrain and challenges that requires special funding.
On the achievements of his government so far, the governor remarked that “Our state is sound, strong and progressive.”
He explained that there was no sector that has not been touched with infrastructure and roads leading in the administration’s priorities.
So far, he said about N120billion has been expended on capital projects in the city and rural areas, adding that, “for the first time both rural and city roads are being attended to shore up infrastructural deficit.”
Listing the areas covered so far, Wike said in health sector, the administration has released $4million for equipping of Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital, renovating 13 general hospitals across the state.
In education, he revealed that the state has paid its counterpart funding to the Universal Basic Education and was accessing fund to rehabilitate schools.
Before then, he said renovation of Nyemoni Grammar School at Abonnema, Birabi Memorial Secondary School at Bori, and Rumuokwuta Government Girls School, were among a pilot scheme to return boarding system to secondary education.
Security wise, he said despite attempts by the Federal Government to frustrate his quest to beef up security, the state government has purchased over 100 security patrol vans to security agencies, acquired 10 gunboats for patrol on the waterways to check sea piracy.
In the next two years, he disclosed that the administration plans to diversify and boost the economy of Rivers State, insisting that, “We must find other ways of finding economic development, and our commitment is for the economic renaissance to remain at the top.”
He said the plan will be built on infrastructure, tourism and foreign investment drive.
Besides, he stated that the state will soon become judiciary hub in Nigeria considering the provision of infrastructure for the judiciary, opening of the court including a planned estate for retired judges which will be unveiled by the Chief Justice of the Federation.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion and former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iche Ndu, had congratulated the governor for the 50th anniversary celebrations.
Ndu said the governor has impressed Rivers people so far in his service and style of governance.
Also speaking, Secretary to the State Government, Kenneth Kobani, said, “We are celebrating transformation and purposeful leadership.”
Kobani remarked that in the past two years, Wike has governed in defence of rights of Rivers people, and has remained focused to deliver on his electoral promises despite distraction from the federal level.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has declared that aside the planned reliance on the security agencies to rig elections in 2019, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has no electoral value.
He said the disgraceful poor performance of the APC has totally devalued the party, adding that Nigerians have discovered that the APC is full of empty promises, with no accompanying implementation.
Commissioning the Igbogo road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday, Wike said: “Several promises, not one fulfilled. I have challenged the APC to come to Rivers State and say what they have done.
“If not for the dependence on security agencies for rigging of elections, no APC member will come forward to contest elections”.
The governor said where democracy is practiced in line with the rule of law, PDP members would have gone to sleep, knowing they would walk over APC in 2019.
On developments in Rivers State, Wike said while other states ended their Democracy Day, last Monday, his administration will continue the commissioning of several projects in the coming weeks.
He said that for the people of Akpor Kingdom, the administration has executed projects in all the ten communities of the area.
He noted that the Rivers State Government will begin to reach out to all supporters, which will be in form of direct empowerment.
Also speaking, Commissioner of Works, Iheanyichuwu Bathuel, said that the Igbogo road has revived the community, adding value to the residential houses in the area.
The Choba community in appreciation of the new road conferred a chieftaincy title to Wike.