Allow States To Pay Royalty To FG – Wike

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has called for a new reform that would enable the states and local government areas to take charge of mining of solid minerals in their domain and then pay royalty to the Federal Government.
The governor made the call  last Monday when the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uchechukwu Ogah,  paid him a courtesy visit in Government House Port Harcourt
He said: “The Federal Government is carrying so much load that they are not supposed to carry. Allow states to develop their minerals and pay royalty to the Federal Government. That’s the way it’s supposed to be”,
He stressed the need for the Federal Government to concentrate on policy formulations that would improve the welfare of the people.
He accused the Federal Government of failing  to translate mineral wealth into overall economic development and regrtted that the Ajaokuta Steel Company that ought to be creating jobs and generating huge revenue, had become a failed dream.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uchechukwu Ogah, had told the Governor that he was in the state to share with him the vision and policy focus of Federal Government for the development of the nation’s solid minerals resources.
Ogah solicited the support and partnership of Rivers State in the exploitation of huge deposit of silica sand and clay in the state for construction and glass manufacture.
The minister commended Governor Wike for the massive infrastructure provided by his administration to the people of Rivers State.
Also last week, the Rivers State Governor hosted the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor and other top military officers who were in Government House Port Harcourt , last Friday, on a courtesy visit to him.
Governor Wike charged the Chief of Defence Staff to take steps towards reducing insurgency, noting that terrorism has become one of the biggest threats to the country.  He assured the Chief of Defence Staff of the continuous support of Rivers State Government to the army and other security agencies in the state to ensure security of lives and property.
Governor Wike further promised to liaise with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to support the release of more money for procurement of arms and other equipment for the military to end Insurgency.
The Chief of Defence Staff , General Lucky Irabor said they were in the state to assess various operational activities of the Armed Forces and to also meet with the personnel.
He commended Governor Wike for supporting the army and other security agencies in the state and urged of Rivers people and Niger Delta to sustain the peace so that economic activities would thrive in the area.
Another major event in Brick House last week , was the Thank You visit by the newly elected 23 local government council chairmen to Governor Wike, last Tuesday.
Speaking on behalf of the newly elected chairmen, the Mayor-elect of Port Harcourt, Allwell Ihunda, expressed gratitude to the party and the governor for their support which contributed to their victory.
He assured the governor that they would be committed to good governance and ensure high performance.
Governor Wike charged them to use the opportunity to contribute their quota, make impact and improve the welfare of their people who gave them the mandate and never to abuse the opportunity.
“ It is a shame that you will serve for three or six years and you don’t have any projects executed. You may claim you pay salary, you pay salary of course. But also be concerned about what legacy to leave behind and what you can be remembered for.
Also within the week under review the Rivers State Chief Executive attended the Public presentation of two books in honour of the former Chief Justice, Paul Galumje, last Wednesday in Abuja.
Wike who was the Chief Presenter, described the former Supreme Court Justice as a man of impeccable integrity who served the nation meritoriously.

By: Chris Oluoh