The decision of the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to increase the number of Special Assistants on political units across the twenty three LGAs of Rivers State from 100,000 to 200,000 has been described by  stakeholders and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state as an uncommon gesture, unparalleled in Nigeria’s political history.
The stakeholders said Governor Wike had through the rare decision blazed another trail in  political leadership in the comity of Nigerian states by opening vistas of opportunities for grassroots  participation in democratic governance.
Some of the Rivers stakeholders who spoke with  newsmen at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, during the inauguration of the SAs from the three Sanatorial Districts in the state applauded Governor Wike for the appointments which they described as an  inclusive political vision  and strategic administrative policy that will bring governance close to the people and enhance the social, political and economic status of the beneficiaries.
Former Senator that represented the Rivers South East Senatorial District, Sen Adawari Pepple, described the appointments as a step in the right direction and a deliberate grassroots empowerment program which will enhance  community participation in governance and also lead to the economic empowerment of the people. He added that the mass based policy will translate into landslide victory for the PDP in the 2023 general elections.
Member representing Khana / Gokana Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon Dumnamene Dekor  commended Governor Wike for the appointments, stating that it portrays the Rivers State Governor as visionary leader with sound leadership acumen that has enthroned  good governance in Rivers State by directly touching the lives of the people at the grassroots. He said Rivers people  were happy with  Governor Wike for carrying them along in his administration, and will remain grateful to him for his people-oriented policies, and for defending the interest of Rivers State at all times.
In his remarks, foremost Youth Leader and PDP stalwart, Comrade Marvin Yorbana lauded Governor Wike for the appointments which he  described as a “whopping political opening for the people of the grassroots to play active roles in political leadership in addition to putting smiles on the faces of the litany of beneficiaries.  He said Rivers people were highly appreciative of the Governor’s  gesture and would show their gratitude  by voting massively for candidates of the PDP in Rivers State come 2023.
Some of the LG Chairmen who spoke with newsmen at the venue of the inauguration thanked Governor Wike for the opportunity given to the grassroots people to serve in his administration and to contribute to the development of the state.
Chairman of Emohua LGA, Hon Chidi Loyd said by this singular decision, Governor Wike had brought governance to the grassroots by making the people to be at the core of political leadership. The Emohua council chairman urged the  SAs to see the appointments as an opportunity to serve the state and ensure that they live up to the demands of their positions as clearly stated by the Governor.
On his part, Chairman of Khana LGA, Dr Bariere Thomas, said apart from the giant strides of Governor Wike in infrastructural development, he had also expanded the scope of human capital development through the appointments. He said the people of Khana in particular and Rivers State in general would remain grateful to Governor Wike for his developmental strides in the state, and urged the appointees who are closest government officials to the people to deliver on their mandates.
It could be recalled that Governor Wike had specifically mandated the appointed SAs, who are abreast of the happenings and needs of  the various communities in the state  to interface with the people and bring effective feedbacks on measures of promoting good governance to the office of the Governor through the Constituency Liaison Officers who are to oversee the Wards and the units.
Apart from the economic impact of the opportunities, Governor Wike said the appointments have added to the credentials and dossiers of the beneficiaries as official aides of the Governor, and urged them to use it judiciously.
Recall that Governor Wike, had earlier within the week, Inaugurated Constituency Liaison officers across the three Senatorial Zones in the State at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House,  with a charge to get feedbacks from the SAs on Political Units Affairs and relate to the Government.
One of the Liaison officers from Khana LGA, Dr Mbube Nwiakori who spoke with newsmen shortly after the inauguration thanked the Gov Wike for giving them the opportunity to serve and assured that they would deliver on their mandates.

By: Taneh Beemene