I did not err in accessing loans for capital projects in Rivers – Wike; backs continuation of Amnesty programme

Governor Nyesom Wike has defended his government’s decision to take out a bank loan to fund capital projects in the state, maintaining that nothing will deter him ‘from ensuring that the state remains on track despite the economic cash crunch besetting the country.’

While speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Executive Meeting (NEC) held at Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre Port Harcourt, Thursday, Governor Wike reiterated that the state did not receive any financial bailout from the federal government.

“We expect the opposition to also acknowledge the fact that these are challenging times in the country and Rivers State is not different. Therefore there is nothing wrong from obtaining loans from financial institutions to fund developmental challenges and advance on the road to progress and prosperity,” he said.

He intimated the legal practitioners that since assuming office he has repositioned the state through the rehabilitation and construction of abandoned road projects, opening of the courts and funding the judiciary, paying of salary arrears to civil servants, pensioners, sportsmen, and payment of bursaries to students studying abroad.

Wike said his administration holds the judiciary in high premium and is poised to harmonize, reform the courts for effective justice delivery.

In line with the policy of granting autonomy to the courts, he revealed that so far about N500million has been released by his administration to the judiciary in carrying out capital projects, while noting that plans are underway to provide conducive accommodation, vehicles to magistrates and top judicial officers in the state.

He assured the NBA that in the next one year a befitting secretariat will be built for the body in Port Harcourt as funds has already been released on the project by government.

The Rivers State governor while commending NBA for hosting its meeting in the state, urged the body not to abandon its basic ideals of being advocate of rule of law and better governance in the country.

On her part, Acting Chief Judge of the State, Justice Daisy Okocha said under her administration the judiciary is working towards building a stronger and vibrant legal system, “an independent arm of government, ensuring the protection of rights and delivery of justice,” Okocha emphasized.

She tasked NBA not to veer from its founding principles, “We must strive to preserve from decadence and the meddlesome hands of politicians.”

Earlier, President of the NBA, Augustine Alegeh thanked the state branch of the NBA and the governor for hosting the body’s NEC meeting, stating that the meeting will afford them opportunities to get first hand information about developments in the state.

Alegeh lauded Wike for the efforts made in re-opening the courts, funding the judiciary and for creating a robust relationship between the bar and the bench, as he expressed hope that Rivers State will remain a beacon of light and hope in promoting judicial activities.

He assured that the body will ensure that the crisis that rocked the judiciary in Rivers State does not occur again, “the bar stands for independence of the judiciary. The lesson we have learnt is that we should come together and fight against interference.”

Meanwhile, the state chief executive has called for the continuation of the Amnesty programme, stating that the peace enjoyed in the Niger Delta is predicated on the Programme.

Speaking when he received in audience, Brigadier-General Paul Boroh, the Presidential Adviser/Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday, Governor Wike said the sustenance of the programme will further enhance peace, stabilise the economy and generate empowerment.

“It is important to note that the peace we enjoy today in the Niger Delta is largely due to the Programme. We encourage the Federal Government to sustain the amnesty programme.  We will give the Federal Government all necessary support at our level,” he said.

While announcing the setting up of an amnesty office at the Government House, Port Harcourt to liaise with the office of the coordinator of the Amnesty Programme, Governor Wike said that the office would assist in monitoring ex-militants in the state to ensure stability.

The governor said that the era of politics is gone, noting that this is time for governance, intergovernmental partnership and development.

Earlier, the Presidential Adviser/Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme, Brigadier-General Paul Boroh called on the state government to partner with his office to achieve the goals of the amnesty programme.

He said Rivers State has 7652 beneficiaries of the amnesty programme, with 4310 beneficiaries involved in skills acquisition and vocational training.

Brigadier-General Boroh said he is interested in a sustainable amnesty programme which will enhance the security of the region.

He called for a synergy with the Rivers State Government, so that the beneficiaries of the programme can be monitored.