…urges Rivers people to vote credible successor
Barely eight months to the expiration of his term in office, Rivers state governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has raised alarm over the dwindling revenue allocation that has pummelled from 25 billion naira to 12 Billion naira from federal monthly allocation.
He said the situation is so critical now that the state government is already owing workers’ salaries and meet its obligations to contractors. And nobody is sure when the situation will end.
Amaechi, decried the development which he announced has slowed down the pace of some ongoing projects embarked upon by his administration.
“The situation we find ourselves now is really critical. We have started owing salaries of workers and nobody knows when this will end. Rivers people should know that Rivers State Government now receives 12 billion naira instead of the usual 25 billion naira as monthly allocation.
“This has grossly affected our projects and work has stopped on some ongoing projects in the state. I am still looking for funds to pay some of the contractors and salaries. Things are no longer the same. Things are getting worse. I am not the problem, it is the Federal government,” Amaechi stated.
On his successor, Governor Amaechi called on Rivers people to choose a credible person that will take over from him on May 29, 2015.
Amaechi stated this Sunday during an Inter-Denominational Church Service marking the 54th Independence Day Anniversary held at the St. Cyprians Anglican Church in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital.
He maintained that the era of imposition of candidates on the people is over and advised Rivers people to choose wisely by embracing democratic values and actively participating in the electoral process.
“Rivers people have a right to choose who will lead them in 2015, in a free and fair election, they have the mandate to do so,” Amaechi said.
Amaechi also used the opportunity to thank God for creating the enabling environment for him (Amaechi) to keep his vow, which he said, was a commitment to serve God and the poor.
Also speaking, the chairman of CAN in Rivers State, Apostle Zilly Aggrey called on Rivers people and residents to play an active role in ensuring peaceful co-existence in the state.
Represented by the Vice-Chairman of CAN, Reverend Ibim Anabraba, Apostle Zilly Aggrey enjoined Rivers people to use the period of the 54th Independence Anniversary celebration to pray for the unity of the nation, and Rivers state in particular.
He also thanked Governor Amaechi for dedicating the state to God during his administration and for playing a major role in the rapid development of the state since he assumed office in 2007.
In his sermon, ‘God is with Nigeria’ the Lord Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Reverend, Ralph C. Ebirien urged Christian faithfuls to emulate the sacrifices of brave nationalists who fought relentlessly for the independence of Nigeria in 1960.
Source: PMNews
