Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government’s fight against corruption could only be taken seriously if it prosecuted indicted persons who siphoned resources belonging to the state government.
Governor Wike said documents and evidence from the state Judicial Commission of Inquiry had been transmitted to the Police and the anti-corruption agencies, but no action has been taken.
Wike who spoke during a courtesy visit by the members of the Okpo Club of Nigeria (Ikwerre Lawyers Worldwide), yesterday, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, said the sale of Rivers assets was done in a manner to defraud the state.
He said majority of the assets were sold to Sahara Limited in very questionable circumstances as determined by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
According to him, the sad aspect of the transactions by the immediate past administration was that it paid back $50 million to Sahara Limited on the allegation that it loaned that amount to the state government.
He directed the state Attorney General to commence the process for the unilateral implementation of the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry since the anti-corruption agencies have refused to act.
On interventions in the construction of Federal Courts in the state, Governor Wike said his administration was interested in advancing the course of justice, hence the diligent investments.
He said the National Industrial Court would be completed by next January, adding that despite the hostilities of the Court of Appeal, the administration undertook to remodel the Port Harcourt Division of the court in the interest of justice.
On state-wide development, Governor Wike noted that the administration has visible projects presence in 22 out of the 23 Local Government Areas of the State.
Chairman of Okpo Club of Nigeria (Ikwerre Lawyers Worldwide), Chukwuma Chinwo, lauded the governor for investing in the revival and growth of the judiciary in the state.
He stated that achievements in the area of education, health and road infrastructure have changed the landscape of the state.
The lawyers assured Governor Wike of their support, noting that they were proud of his achievements as a lawyer.
|Sun