Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has lambasted the Federal Government for refusing to refund funds expended to execute federal projects. He has also cried out over Rivers oil wells ceded to other states.
Wike also noted that Rivers State is the only state that the FG has failed to pay funds that accrued to it from PAYEE.
Speaking in Port Harcourt to traditional rulers at the Government House, Wike regretted that politics has been placed above due process under the current dispensation.
He said: “I am not one of the governors who will sell their people because they are struggling for relevance. Of all the 36 states of the federation, it is only Rivers State that they refused to refund resources used to execute federal projects.
“Rivers State is also the only state that they refused to return PAYEE funds that accrued to the state “.
The governor said despite the refusal of the FG to pay funds that are due to Rivers State, he would not bow to anybody. He said even if the funds were not remitted during his tenure, the state would ultimately get it from the Federal Government.
Speaking further, Wike said that his administration has resolved to fight for the restoration of all oil blocks belonging to Rivers State.
Ironically, Amaechi fought the Goodluck Jonathan administration supported by Wike then on these points, and seemed to receive no backing because many saw it as fighting a fellow Niger Delta man.
Wike however, announced goodies he would dish out to traditional rulers recognised by his administration including cars and certificates plus staff of office. There have been cries that recognition of traditional rulers toes party loyalty.
Governor Wike reiterated his declaration that the State Government has no land for RUGA settlements.
He urged traditional rulers to work with the Rivers State Government to improve security of lives and property.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amayanabo of Opobo, King Douglas Dandeson Jaja, said they were in the Government House to congratulate the Rivers State Governor on his victory at the Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal and the Supreme Court.
He commended Wike for setting up Operation Sting, which has improved security across the State. He said that Traditional Rulers will support Operation Sting in their respective communities.
King Douglas Dandeson Jaja said that the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers totally support the governor’s decision not to give Rivers land for RUGA settlements.
Ignatius Chukwu
