Wike tells new appointees they are not there to make money

Following the rancorous resignation of Opunabo Inko-Tariah, special adviser on media and publicity, alleging disregard and starvation, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has admonished new set of special advisers not to see their positions as means of making money.

This is as it has been revealed that most of the few commissioners and special advisers have been operating with private logistics and resources as the governor is said to be doing. No new vehicles have been bought for allocation. No quarters have been allocated to them either, it is said.

Now, Wike has said that his aides were not in government to enrich themselves, saying, “you are not here to make money, you are here to serve the people of Rivers State, to contribute your quota to the state to be part of the new Rivers vision.

“Let me also say that you are not appointed to live in luxury where you say that personal assistants and special security outfits are not given better offices and accommodation. You are not entitled to more than one personal aide; if you employ more than one then you will have to pay for them. The economy is bad.”

A statement from the governor’s media office noted that the governor revealed that some of the special advisers would act as commissioners because they would head ministries, while some would work with him directly as personal aides.

He said commitment, loyalty and focus were important for the job at hand, as he would not hesitate to sack any erring special adviser working contrary to government policies, because there was a lot to do for the people of the state.

The governor emphasised that the selected special advisers were not the only qualified and competent persons for the job, as there were lots of people vying for the position to contribute their personal quota.

“Appointment to serve is an honour and is part of one’s curriculum vitae. What is also important is the experience you get on the job when you serve. Wherever you find yourselves make sure you are committed to the job. If you don’t have the capacity to work, some other persons will do your job without you knowing,” Wike said.

The governor, who said the special advisers were employed because of their university degree qualifications, insisted that he would never hire anybody based on certificates obtained from short-term on-the-job training courses.

He directed the secretary to the state government, Kenneth Kobani, to give the special advisers their portfolios and offices after the ceremony.