Governor Nyesom Wike has debunked claims that he was preparing to obtain a
fresh loan of N10 billion from a bank in Rivers State.
This
was sequel to an allegation contained in a statement signed by Publicity
Secretary of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, Chris Fynebone
that Wike has concluded plans to borrow a fresh loan of N10bn.
Reacting
to the APC claim, Governor Wike said the state government under his leadership
would ensure that any loan taken is clearly defined with workable repayment
plan tied to specific projects, which are verifiable facts in the public
domain.
The
governor spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Sir Opunabo
Inko-Tariah.
Inko-Tariah
explained that the governor inherited an empty treasure festered by huge
pecuniary liabilities such as backlog of salaries, pensions, fees for students
on scholarships, and other burning issues, including abandoned projects.
He
alleged that if Chibuike Amaechi, the former governor, had been prudent with
resources of the state, there would not have been need for these loans.
According
to him, “His (Ameachi’s) financial recklessness occasioned the resort to loans.
There is no-plan to obtain such loan for now, but if the need arises, we shall
not hesitate to do so, following due process, of course.
“Rotimi
Amaechi in one of his valedictory speeches admitted that the state is broke and
he was bequeathing an empty treasury to Governor Wike.
“Therefore,
there is nothing wrong with the governor going for loans; the issue is not
whether loans are taken but the judicious application of such loans is what
should be the issue.”
He
alleged that APC’s paranoia is because Wike is performing creditably to the
admiration and satisfaction of Rivers people.
“Again,
should Governor Wike want another loan, it will not be done surreptitiously
because the Assembly must give its official approval.
“Before
that is done, the request shall be deliberated upon on the floor of the House
of Assembly. The APC in Rivers State is frightened by the intimidating
successes of Governor Wike within a hundred days in office and will stop at
nothing to denigrate his achievements.
“What
he has achieved in one hundred days is what Amaechi could not achieve in eight
years. Although the Governor has not made his intention on the loan known,
there is nothing wrong should he request for another loan; after all, countries,
organisations, persons go for loans,” he stated.
Culled
from www.nationalmirroronline.net
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