No plan to obtain N10bn loan —Wike

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