One week in the life of Governor Wike

By Kevin Nengia

The triumph of Governor Nyesom Wike at the Supreme Court two weeks ago led to a State Thanksgiving Service at St. Peters Anglican  Church, Rumuepirikom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

At the thanksgiving service attended by former First lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, Ex-Governor Peer Odili, and three governors from Aka Ibom, Abia and Bayelsa States, Governor Wike thanked God for His mercies and  for truncating the plans by the opposition to destabilize the State.

Governor Wike also used the thanksgiving to thank all those who stood firm with his administration while the legal tussle lasted, and extended the olive branch to the opposition to join hands to move the State forward.

On Monday, last week, the governor played host to Ikwerre Chiefs and Elders Forum led by Prince Paul Woke Wonodi in Government House. The group formally congratulated Barrister Wike over the judgement of the Supreme Court, while commending him for his steadfastness in being focused on transforming the State despite the distraction. They pledged solidarity to the administration, and hinted plans to organise a civic reception at a time convenient for the State Chief Executive.

On Tuesday, the governor inaugurated four boards and agencies. They include the State Tax Appeal Commission, Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Agency, Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board and Rivers State Bureau for Public Procurement.

The governor charged them to be prudent and manage the Sate resources and their offices well. Most especially, he tasked the tax commission to ensure improved revenue profile for the State.

On the same Tuesday, Governor Wike inspected works on the Nkporgu-Trans Amadi Bridge. He commended the contractor, MCC Nigeria, for a satisfactory work, but urged them to ensure that the March 2016 deadline is realistic.

On Wednesday, the State Government through the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dr. Austin Tam-George in a press-briefing berated guber candidate of the All Progressives Congress,. Dr. Dakuku Peterside over statement that Governor Wike had known the outcome of the apex court judgement beforehand.

Dr. Tam-George said Peterside’s claim was malicious and aimed at inciting he people of Rivers State.

Governor Wike attended Special Thanksgiving Service organised by the State governors of Abia and later Akwa Ibom within the week. The governor had on Wednesday attended that of Governor Ikpeazu who also won at the Supreme Court and on Thursday attended that of Governor Udom Emmanuel at Uyo.

The governor returned to the State on Friday to host the new State Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission., Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, who paid a courtesy call. Wike promised to support the conduct of  free and fair polls in the State, while reiterating that the people of the state will resist rigging by any means.

On Friday, the State Government through the Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media, released a statement suspending the Commissioner for Finance and State Accountant General. No reason was given for their suspension.

On Saturday, Governor Wike in company of his wife, Justice Suzette Nyesom-Wike, attended the funeral service of Late Gladys Chinda at St Matthews Anglican Church Mgbuoba.


Culled from www.tidenewsonline.com