• Group endorses gov for 2nd term

From Tony John, Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared he would not be deceived by the antics of political jobbers who continue to propose a 2019 vice president position to him. 

The governor stated this yesterday, while commissioning ultra-modern faculty buildings for the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Faculty of Management Sciences, at the Rivers State University (RSU). 

“Nobody will use the position of the vice president to deceive me into wasting the funds of Rivers state. Our funds will be used to develop Rivers state.”

Wike urged Nigerians to be part of the process to achieve the right leadership for the country in 2019.

Commenting on the facilities at RSU, he said: “Facilities are vital to the growth of education. Previous administrations never thought it wise to develop facilities in our institutions. 

“Every faculty should have a dedicated building for learning and teaching. 

“We cannot talk about quality of education without classrooms and offices. That is why we are working round the clock to build necessary facilities at Rivers State University.”

Wike further said the new College of Medical Sciences building flagged off by his administration, would be completed and commissioned in February 2018.

“I will release N500 million for the completion of the College of Medical Sciences building in the school. 

“I promised to release N1 billion for further infrastructure development in the university. I have released N750 million. Now that I have seen the commitment of the school administration, I will immediately release the balance of N250 million,” he said. 

He directed the university management to tackle academic malpractice promoted by lecturers to the disadvantage of students.

“I don’t want to hear reports about ‘sorting’ in this university. Let it end today. Vice chancellor, if you don’t end it, I will end it for you. 

“Wherever God places you, make sure you do something for your people. It is not a matter of carrying Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS ) and Army personnel.

“SARS and Army personnel will not be with you on judgment day, when the people demand to know what you have done for them,” the governor said.

He warned the students against cultism, and added that the state government will work towards checking it.

The university’s Pro-chancellor, Justice Iche Ndu, commended Wike for completion of the two faculty buildings, and also said what the governor had invested in the university is eloquent testimony that he is committed to educational development.

Meanwhile, Kengema Unity Forum (KUF) has endorsed Wike for a second term, “in appreciation of the quality projects and programmes executed by his administration.”

The group, on a solidarity visit to the Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday, declared that they would work diligently for his re-election in 2019.

Leader of the Forum, Sobomabo Jackreece, who led thousands of KUF members on a solidarity visit, said the performance of the governor has endeared him to all development-loving people of the state. 

Jackreece said governor Wike, aside diligent execution of projects, has exhibited love for all sections of the state, through political patronage.

He said: “In 2019, the KUF will work for the re-election of Governor Wike because he has used the mandate to improve the lives of the people.

“Our members across the state will work for the re-election of the governor because we have seen his handwork. We urge Governor Wike  to continue to carry the KUF along in all appointments.”

In his response, Governor Wike assured the leader and members of the group that he would sustain the development projects being executed across the state.  

Governor Wike said he has a covenant with Rivers people to perform, noting that he would always keep his own side of the bargain.

He said: “The KUF supported us during the campaigns in 2015 and I have also reciprocated by ensuring execution of projects and appointments within available resources.

“I am happy that you have endorsed me for a second term. Be rest assured that I will continue to work hard to justify your trust. Projects like the Buguma Internal Roads, Degema Internal Roads, Land Reclamation, Abonnema Ring Road and Degema Zonal Hospital, will be completed among other ongoing projects in Kalabari land,” Wike said.

He urged the leader and members of KUF to continue with their peaceful mobilisation for his re-election, noting that their efforts would promote the interest of the people.