Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, re-elected Governor of Rivers State, on
Wednesday, in the presence of thousands of Rivers people and other
prominent Nigerians, took the oath of office to commence his second
term.
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, re-elected Governor of Rivers State, on
Wednesday, in the presence of thousands of Rivers people and other
prominent Nigerians, took the oath of office to commence his second
term.
Also on Wednesday, Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo was sworn in for a second term.
Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyaye-Laminkara
administered the oath of office for the Rivers State Governor and his
Deputy.
The swearing-in ceremony which took place at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium
in Port Harcourt was a huge celebration as the arrival of Governor Wike
was greeted by jubilation by the capacity crowd.
After mounting the saluting dais for the ceremonial police rituals,
Governor Wike drove in the ceremonial open roof Land Rover Utility
Vehicle to exchange pleasantries with the jubilant crowd.
In an inauguration address, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo
Wike declared that he will always place Rivers State first in all his
actions.
He said: “For us, in all things it is Rivers State first; Rivers
State is the measure; Rivers State before others. This is the essence of
the political mandate and burden that we will bear for the next four
years and we will not disappoint you.
” We will continue to stand up for Rivers State and defend her interest, no matter the challenges or what comes at us”.
The Governor said that his Administration is not in opposition to
the Federal Government, calling for partnership to move Rivers State
and Nigeria forward.
He said: ” But we are not a conquered people and we will never
surrender our freedoms to any body or entity, whether internal or
external.
We will therefore not accept to be subjugated to a
headmaster and pupil power relationship; neither will we abandon the
collective interest of Rivers State for the sake of political
expediency.
“We are for the rule of law, democracy and mutual respect as
autonomous State entities and co-building blocks of the Nigerian
federation”.
Governor Wike thanked the good people of Rivers State, especially
the voters, for their trust and support that led to the mandate to
serve the state for another four years.
He thanked leaders of the state, political leaders, Traditional
Rulers, the clergy, women and youth groups for their unwavering
support.
He said: “For us, everyone counts and we must not allow ourselves to
be divided between upland and riverine considerations but strive for
common grounds, solidarity and work together towards achieving our
common goals and aspirations.
“Our refrain at this time, and especially in the face of the social
and economic uncertainties in our nation, should be: ask what you can do
for Rivers State instead of what Rivers State can do for you.
“The future of our State depends on us. It is up to us to renew,
re-energize, and advance the Rivers dream, to fight for what belongs to
us, and to defend our right to exist in freedom, security and peace in
our own nation. And if we do cooperate, think and act among ourselves
with tenacity and unity of strength, purpose and commitment, then there
is no mountain we cannot level; no river we cannot cross, and no goal we
set for ourselves that we cannot achieve.”
Outlining the direction of his administration for the next four
years , Governor Wike pledged to consolidate on his first term
achievements and make Rivers State, the greatest state in the country.
He said: ” Our economy is great but it should be greater and made
more beneficial to all. And so we will continue to grow our economy,
expand our tax base, provide a friendly business environment and attract
foreign and local investments to create more jobs and empower our
people.
” We will continue on the economic trajectory of fiscal discipline,
prudence, prioritization of capital projects over recurrent and giving
value for money spent in the delivery of services.
” We know we are developing, but it’s better and more
result-oriented if approached in an organized and strategic form.We will
therefore adopt a holistic approach to development by partnering with
relevant national and international agencies and expertise to initiate
and implement a 25-years Marshall Plan for economic transformation and
development to guide and accelerate the future development of our
State”.
Governor Wike spelt out key areas that will will witness remarkable improvements under his leadership during his second term.
He said that the administration will continue with the provision of
quality road network, bridges and prioritize the development of more
social amenities, schools, health facilities, water and sanitation,
electricity, land reclamation and preservation of natural resources.
“For too long, we have relied mostly on a single vanishing revenue
source to fund our development. The reality is that we cannot continue
in this economic folly lest we remain forever vulnerable to the ripples,
uncertainties and miseries of the mono-product based national economy.
Apart from oil and gas, Rivers State also has a vast agricultural
potential, which has remained largely untapped for decades.
“For us therefore, it is about time we embraced the green revolution
as a strategic measure for achieving economic diversification, job
creation and food security for the State and our people, and we are just
ready to do that.
Our role in this regard will span from granting interest free loans
to providing training, land preparation and logistical support to our
willing youths to invest in commercial agriculture and allied
businesses”, he said.
Governor Wike particularly announced that his administration will
construct fly over bridges at Rumuokoro, Garrison and Artillery in Port
Harcourt.
Governor Wike assured that youth development will take centre stage during his second term.
He said: “We’ve got good news for all our youths this time around as
we will dedicate much of the next four years to Youth Development by
tackling the challenges that continue to keep you behind. As a starting
point, we’ve resolved to give our youths some significant positions in
our government and provide viable economic opportunities to spark hopes
of a better future in their eyes.
” Let me also assure you that those who need education will get
quality one; those who want life-skills will be trained; those who want
to do business will continue to get our interest free loans; and those
who have sporting talents will have quality sporting facilities and
encouragement from us; and for those interested in making a career out
of football, we have provided the Real Madrid Academy to prepare you for
life-transforming professional footballing careers at home and abroad