OPINION: AMAECHI, THE BEST NON-INDIGENE FRIENDLY GOVERNOR RIVERS EVER HAD. By Benson Nwachukwu

"OUR MISSION IS TO SERVE OUR PEOPLE WITH HUMILITY AND RENDER A TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE STEWARDSHIP, ANCHORED ON INTEGRITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE.

WE SHALL USE OUR GOD GIVEN RESOURCES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF OUR PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS, EMPOWER OUR PEOPLE IN A PEACEFUL, JUST HARMONIOUS SOCIETY UNDER GOD"...
 CRA

Brief History of Rivers state:

Rivers state was created from the then Eastern Region of Nigeria by Decree No 19 of 1967. The territory was referred then as the OIL RIVERS PROTECTORATE,

The state is bounded on the South by the Atlantic Ocean, on the North by Imo, Anambra and Abia, the East by Akwa Ibom state and the West by Bayelsa and Delta states. And it is presently in the Niger Delta region.

Rivers state has a population of approximately 5 to 6 million people and this includes; indigenes and non-indigenes.

The state capital; Port-Harcourt is the second largest commercial centre, with the second busiest seaport in Nigeria. The city is  cosmopolitan, with a busy international airport with regular international and domestic flights operating all parts of Nigeria and major cities of the world.

Former Governors and Administrators of Rivers state:

1.  Navy Com. Alfred Diete Spiff. 1967-1975

2.  Col. Zamani Lekwot  1975-1978.

3.  Navy Com. Suleiman Saidu 1978-1979

4.  Chief Medford Okilo  1979_1983.

5.  Comm. Police Fidelis Oyakhilome 1984-1986.

6.  Col. Anthony Ukpo 1986-1988.

7.  Group Capt. Ernest O. Adeleye 1988-1990.

8.  Col. Godwin Abbe 1990-1993.

9.  Chief Rufus Ada George 1992-1993.

10. Lt. Col. Dauda Musa Komo 1993-1996.

11. Col. Musa Sheikh Shehu 1996-1998.

12. Group Capt. Samuel Ewag 1998-1999.

13. Dr. Peter Odilli 1999-2007.

14. Rt. Hon. Chubuike R. Amaechi 2007-2015.

15. Chief Nyesom Wike 2015 till date.

Having critically x-rayed the past and present administrations, I am writing with special reference to the administration of H. E. Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and his relationship with the non-indigenes when he held sway as Governor of Rivers state.

Rivers state is home for all, based on its position and business activities. AMAECHI became Governor on Oct 2017 with a mission statement.

OUR MISSION IS TO SERVE OUR PEOPLE WITH HUMILITY AND RENDER A TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE STEWARDSHIP, ANCHORED ON INTEGRITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE.

WE SHALL USE OUR GOD GIVEN RESOURCES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF OUR PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS, EMPOWER OUR PEOPLE IN A PEACEFUL, JUST HARMONIOUS SOCIETY UNDER GOD.

He fulfilled his mission statement to the best of his ability, not leaving out the non-indigenes.

He said, and I quote; "some non-indigenes are born here, schooled and married here, pay their taxes and bills here, vote here, and also contribute to the development of the state. Therefore, they are also entitled to some rights and privileges of the state.

AMAECHI'S DEED TO NON-INDIGENES OF RIVERS STATE

1. AMAECHI is the first Governor of Rivers state to appoint a non-indigene as commissioner.

2. Appointment of a non-indigene as Sole Administrator of Rivers State Environmental Waste Management Agency, RIWAMA.

3. Appointment of non-indigenes as members of Caretaker Committee in the 23 LGA’s.

4. Appointment IGBO cum Port-Harcourt boy; a media GURU/POLITICIAN  CHIEF EZE CHUKWUEMEKA EZE as Media Consultant.

5. Employment of non-indigenes into Civil Service, during the 13,200 teachers employment.

6. Inclusion of non-indigenes into Overseas Scholarship through RSSDA.

7. Free education for Indigenes and non-indigenes in Primary and Post Primary Schools.

8.  Equal tuition fee for both Indigenes and non-indigenes in state own higher educational institutions of learning.

9. Free school uniform, books and canvas for Indigenes and non-indigenes in primary school.

10. He created a conducive and friendly business environment for non-indigenes doing business here.

Above all he is married to a beautiful ADA NDI IGBO; a Queen of Igbo extraction (non-indigene). This is just a few of his good deeds to the non-indigenes of Rivers state.

More of his deeds will be unveiled in our next edition.

His love for non-indigenes and political astuteness prompted President Buhari to appoint him as his Campaign DG for two times which made him the first DG to win a sitting President.

He is currently a two times Minister of Transportation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and he is doing very well.

May Chukwu Okike Abima bless all his endeavours. AMEN!!

Benson Nwachukwu

Former Member, CTC Ikwerre Local Government Council.