Rivers State governor-elect, Chief Nyesom Wike, has listed the re-opening of the state House of Assembly complex as one of his first major activities after inauguration.

He said lawmakers in the state would stop holding their sittings in the Government House from June 1.

The Chairman of the Inauguration Committee set up by the governor-elect and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Austin Opara, made the disclosure in Port Harcourt yesterday while unveiling the programmes for the swearing-in and inauguration of Wike as governor of Rivers State.

Members of the state assembly loyal to Governor Chibuike Amaechi have been sitting at the Executive Chambers of the old Government House since the closure of the assembly complex following the fracas that erupted in the assembly on July 9, 2013, over attempts to impeach the speaker of the assembly.

Five lawmakers opposed to Amaechi had also boycotted sittings at the Government House.
Addressing journalists yesterday, Opara said and rehabilitation of the complex would be completed between May 29 and 31 to enable the lawmakers commence sitting without any further delay.

He said Wike, after his swearing-in, would, on Monday, proclaim and inaugurate the eighth session of the state legislature at the state House of Assembly complex.

Opara also gave an assurance that the courts, which have been under lock and key for about one year, would be reopened and that the three arms of government would be functioning effectively under the Wike administration.

The former Deputy Speaker of the lower chamber of the National Assembly also dispelled rumours that Wike would not be sworn in on May 29 but acknowledged that some moves were made to scuttle the inauguration of the governor-elect.

“The unveiling of this inauguration committee is all about a new Rivers State. It is about a state that will be made an investor haven and a state that will be made secure for the would-be investors.

“It is not about Wike as we believe that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government, led by him, will provide the enabling environment for such a state to thrive.

“The incoming government is about Rivers State; it is not about Wike and his running mate. This is a means to establish the fact that all spheres of the economy will be attended to.

“Amaechi and his government have failed to interface with the incoming government but the inauguration will hold and a new government will be in place on May 29

“Thank God, the terminal date is automatic and the new government will be in place. Amaechi’s government automatically ceases to exist from the handing over date, in line with the system in operation,” he said.

He said the one-week inauguration ceremony which started with the press briefing would continue with a church service on Sunday at the St. Paul’s Cathedral, Port Harcourt.

According to him, there would be a public lecture, titled: Democracy and Good Governance: Towards a New Rivers State, to be delivered next week Tuesday by the Pro-chancellor of the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Professor Kimse Okoko.

Others, he said, included a novelty football match between Wike’s Team which would feature ex-internationals like Adokiye Amiesimaka, Kanu Nwankwo and Austin Okocha, among others, and the Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt next Wednesday.

Okpara said Wike and his deputy would immediately after their swearing-in on Friday, proceed to the Government House to inspect a Guard of Honour and thereafter launch ‘operation zero-potholes in Port Harcourt’ at three points within the metropolis.

Opara also gave an assurance that the courts, which have been under lock and key for about one year, would be reopened and that the three arms of government would be functioning effectively under the Wike administration.

PhockPhockMan:


For keeping innocent people in awaiting trial for more than one year because of his selfishness, I nominate Amaechi for HALL OF SHAME .

dunkem21:


One carton of orijin for you ..

..Amaechi, shame on you for locking up two arms of govt.

Shame!

PhockPhockMan:

Thank you, but I prefer this type of Origin.

aguiyi:
we will finally be free by next week end. mallam Amaechi , we are happy to miss you