Rivers State: Group Accuses Wike of Double Standards

Social justice advocacy group, the Rivers Conscience Initiative (RCI) on Monday accused Governor Nyesom Wike of playing double standards in his fight to track and recover perceived looted commonwealth of Rivers state.

RCI in statement picturing Rivers as being on the brink over alleged reckless misappropriation of state funds by successive administration since start of the fourth republic, charged incumbent Governor Wike against shielding some persons from arrest while arraigning others in his drive to recover stolen funds.

The RCI was referring to the Rivers governor’s prevention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chase on former Accountant General of the state and 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sim Fubara while prosecuting the All Progressives Congress candidate, Tonye Cole, over alleged questionable receipt of the state’s $50Million payment.

The body’s statement signed by Kalada Wilson, RCI Chairman and
Ken Izidor, Secretary, captured that, “Since birth of the 4th Republic, every Rivers governor has been profligate with state resources in pursuit of wasteful presidential bids. Huge amounts of Rivers funds are gifted to other states, political parties and private individuals.

“Rivers State governors sponsor elections in other states of the federation and bankroll presidential elections. They are sought after as ‘beautiful brides’ of Nigerian politics on account of the state resources that they share and squander so freely.

“There is frightful danger ahead. Institutions of state have failed and are in advanced decay. Increasing number of Rivers children are out of school, roaming the streets, retirees not paid gratuities. Many go to bed hungry and wake up unsure of the next meal. The elderly, the weak and vulnerable are abandoned to their fate.

“Yet River annual consolidated revenue could fund budgets of several African countries. The state ought to be competing with Lagos at the national level and Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar on foreign scale. Unfortunately, the state has been seized by megalomaniacs who reign as maximum rulers.”

On rescuing the state from the danger ahead as another transition elections draw near, RCI, “Condemns political parties that have produced candidates of questionable reputation who are wanted by security and anti graft agencies.

“Accordingly, the RCI supports efforts by the current administration to recover misappropriated state funds and prosecute persons alleged to have looted Rivers State coffers.

“We however deplore the present government’s ambivalence in shielding some persons from arrest by the EFCC while arraigning others. The humongous amount of money allegedly stolen by these persons belongs to Rivers people and all accused persons must answer for their actions.

“RCI therefore calls on the Rivers governorship candidates of the PDP (Fubara) and the APC (Cole) to first clear their names of allegations of corruption before seeking the mandate of the people. These serious allegations are in the public space. Rivers people cannot accept a fugitive as governor.

“RCI further calls on Governor Wike to urgently cooperate with the EFCC to vacate the perpetual court injunction stopping the anti graft agency from investigating Rivers State finances.

“The governor should seize the moment and show uncommon courage by leaving a worthy legacy in this regard. This obnoxious injunction has made Rivers State a den of barefaced treasury looters and robbers. Rivers State must be rescued.”