The governor of Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom Wike, yesterday walked the talk of implementing the policy of stomach infrastructure by increasing the number of special assistants on political unit affairs from 100, 000 to 200, 000.
He announced this during the inauguration of the new special assistants Batch 2 from Rivers East Senatorial district at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Omagwa in Ikwerre local government yesterday.
He said the appointment was in fulfillment of his promise during the commissioning of Rebisi flyover that he would begin the implementation of stomach infrastructure policy “and it will put money in the hands of Rivers people.”
Wike said he had been inundated with requests from Rivers people who appealed to be considered for the appointment.
“As I speak to you, my mailbox almost crashed. People are sending text messages saying ‘why are you leaving us alone, the job is too much. This number cannot do the work’.
“Therefore, a lot of Rivers people are volunteering to be part of this work. And I can announce to you today, we have increased the number from 100,000 to 200, 000,” he said.
The governor directed all political leaders of the various local government areas to return home to search out trustworthy people among the lot who they consider that can help the state retain its position in the comity of states.
To those who do not understand the rationale for the appointment, Wike said even if so much had been done, his administration was not taking the remaining few months for granted.
He informed that the special assistants would help his administration to finish well.
“It is me who is appointing. It is me that wears the shoes that knows where it pinches. It is not you outside because you are not part of government. I know what it takes and I know that these people will help me. Now that I am finishing, I want to finish very well.” SIC
Congratulating the appointees, he told them to consider themselves lucky among the no fewer than 6 million Rivers people to serve under his administration.
He said their political leaders found them trustworthy adding that they should commit to doing the task given to them effectively.
The tasks, according to him, include interfacing with the people to know what they are saying, assessing government’s projects and policies, whether positive or negative and transmitting same as feedback to his office through the constituency and ward liaison officers.
