IGP panel report: Federal agencies bent on distracting RSG, says Wike
The Rivers State Governor, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has berated Federal Agencies for allegedly being involved in desperate political blackmail against the state for the purpose of slowing down its rapid developmental process.
The Governor who spoke on Thursday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, when he granted audience to the Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens-Peter Kjemprud, stated that agents of the Federal Government were unhappy that Rivers as an opposition state was leading in terms of projects delivery to the people.
He told his guests: “Don’t bother about the politicking. As an opposition state, when you are doing well in terms of project execution and good governance, the Federal Government blackmails you to drive away investors. We are focused on our goal of developing our state. Therefore, we shall continue to partner with foreign and national investors to develop the Rivers economy.”
Governor Wike urged the Norwegian Government to partner with the Rivers StateGovernment in the setting up of Ship Building Company, pointing out that investing companies would receive tax relief.
The governor also called for partnership in the area of agriculture, saying that Rivers State would provide the enabling environment for commercial agriculture investors, both in fishing and crop production.
“The establishment of a ship building company will build the skill base of youths, create employment opportunities and enhance the economy of the State. That is why we are happy with the development of this partnership,” the governor said.
He also called on Norway to set up a visa centre in Port Harcourt to cater for the South-South and South-East.
In his speech earlier, the Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, Jens-Peter Kjemprud, said that Norway would support human capital development and Technology transfer in her relationship with Rivers State.
He said: “I will be supportive of any project that will enhance the economic development of Rivers State wherein Norwegian companies will be involved “.
He assured the Rivers State Governor that summits that would be beneficial to the state in the areas of fish farming and the development of a sound aquaculture.
The Norwegian Ambassador added that Norway would also collaborate with Rivers State Government in the areas of energy, ship building and manpower development.
