Wike explains delay in forming new cabinet

Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he was yet to form his cabinet because he is taking his time to seek people who would work with dedication and passion for the state.

Speaking during the submission of the report by the Committee for Accreditation and Approval of Private Schools in Rivers state at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday evening, Gov. Wike said he would not be moved by criticisms because he is committed to doing what is right for the state.

He said: “I have not formed my cabinet because I am taking my time to monitor and look at people who would work with passion for Rivers state.

“Politics is involved, but you must be ready to work for the state. That is why you see that there is a delay in the formation of the cabinet. No matter the criticism, I will do what is right.”

He said all focus must be on working for the sustained development of the state, adding that “we must work to move Rivers state forward. In doing that, we must step on toes. We can’t allow the state to be the way it is.

“I believe that with the calibre of persons who served in the committee, you have done a good job. I have confidence in the committee.”

Gov. Wike explained that he established the committee because of the urgent need to check the downward slide of private schools in the state.

He said: “People have unnecessarily commercialised education. They have become traders in the field of education. We will not allow that to continue.

“All those schools that you have denied accreditation, even the ones you have approved, I will look at them again. But specifically, the ones you have denied. They will not function in this state.

“I hope you went to the churches to investigate their schools. We cannot allow what is going on to continue. Some schools are collecting fees and killing our children and say they are giving them education.

“The 763 remaining, we will select a team to visit these schools. Any school that is not qualified to operate will not get our final approval,” he threatened.

The governor stated that his administration remains committed to addressing the infrastructural and equipment needs of public schools in the state.

He added that “I will do everything to turn around the public schools. We are about to revive Enitonna High School, Borokiri, Western Ahoada County Grammar School, Government Secondary School, Obuama, and others. We are committed to reviving all the great schools of the past,” he continued.

He set up a committee to review the report and set the template for its implementation.

Chairman of the committee, Prof. Ozo-Mercury Ndimele disclosed that 2, 651 private schools registered for the exercise out of the 5, 000 private schools in the state.