Governor-elect Wike and Amaechi Set To Clash

22 days to the May 29 handover date in Rivers state, the transition committee set up by the State’s Governor-elect, Chief Nyesome Wike, has condemned what it regards as an irresponsible move by the incumbent governor, Rotimi Amaechi to dodge its responsibility.

Report made available by Punch, the transition committee of Chief Nyesome Wike, criticized the alleged refusal of the State Government led by Governor Amaechi to also set up its own transition committee.

According to Wike’s transition committee, letters sent to the state governor by personal delivery and courier service on the need for him (Amaechi) to establish a transition committee were rejected and returned.

This was disclosed by the Secretary to the Transition Committee set up by the incoming governor, Mr. Frank Owhor, who told newsmen in Port Harcourt on Thursday, that a top ranking officer had disclosed to his committee that government employees were asked not to receive any correspondence from Wike’s transition committee.

Owhor also noted that the mails dispatched to the governor electronically and delivered to the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. George Feyii, were not acknowledged.

He described the governor’s refusal as irresponsible and an embarrassment to the people of the state, adding that the state government was expected to set up its own committee to interface with the committee of the incoming government.

“In the current democratic dispensation, the Federal Government led by President Goodluck Jonathan has already set up a transition committee. President-elect has also set up a transition committee, which incidentally had Governor Rotimi Amaechi, CON as member.

“In many states in Nigeria, especially those in which the PDP lost to the APC, transition committees have been set up by the respective outgoing governments. Special mention must be made of Benue, Niger and Kaduna States.

“Unfortunately, the outgoing Government of Rivers State led by Governor Rotimi Amaechi has refused, failed and neglected to set up its transition committee. Governor Amaechi has rejected all entreaties for a peaceful transition in the state,” he said.

Owhor however, called on Amaechi’s outgoing administration to act responsibly by setting up a transition committee.