Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has hinted that his administration has commenced talks with Indian authorities on how to establish a new medical school in the state.
Governor Amaechi made the disclosure while addressing the Indian Community during the Indian Cultural Association Day celebration held in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
Amaechi said the collaboration is aimed at providing manpower for the school, “once we are sure that Indians can supply us with the medical teachers then we will be ready to establish it. Because it is not good to establish a medical school without qualified teachers to teach”, he said.
Amaechi said the State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association(NMA) will also contribute in providing teaching staff, pointing out that once the new college takes off, it will provide the required manpower to man the numerous health facilities being built by his administration.
Explaining plans by his administration to evolve tougher laws on waste management, Amaechi said the measure has become imperative due to the indiscriminate dumping of refuse along the roads and streets of Port Harcourt and other public places.
He said once the laws are passed, offenders will be liable to two to three years imprisonment but stressed that, “when we get it right, we can amend the laws to six months or one month, but for now three to two years imprisonment for all those who dump wastes and refuse on the streets”.
“If the bin is around your area and you see people dumping waste along the road and you don’t do anything you too will go for three years. That way everybody becomes responsible”, he added.
Amaechi also disclosed that plans were on to amend the Rivers State law to label those who drive against traffic as criminals.
“Please don’t break the law. I don’t smile at those who break the law. I try also not to break the law, I see government officials drive against traffic, I don’t drive against traffic. I want to amend the law of Rivers State to criminalize those who drive against traffic. Those of you who use Army and Police as escorts to drive against traffic, I’m bringing two bell helicopters they are security helicopters from America, they have cameras inside, once they arrive in December, I will ban all of you who use Police and Army men on the road. The only reason why I am not doing anything about it now is because I need to enhance security”.
He thanked the Indian Community in the state for their support and patience with government during crisis times and assured them of adequate security and stable business environment.
Indian High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr. Mahesh Sachdeva commended the State Governor for his developmental efforts, especially in the area of security, “the era when Indians were kidnapped is gone,” he remarked.
He pledged collaboration in the area of health and education as he hinted of plans to establish a fertilizer plant in the state.
