The Action Congress of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter has called on Governor Rotimi Amaechi to march his words with action particularly on issues of provision of basic amenities and development infrastructure.
This is contained in a statement issued and signed on behalf of the party by its publicity secretary, Jerry Needam.
The statement recalled that the Rivers State Governor in October 2011 promised delivery of 200 schools to 200 communities in 200 days but regretted that what is on ground is far less than what he promised. Infact, even the few that have been built are either not completed or completed but not furnished and used by the students or pupils.
Citing specific examples, the ACN image maker, Jerry Needam noted that Community Secondary School, Nkporgu in Port Harcourt was demolished in 2011 and the displaced students asked to join other schools in Elekahia. Since 2011 till date, the school building is at lintel level with no hope of being completed soon as the place is over grown with grasses, becoming hideout for criminals and abode for reptiles. “This is just one of several others”. He remarked.
Governor Amaechi’s well publicized statement in October 2011 titled, “Operation Deliver 200 Schools In 200 Days”, categorically assured the people of Rivers State that by January next year (2012) the Rivers State Government would deliver 200 schools to 200 communities in 200 days. Amaechi also said the plan was part of his strategy to ensure that remote communities in the state enjoyed first class educational facilities, but all to no avail one year after, the ACN pointed out.
“Our concerned here is that if schools in the state capital (Port Harcourt) are left uncompleted for about two years, what would be the fate of the remote communities in the state? We feel pained by the tales of woes and anguish of the displaced students and pupils who have been denied their fundamental right to education and right to live, Jerry Needam stated.
“For the sake of these students and pupils, and at least to save our educational system, we appeal to Governor Amaechi to make do his promises and stop playing politics with the future of our children”.
“We also desire to know what his constraints are and also hope that with the N120bn loan facility he would complete not only the schools but other infrastructural projects that have been abandoned for so long”.
