Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that former Governor Rotimi Amaechi left an empty treasury, saying that the former governor left a grounded state with no resources .
Speaking during the Rivers State Civil Service Day on Tuesday , Governor Wike said that he met a state without resources, wondering why the former governor would leave debts if the state had resources.
According to him: “If there was any money left, why was the former governor unable to pay the two months salaries of civil servants, six months pension arrears for retired civil servants and the state could not pay WAEC fees “.
The governor said that his administration has been able to overcome the challenges of lack of resources occasioned by the failure of the last administration to respect the principles of probity and accountability.
He said that the New Rivers Vision of his administration is aimed at repositioning the civil service for greater productivity.
Governor Wike noted that the State Civil Service has a critical role to play in the revival of the state.
He said : ” I wish to reiterate our promise to prioritize the welfare of the State’s Civil Service. Clearly, we have demonstrated good faith and commitment by clearing the backlog of outstanding arrears of unpaid salaries and pension benefits owed to civil servants by the past administration.
“We have also un-freezed the payment of overheads to the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Plans for training for enhanced capacity building and effective service delivery are underway. Similarly, the State Secretariat complex and the offices will receive the necessary restoration and face-lift to provide for the desired conducive work environment.”
Speaking further, the governor urged civil servants to remain non partisan and be loyal and committed to the administration.
He assured that his administration will favour women in appointments and delegation of key responsibilities.
In his remarks, Head of Service, Mr Rufus Godwins commended the governor for his commitment to the welfare of civil servants, especially the payment of two months salaries owed by the previous administration.
Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Mr Oris Onyiri urged the civil servants to reciprocate the kind gesture of the governor by improving on their performance.
The Rivers State Civil Service Day and Awards Celebration was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo amongst others. It had as its theme: “The role of the public service in women empowerment, innovation and accessible service delivery “.###
