•Gov expresses satisfaction with Port Harcourt mall construction
Tony John, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, has countered a statement credited to a pro-Chibuike Amaechi group, intended to cause distraught in the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration.
Banigo, who spoke through her media aide, Owupele Benibo, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, accused the former governor and Minister of Transportation, Amaechi, of using a faceless group as a “smokescreen to cause disaffection” between her and her boss.
The deputy governor emphasised that she enjoys cordial relationship with the governor, adding that the question of Governor Wike being despotic, is a fallacy.
She said a group called ‘The Inter-Ethnic Network for Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’, had published a statement, purporting “to save the Office of the Deputy Governor of Rivers State from despotic political manipulations
The deputy governor said Wike has never oppressed her or undermined her office, and called on members of the public to discountenance the statement meant to cause disharmony in the state government, and the sponsor achieve ‘unsolicited support’.
“We wish to state categorically that the Banigo and Wike, enjoy a cordial relationship and the governor has never in any guise oppressed the deputy governor or undermined her office.
“The Constitution of Nigeria has marshalled out the duties of the vice president and the deputy governors and these roles are being played by Dr. Banigo without hindrance.
“Insinuations that she is a victim of high level political power play within the Government House is a figment of the imagination of the authors.
“The issue of poor funding of my office is laughable. Governor Wike has continued to demonstrate the fact that he is a prudent manager of human and material resources. This is why a large chunk of the budget is dedicated to capital expenditure to fast track the development of the State” Banigo said.
Meanwhile, Governor Wike has declared that the construction of West Africa’s largest supermarket in Port Harcourt, underscores the importance of the city as an investment destination.
Wike spoke yesterday, after inspecting the ongoing construction of Next Shopping Mall at the Trans-Amadi area of Port Harcourt, stating that his administration would support the investor by reconstructing the roads leading to the mall.
He expressed satisfaction with the investment, which, he said, would create employment opportunities for residents and the host community.
The governor thanked the private investor, Mr. Ndibe Obi, for choosing Port Harcourt, for the mall, saying the city has all the facilities that would attract credible private investors.
Wike said: “I am highly impressed by what I have seen here today. We will encourage the investor, who has put in his resources and time to see that this is done in Port Harcourt.
We encourage others to come to Port Harcourt.
“In supporting him, we will make sure that the roads leading to this facility are reconstructed to enhance the value of the shopping mall.