• ‘Ekwueme was outstanding democrat, exemplary statesman’
From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, has administered the oath of office on 39 special advisers and urged them to use their appointments to develop the state.
Wike also swore in a new Permanent Secretary, Mr. Paulinus Nsirim, as part of processes of re-positioning the state’s civil service.
The governor urged the appointees to see their appointments as a call to service, and added that they should work to establish their place in the history of the state.
Performing the swearing-in, yesterday, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike directed the Head of Service to effect posting of all permanent secretaries after the inauguration.
“There is no money to be made in government. What you have is the opportunity to serve and you must make the best of this opportunity.
“That you are a part of this administration is a privilege. It is a privilege that you are part of those transforming the state for the good of the people,” Wike said.
He said the administration is for the generality of the people, and noted that projects and programmes would be executed for their welfare.
Governor Wike had earlier relieved all special advisers of their appointments, leaving only his special adviser on Religious Matters. Thirty-four, out of the 39 aides to the governor, were re-appointed.
Meanwhile, Wike has commiserated with Nigerians, the government and people of Anambra State, as well as the family of the former vice president, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, over his passage.
Wike, in a statement by his media aide on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, described Ekwueme as an “outstanding democrat, compassionate leader, true patriot and exemplary statesman.”
He said the late vice president would be missed by lovers of democracy and development.
The governor extended his deepest condolences to Nigerians, and noted that he was pained by Ekwueme’s demise.
He prayed God to grant the family of the former vice president the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
In another development,, Wike has called for the promotion of indigenous languages, through translation of the Holy Bible.
Wike said this, yesterday, during a courtesy visit by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Okrika Local Government Area, and commended them for translating the Holy Bible into Okrika language.
He said the government would support the project for the translation of the Holy Bible into Okrika language by the group.
He said: “I am impressed with the translation of the Holy Bible into Okrika language. We encourage other ethnic groups to translate the Holy Bible into their respective languages.
“Understanding will be easier if the Bible is duly translated into other languages. The Rivers State government will continue to promote indigenous languages.”
The governor urged Christians to pray for the state for enhanced development across the communities.
“We will not let the church down. We shall continue to work for sustainable development across the state. We urge the church to pray for greater development in the state,” he said.
Earlier, CAN spokesman, Okrika branch and Anglican Bishop of Okrika Diocese, Rev. Tubokosemie Abere, commended the governor for his outstanding achievements which had earned him awards across the globe.
The association called on Governor Wike to heed the calls of Rivers people by presenting himself for re-election.