Some years back, the Rivers State environment status was so unique that international conferences were preferred to be held in Rivers State.
The Executive Governor of Rivers State His Excellency, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as he then was. Fought the Ebola threat with his Team of Commissioners. They got to the field, syncretizing, studying and monitoring the Ebola Virus battle. Amaechi and his Team became the first Star team to eradicate the Virus without Federal assistance. The people and the environment were saved by rear bravery, courage, zeal, exemplary show of steely character, is why the great Lion from the Niger Delta tribe of Ubima is being celebrated all over the country today as an authentic Nigerian hero. It also explains why, though out of elective office, Amaechi continues to command so much authority across the Land.
From the inception of Governor Wike's administration, Rivers State has experienced unprecedented Security, Environmental and Health challenges attended to, with levity.
Governor Wike's Conflict resolution methodologies were abysmal and fuelled. Arms proliferation in Rivers State moved up to a frightening proportion. The decimation of the Environment via illegal refining activities, epidemics, health challenges took preeminence without a framework for control measures.
The sudden resignation of former Commission for Health. Probably, due to poor handling of the black soot saga. Leaves an indelible question mark on the competency of Wike's administration. An ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME against Rivers people was expectedly, swept under the Executive carpet with plenty water flowing under the bridge. The lack of implementation of the relevant environmental laws and punitive measures against the Chinese outfit, led the Federal Ministry of Environment to take over the case as a matter of National Environmental Security. Comparatively, Amaechi's administration did not record a Federal take over of an incident. That was, when the driver was FULLY COMPETENT.
The recent visit of the Acting President to Rivers State opened more cans of deceit, betrayal and the level at which our dear State has failed.
That visit, was for on the spot fact finding, targeted at Kula and Umuchem Communities. The essence was to hold a direct Town hall meeting with the people in a bid to listen and harmonize what their pains and angers were. Unfortunately, not only was the meeting venue callously and maliciously diverted to the government house, the affected Communities were barred from the meeting. If not for the courage and resilience of High Chief Anabs Sara lgbe who managed to present a paper as he said " on behalf of the deprived people, who cannot present their position paper due to fake security report and the oppressed people of the Niger Delta, l present to you their position papers, believing same will be treated with care and affection". That same day , a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative was embarrassed and dragged off his seat because he is a progressive.
This administration is heading to its lowest ebb with the people suffering the end result. No thanks to Gazila Khan, Supreme Court Judges who collaboratively sentenced Rivers People to four years of political and economic hardship, unrest, underdevelopment, insecurity, lack of quality education, exposure to terminal Health Hazard.
Dear Rivers People, Very soon, THERE WILL BE A RIVERS STATE again.
~ Rowland Orlu wrote from Port Harcourt
