Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says Nigeria’s development
will remain stunted without strong institutions that will promote the
devolution of power.
Governor Wike made the assertion at an event to mark Nigeria’s 60th
Independence Day celebration at Government House, Port Harcourt.
He said it was time for Nigerians to confront core political and
economic issues that hamper sustained growth.
According to him, to put Nigeria on the path of progressive growth, the
rule of law, a fraud-proof electoral system, effective neutrality of law
enforcement agencies, and the independence of the judiciary should be
put in place.
“We may gloat in the limited progress that we have made since
independence. It is true that we have achieved relative expansion in
access to education, healthcare, and the socio-economic infrastructure.
“But if we fail to give considerations to the serious challenges
preventing us, we cannot build a free, fair, and just nation that will
command the total loyalty of all nationalities.
“Let us, therefore, resolve to take the right step to institutionalise
the necessary constitutional and political systems that will enable us
to build a free, sovereign democratic and functional nation”, he stated.
Governor Wike noted that at independence, there was an effective
democracy, regional autonomy, and fiscal federalism.
Those principles, he said, guided the political, social, and economic
relations between the central government and the regional constitutional
regions until they were frustrated.
“Our founding fathers envisioned to build our nation with due regards to
our diversities and with visionary enthusiasm. They provided basic
building blocks for sustaining a united, peaceful, and prosperous
Nigeria with a functional constitution document.
“No one part or region was deliberately denied against what was due to
it. No ethnic nationality was politically and economically favoured
unduly above all others by the central government.
“Under this arrangement, Nigeria thrived on a peaceful and progressive
path. Unfortunately, the fundamental principles of negotiated
constitutional regional autonomy and federal government were blatantly
jettisoned,” he said.
Governor Wike restated that Rivers state would continue to promote the
unity of the country and ensure the peaceful coexistence of all
residents.
According to him, efforts will be sustained in improving the standard
of living, expand healthcare delivery, and pursue accelerated economic
growth.
” There is an unprecedented investment in the provision of
socio-economic infrastructure across the state.
” We are constructing roads, flyovers, jetties, markets, and
expanding healthcare and education facilities throughout the state
including the rural areas. This is to accelerate economic growth and
make life more meaningful for our people.
“We have spared no effort in advancing and achieving security. Rivers
state is now reckoned as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria with
much-improved business environment that is attracting investors.
Clearly, we have a bright future”, he emphasised.
The Governor also commended the military for their efforts in curbing
banditry, and all forms of insurgency to defend the sovereignty of the
country.
Earlier, Governor Wike had inspected the parade mounted by the Nigeria
Police at the brief ceremony that also featured the release of Peace
Pigeons.