The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has increased the number of his Special Assistants on Political Unit Affairs from the initial 100, 000 to 200, 000.
According to a statement by his Special Assistant (Media), Kelvin Ebiri, the governor announced the new figure while inaugurating the second batch of the first 100,000 Special Assistants from Rivers East Senatorial District at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Omagwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area on Friday.
Wike explained that he had been inundated with requests from Rivers people who appealed to be considered for the appointment.
“As I speak to you, my mailbox almost crashed. People are sending text messages saying ‘why are you leaving us alone. The job is too much. This number cannot do the work’.
Read Also: Resign since you’ve confessed failing at the job – US-based prof tells Buhari’s education minister
“Therefore, a lot of Rivers people are volunteering to be part of this work. And I can announce to you today, we have increased the number from 100,000 to 200,000.”
Wike directed all political leaders of the various Local Government Areas to return home to search out trustworthy people among the lot who they consider can help the state retain its position in the comity of states.
Explaining the rationale behind the appointments, Wike said even if so much had been done, his administration was not taking the remaining few months for granted.
He explained that the Special Assistants on Political Units Affairs that have been appointed would help his administration to finish well.
“It is me who is appointing. It is me that wears the shoes that knows where it pinches. It is not you outside because you are not part of government. I know what it takes and I know that these people will help me. Now that I am finishing, I want to finish very well.”
The Rivers governor further said that the appointment aligned with his declaration on the day that the Rebisi flyover was inaugurated, to begin implementation of the policy of stomach infrastructure.
According to him, the appointment is part of stomach infrastructure and it will put money in the hands of Rivers people.
Congratulating the appointees, Wike told them to consider themselves lucky among the not less than six million Rivers people to serve under his administration.
He said because their political leaders have found them trustworthy, they should commit to performing the task given to them effectively.
The task, Wike explained, included to interface with the people to know what they are saying, their assessment of government projects, and policies, whether positive or negative, and transmit same as feedback to his office through the constituency and ward liaison officers.