By Audrey Lotechukwu
FRI 19 FEB, 2021-theGBJournal- The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has served notice to the Nigeria Governors Forum of his intention to contest their endorsement of fresh withdrawal of fund by the Federal Government from the Excess Crude Account.
The Governor also warned that he will not support the plan for a fresh withdrawal except Rivers State is given its 13% share from the account, wondering what happened to the 1$ billion withdrawn from the Account in 2017 on the stance that it will be used to fund the fight against Boko Haram insurgents in the North East.
‘’Yesterday, I was told that the governors agreed that they will take money from the Excess Crude Account to support the Military. What of the one they took before, the $1 billion that they gave the military. Now again! This one, I will go to court. I will not support that one except they will give us our 13% from the Excess Crude Account.’’
Wike made his stand know Friday at the Government House, Port Harcourt when he played host to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, who was on a courtesy visit to the State.
Wike’s discussion with the Emir touched on pressing national issues as well, including the security situation in the country, ethnicity and religion. He criticised heads of security agencies in the country, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP) who he accused of ‘’politicising security by posting Commissioners of Police to the State on order of politicians in the ruling party.’’
The Emir said his visit to Rivers State, is part of his fraternal tour to national leaders and institutions across the country. He urged the Governor and other regional leaders to continue to ensure that the region remains a welcoming environment for all Nigerians to thrive.
The Emir noted that Kano and Rivers State face similar challenges and encouraged political leaders to make the current challenges a bit more bearable for the common man.
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