Rivers State Government has filed criminal charges against former Governor Rotimi Amaechi over the alleged misuse of 96 billion Naira which accrued from the sales of state assets.
Incumbent Governor, Nyesom Wike, had instituted a commission of inquiry to look into the alleged sale of valuable assets such as Omoku Gas Turbine, Afam Gas Turbine, Trans Amadi Gas Turbine, Eleme Gas Turbine, Olympia Hotel and the award of contract for the execution of a Mono Rail Project.
Last month, the Supreme Court dismissed an application by former Governor Amaechi, challenging the probe.
Speaking at the swearing in of three new Commissioners at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Wike announced the decision of “leaders of the state” to prosecute the former Governor and an energy firm, Sahara Energies indicted in the deals.
The firm is co-founded by a businessman, Tonye Cole who is now the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State.
Governor Wike also directed the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Rivers State, Professor Zaccheaus Adangor to write a strong protest letter to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) to stop what he called “harassment” of the immediate past Accountant General of the State, Siminialayi Fubara who is now the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State.
Governor Wike was reacting to the recent attempt by the Commission to arrest Mr. Fubara at the Port Harcourt International Airport on his return from Abuja, where he was issued the Certificate of Return by the National Leadership of the PDP.
The EFCC has admitted making such attempts, but said its men where prevented by armed thugs who attacked the operatives.
Governor Wike said the State woukd be compelled to file for contempt against the EFCC, if it continues the harassment.
Mr. Fubara and other top officials of the Rivers State Government were declared wanted over an alleged fraud of 117Biliion Naira.
On the reconstitution of the cabinet which he dissolved two weeks ago, Governor Wike said he would take his time to appoint party men who are willing, committed and loyal.
The Commissioners that were sworn in are, Professor Zaccheaus Adangor (SAN) who is to continue in his former office as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Isaac Kamalu who is also re-appointed as Commissioner for Finance, while third a candidate, Alabo George-Kelly will be in charge of the State Ministry of Works and also oversee the affairs of his former office on Special Project. (Channels TV)
