Wike Sets Up Panel To Probe Amaechi , Seeks Buhari ’ s Support To Recover Looted Funds

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on Friday inaugurated a

judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the immediate past

administration of Governor Chibuike Amaechi.

The seven-man panel was inaugurated at Government House, Port

Harcourt, the state capital.

Wike said at the inauguration that the probe was in conformity with section 2 (1) of the Commission of Inquiry Law of Rivers State.

He tasked the commission to ascertain the sale of valued assets of Rivers and other related matters with a view to finding out the legality of such transactions.

The panel was also charged to probe the sale of Omoku 150 MW Gas Turbine; Afam 360 MW Gas Turbine; Trans-Amadi 136 Gas Turbine and Eleme 75 MW gas Turbine.

The panel is also to investigate the withdrawal and expenditure of the accrued N96 billion from the Rivers Reserve Fund without compliance with Rivers State Reserve Fund Law N0. 2 of 2008.

The governor, who restated his administration’s commitment to due process, also urged the panel to investigate the non-execution of some contracts, major part of which had been paid for.

The commission is also to investigate the non-execution of the contract for the construction of Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital after the payment of $39,200,000 to the contractor.

In his response, Chairman of the commission, Justice George Emereji, vowed to ensure that the truth prevailed as they would pursue their terms of reference with firmness and sincerity.

He, therefore, called for the support of the people to enable them to achieve the desired result in their investigations.

The commission has one month within which to conclude its assignment and submit its report to the governor.

Meanwhile, Gov. Wike has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to assist him in recovering state funds allegedly looted under the Amaechi administration.

He made the call while receiving the report of the transition committee he set up, headed by the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Tele Ikuru.

He said: “I am confident that President Buhari will support my administration in the quest to tackle the massive corruption that characterised the Amaechi administration.

“We are aware that the immediate past administration and her officials will resort to blackmail and propaganda for the purpose of diverting attention from their corrupt practices. We shall remain focused on the task of getting back Rivers State resources and assets”.