Rivers residents say Governor Nyesom Wike should tow the path of the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and declare his assets.
Makinde in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, revealed that his asset worth over N48 billion.
Governor Makinde listed his assets as cash both at hand and in the bank, landed properties (developed and undeveloped), household items, shares and bonds owed by him, his wife his companies.
He said that as on May 28, 2019, he had cash of N234,742,296.01.
Also, among the companies owned by Makinde include Makon Engineering and Technical Services Limited; Energy Traders and Technical Services Limited; Makon Oil and Gas Limited; Makon Group Limited, Makon Construction Limited and Makon Power System Limited. The current value of Makinde’s companies stands at N48,150,736,889 with 33,730,000 units of shares as of May 28, 2019, in the statement.
The statement also revealed details of nine buildings he owned in Nigeria, two in the United States of America and one in South Africa. He declared buildings and household items worth R4,457,554.04 in South Africa. He stated that he also has Eurobonds worth $3,793,500 shares, debentures and other securities valued at N120,500,000, among other detailed assets.
Residents who spoke to theportcitynews said it will be honourable if Wike tows the same path and makes his assets public to entrench transparency.
Mr Duke White said though Wike never promised to declare his assets during the campaigns, now that his fellow PDP governor has set the balls in motion, he should also tow the paths.
This, he said will stand the governor out as a pacesetter.
Another reside, Joycelyn Amadi said it has become a necessity for governors to declare their assets, adding that the secrecy which shrouds what governors own will not help in the advancement of democracy.
To Dumle Kiagbara, asking Wike to declare his assets is like asking Buhari to convert to Christianity. It is impossible.
He said: “Although he never promised to make his assets public, there is an arrogance attached to power in Nigeria.
“Even Buhari who promised to do so has reneged on his promise. They don’t want people to know how to they use public funds to fund their expensive lifestyles.
“The Oyo governor set the pace. He is already a billionaire and would not care much about public funds but Wike, it will entrench transparency if he does but we have to tell ourselves the truth, it is impossible. It is like asking President to convert to Christianity” he said.
