Rivers has been in darkness for long – Jackrich says as he declares to replace Wike

Tina Amanda

Governorship aspirant under the National Rescue Movement (NRM) in Rivers State, Sobomabo Jackrich, says lack of transparency and accountability in governance has continued to stiffen the collective growth and economic development of the state.

Sobomabo Jackrich who stated this while declaring his intention to join the 2023 gubernatorial race in the state, vowed to run his leadership on credible and trustworthy institutions built on principles of transparency and accountability in public service, if given the opportunity to govern the state.

He assured the people of Rivers State that through his transparent kind of governance, he will rescue the state from all forms of corruption, impunity and oppression the people have been subjected to for years, noting that the State has been listed as one of the highest debt owing states in Nigeria.

“Rivers State has been under economic siege under successive administrations, economically, we seem to have retrogressed to about 18th century. Government should have a functional administrative system such that you do not necessarily need to have any connection to the governor to benefit from the system.

“However, the situation in our hands under the present administration is such that the only functional office in the state is the office of the governor, that is the only office that decides who gets a contract, as well as determines the vendors to work with the contractor. Rivers people, it is time to rise up and resist this impunity.

“Rivers State has been in darkness for years, this present administration is nothing but a scam, do not follow who speaks too much, this is the worst government, it can not be compared with previous administration. Rivers people are tired of suffering and smiling, a government that owes pension and gratuity, no promotion, no salary arrears since its inception, our State secretariat is not functioning.

“If given the opportunity, our government will run an open governance where people can ask questions, our government can not be that of an oppressor. We will create job opportunities through various strategies, by harnessing our God given natural resources, not a government that create jobs when they are about to leave office.

“If given the mandate, what my administration will do is simple: We will first of all open up the system to ensure transparency and accountability by ensuring the functionality of all Ministries, departments and agencies of government. Transparency and accountability will be our watch word. We will lead by example. We will not hesitate to open our books and records for the purpose of financial scrutiny.

“We received a lot of backlash a few years ago when we raised the alarm of the whereabout of our 118Billion Naira withdrawn by officials of the state government without being accounted for, but recent moves by the EFCC to have declared the government officials wanted has vindicated us.

“We have been demanding for accountability from this present administration not because we disrespect them, we love them, but we cannot sacrifice our future and that of our children just so we can be in their good books”.

Also, the National Chairman, National Rescue Movement Party, Ambassador Isaac Ude, said Jackrich was the sole governorship aspirant of the party in the state, having paid his dues in the growth and development of the party.

Ude emphasized that the kind of popularity exhibited by Jackrich in Abuja was so alarming, while appreciating Rivers people for accepting a man they loves so much on behalf of the national leadership of NRM.

“I want to let him know that he has no competitor in bearing the flag of our great party. He has paid his dues and we want to pay him back.

“The only thing I want us to know is that there is a revolution we want in Rivers State, Ballot Box revolution with your PVC. It was demonstrated in Anambra State and it worked. Even with their money, they lost to Soludo. If you love Rivers State, go and get your PVC.”

The event featured good will messages in support of the governorship aspiration of Sobomabo Jackrich from various individuals and groups from across the country and the diaspora including representatives of the United Nations.