Wike demands for state control of resources, speaks with US ambassador

- Governor Nyesom Wike, a former minister in the administration of Goodluck Jonathan, said his people wanted to be in control of their own resources

- Wike said the people of Rivers believed more in true federalism where there is equitable distribution of resources owned by them

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has declared that his people want true federalism because they want a country where all the federating units are allowed to develop in line with their respective potentials and resources.

According to Wike, the demand for true federalism simply means that the Rivers people believe in a united Nigeria, where no section is denied the control of her resources.

Speaking at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital in the night of Tuesday, June 13 when he hosted the ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria, Mr William Symington, the governor urged that the foreign country should set up a visa office in the state to cater for the south-south and the south-east.

Wike also asked that the US create a visa office in his state

“We are clamouring for true federalism. When you talk true federalism, they think you don't want to be part of the country.

“We talk about true federalism as practised in America, a true presidential system where all the federating units will be allowed to enjoy their resources and contribute to the centre.

“That means we believe that there must be a country called Nigeria. All of us will work together for the unity of the country,” he said.

Governor Wike said the visa office would resolve the issue of equity and justice as the Abuja office serves the north and Lagos office serves the South West.

He assured that the American Ambassador that the state is safe for business, pledging that his administration will partner with investors, as the right environment has already been created.

"Forget about the media propaganda. This state is an opposition state.

Therefore, don't expect them to say it is the best. But, we are the best state. We are doing everything to ensure that investors do profitable business under the ambit of the law,” Governor Wike said.

On his part, Ambassador Symington commended Nigerians for the unity of the country.

He said: “Nigeria will be great and I expect a super power and a super partner.”

Recently, Sebkeyzblog .com reported thatGovernor Nyesom Wike pleaded with the leadership of the United Nations to prevail on the federal government to implement the clean up of Ogoni-land.

The clean-up was flagged off in 2016 by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

Wike spoke at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday, June 8 when he granted audience to the United Nations Resident/Humanitarian coordinator, Mr Edward Kallon regretting that nothing has so far been done on the Ogoni clean up.

Watch as former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, now a minister in the government of Muhammadu Buhari, speaks passionately about the president's successes so far: