Rivers Gov’t Debunks Receipt Of FG’s N78Bn Refund
Rivers State Government has debunked the misconception that it has received N78 billion refunds from the Federal Government.
The state commissioner for information and communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, clarified recently in a radio programme.
Pastor Nsirim explained that there is a huge difference between the approval and release of funds.
“As at today, the Rivers State government is yet to receive the N78 billion. There is so much misconception out there. There is a difference between approval and release of funds.
“When the money is released, it cannot be a secret because in government circles such information cannot be hidden.
“Let me state categorically that if the money is received today, it will be made public. So, this idea of peddling the propaganda that the money has been received by mischief makers is quite unfortunate,” he stated.
He also used the opportunity to clear the air on the questions being asked in several quarters over what the state government needs more loans for when it has N78 billion, saying, “you cannot plan with what you do not have.”
The commissioner also assured Rivers people that when the refund is finally received, the state government would use it judiciously for the benefit of the people.
“If the refund is received, they can always count on Governor Nyesom Wike to use it judiciously to increase the infrastructural development of the state.
In another development, the state government has approved the dissolution of the State Task Force on Illegal Street Trading and Motor Parks with immediate effect.
A statement signed by the commissioner said, “Consequently the special assistant to the governor in charge of the task force, Mr Bright Amaewhule, has been relieved of his appointment”.
The statement continued that “members of the task force are hereby directed to return the operational vehicles and identity cards of the body to the Office of the Secretary to State Government not later than 4 pm, Wednesday, August 12, 2020.
“They will be paid their salaries as they return the vehicles and identity cards. The government will reconstitute the task force after proper orientation and training”.
