Wike: I cannot be compelled to publish my assets

Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state, says there is no law compelling him to publish his assets.

Wike said some government officials use asset declaration as an avenue for stealing, saying he had already declared his assets in compliance with the law.

He was speaking through Opunabo Inko-Tariah, his special adviser on media and publicity.

“There is no law compelling him to make his declaration public. He has already declared his assets to the relevant authority,” he said.

“Let me also say that it is not just about asset declaration; it has to do with the sincerity of the person because some may over-declare when they want to steal in future. So, they declare to accommodate theft in future.

“Some may also declare for whatever reason; maybe they have held public offices in the past and they don’t want people to know that they have stolen money. So, people will declare; it is not all about the declaration of assets.

“What is crucial is the sincerity of the person declaring.”