Wike inaugurates panel to probe Amaechi

One month after Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state, threatened to probe the administration of Chibuike Amaechi, his predecessor, he has inaugurated a seven-man judicial commission of inquiry (JCI) to investigate Amaechi’s tenure.

Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of the panel, Wike charged the commission to ascertain the sale of valued assets of the state and other related matters with a view to finding out the legality of such transactions.

He noted that the probe was in conformity with section 2 (1) of the commission of inquiry law of Rivers.

Wike directed the panel to investigate the sale of Omoku 150 MW Gas Turbine, Afam 360 MW Gas Turbine, Trans-Amadi 136 Gas Turbine and Eleme 75 MW gas Turbine.

He also asked the panel to investigate the alleged withdrawal and expenditure of the accrued N96 billion from the Rivers Reserve Fund without compliance with Rivers State Reserve Fund Law N0. 2 of 2008 and non-execution of some contracts, which part payments had been made.

The commission is also to investigate the non-execution of the contract for the construction of Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital after the payment of $39,200,000 to the contractor.

George Emereji, chairman of the commission, promised to ensure that the truth prevails, adding that the panel would pursue its terms of reference with firmness and sincerity.

He called for support of the people in order to be able to achieve the desired result in their investigations.

The commission was given one month to conclude its assignment and submit its report.

Other members of the commission are Edith Chukwu, Monday Ekekenta, Alex Usifo Ignatius Piegbara, Florence Fiberesima and Zacheaus Adango.