True federalism only solution to peace in Nigeria – Wike

By John Amieyeofori

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers states has called for true federalism in Nigeria to enable each part of the country to develop according to their ability.

The governor’s Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, said in a statement that Wike made the call when he hosted the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr William Symington.

He explained that Rivers people wanted a country where all the federating units were allowed to develop according to their resources.

Wike said the demand for true federalism meant that Rivers people believed in one united Nigeria, where no section was denied the control of its own resources.

“We are clamouring for true federalism, when you talk of 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, ‘’ Wike said.

He said the people believed that there must be a country called Nigeria in which everyone would work together to achieve unity and progress.

The governor said Rivers people sought to be treated with equity, fairness and justice.

He said that the right framework should be established to ensure that all the states excelled at their own pace.

He urged the U.S. Government to set up a visa office in Port Harcourt to cater to the South-South and the Southeast geo-political zones.

Wike said that the visa office would be in the spirit of equity and justice as the Abuja office served the North, while the Lagos office served the South-West.

He said Rivers was safe for investments and promised that his administration would partner investors to enable them to benefit from their investments.

‘’We are the best state, we are doing everything to ensure that investors do profitable business under the ambit of the law,” the governor said.

The ambassador commended Nigerians for their unity and added: “Nigeria will be great and I expect a super power and a super partner. ” (NAN)