As the political permutations of who occupies the Rivers state government Bricks House come May 29, 2023 ranges, a governorship hopeful on the platform of National Rescue Movement (NRM), Sobomabo Jackrich, says lack of transparency and accountability in governance has continued to stiffen the collective growth and economic development of Rivers state.
Addressing a mammoth crowd on May 7, 2022, who witnessed his official declaration to context for the elective position of governor of Rivers state during the 2023 general elections, at Lemaco Halls and Gardens along Ada George Road in Port Harcourt; Jackrich vowed to entrench transparency and accountability in public service beginning with ensuring the functionality of all government ministries, departments and agencies of Rivers state government, if given the opportunity to govern the state.
“Rivers State has been under economic siege under successive administrations; economically, we seem to have retrogressed to the 18th century administrative pattern. Government should have a functional administrative system such that you don’t necessarily need to have any connection to the governor to benefit from the system”
“However, the situation in our hands under the present administration is such that, the only functional office in the state is the office of the governor, that is the only office that decides who gets a what, as well as determines the vendors to work with all the contractors. Rivers people, it is time to rise up and resist this impunity!” Ambassador Jackrich stated.
He expressed that openness, transparency and accountability should be the watch word of his administration, which according to him brings about functional administrative system in governance.
“If given the mandate, what my administration will do is simple: We will first open up the system to ensure transparency and accountability by ensuring the functionality of all Ministries, departments and agencies of government. Transparency and accountability will be our watch word. We will lead by example. We will not hesitate to open our books and records for the purpose of financial scrutiny” Sobomabo averred.
Ambassador Jackrich promised all inclusive government as he criticized the pattern of accountability with the present administration in Rivers which has created hatred for anybody that has question the method of the system.
“We received a lot of backlash a few years ago when we raised the alarm of the whereabouts of our 118Billion Naira withdrawn by officials of the state government without being accounted for, but recent move by the EFCC to have declared the government officials wanted has vindicated us”
“We have been demanding for accountability from this present administration not because we disrespect them, we love them, but we cannot sacrifice our future and that of our children just so we can be in their good books”. He posited.
Speaking earlier, on behalf of the National working committee of National Rescue Movement (NRMl, the national chairman, Ambassador Isaac Udeh, said Jackrich was the sole governorship aspirant of the party in the state, having paid his dues in the growth and development of the party, he now the candidate of the party in Rivers state.
“The kind of popularity exhibited by Jackrich in Abuja was so alarming. I want to appreciate Rivers people for standing by him. On behalf of the national leadership of NRM, we love him so much. I want to let him know that he has no competitor(s) to be the candidate of our great party. He has paid his dues and we want to pay him back”.
Ambassador Udeh prophesied that there is going be a Ballot Box revolution in Rivers state which masses Permanent Voters Card (PVC) will enhance in the state.
“The only thing I want us to you know as my students, is that there is a revolution we want in Rivers State; Ballot Box revolution, with your PVC is possible. It was demonstrated in Anambra State and it worked. Even with their money, the lost to Soludo. If your love Rivers State, go and get your PVC.” Udeh prophesied
High point of the event was goodwill messages, cultural dances and display, comedy show and funfairs.
some dignitaries that graced the event included the national and Rivers state working committee of NRM. United Nation’s representative, High Chief James Francis. President Ogbako Ikwerre United States, James Wali. President Nation Union of Rivers state Students’ Monmon Beate Precious.
Others are former governorship candidate in Rivers state, Collins Ndegwe, religious leaders, the academia. traditional rulers, opinion moulders, and leaders from across Rivers state, women group and Sobomabo Jackrich support groups from across the country and in the diaspora
