TheCable

Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers, says the state won’t owe any debt when he’s handing over to his successor.

Wike spoke on Wednesday at the inauguration of the renal centre and officers’ quarters of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).

In 2015, when he was elected governor, Wike had accused Rotimi Amaechi, his predecessor, of leaving behind an “empty treasury”.

“If there was any money left, why was the former governor unable to pay to two months’ salaries of civil servants, six months’ pension arrears for retired civil servants, and the state could not pay WAEC fees?” Wike had asked.

Speaking at the inauguration of the facility on Wednesday, the governor said he wants his successor to start on a “clean note”.

“I have told anybody who cares. I will not leave a debt — one naira debt — for my successor. I will not. I want him to start on a clean note,” Wike said.

“Let him not say I came and met a debt of N50 billion. Of course, I will not do that.

“It is not about how much money you have amassed; it is what legacy you have put on the ground that once you leave, can you turn left or right and say I am happy, I am justified, I have not disappointed my people?

“I made promises and those promises have been fulfilled. I can put my two hands in my pockets and walk confidently on the road and say I thank God Almighty for the opportunity.”

The governor said he is satisfied with his achievements as governor, adding that the people of the state are pleased with him.