Rivers State Abolishes Discriminatory Policy Against Non-Indigenes

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Thursday, May 1st, 2014

By IGNATIUS OKPARA

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, of Rivers state has abolished the concept of non-indigenes, a policy that discriminates against people from other parts of Nigerian, living in the state.

Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi

It would be recalled that his APC governor counterpart, Aliyu Wammako of Sokoto State, similarly abolished the policy in his state on March 8, 2014

Governor Amaechi, made this known Wednesday while welcoming a large crowd of non-indigenes in the State who paid him a solidarity visit at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

The governor, told his guests, all members of the Non Indigenes Political Forum (NIPF), a support group of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State: “I don’t believe in ‘non-indigeneship’. As far as I am concerned, you are entitled to everything if you have lived in Rivers State for at least five years.

“We are all Rivers indigenes. If you go anywhere around this state and they are segregating against you, please, call my attention.

“The reason is that we are all Nigerians and we remain bonafide citizens of this country. The All Progressives Congress (APC) believes that there is need for change because the government in power does not want money to reach you.

“We need the bottom-top approach for our people to benefit and improve their standard of living.” he stated

Governor Ameachi, also announced the approval of a bus for the NIPF and 20 per cent scholarship for non-indigenes in the State amongst other largesse.

His announcement threw the thousands of visitors into frenzy, as it became a serious task for the security personnel at the Government House to control the unprecedented jubilating crowd.

High Chief Williams Samuel Ubaka, a chieftain of the forum, presented the delegation’s address on behalf of the Coordinator of the Forum, Chief Uchenna Okokoba.

Ubaka had told Governor Amaechi: “We are particularly happy with the uncommon transformation of your administration, and especially, in the areas of good and accessible roads, healthcare services, education, particularly, the world-class model primary and secondary schools that have admitted our children on scholarship; we are most grateful.”

He also thanked Amaechi, for employing 20 per cent of non-indigenes during the last teachers’ recruitment exercise, and the appointment of their sons into political offices to pilot the affairs of the state.

The visitors made further demands, among them the provision of vehicles for the NIPF, pilgrimage slots for non-indigenes, implementation of employment and scholarship quota, empowerment and skill acquisitions, as well as reduction of burial fees at the Port Harcourt Cemetery and happily the Governor approved all the requests presented by the NIPF.

In his remarks, chairman of Rivers State chapter of All Progressive Change, APC Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, applauded the Governor for carrying non-indigenes along in his administration of the State.

He added that by so doing, he has demonstrated to the entire nation that he is a true nationalist and a patriotic Nigerian whose love for all Nigerians is no longer in doubt.

Dr. Ikanya boasted that no other government in Nigeria has done for the non indigenes in any part of Nigeria what Gov. Amaechi has done for those residing in Rivers State.