Rivers Govt files criminal charges against Amaechi over alleged N96bn fraud

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike says the State has filed criminal charges against former Governor Rotimi Amaechi over the alleged misuse of 96 billion Naira which accrued from the sales of state assets.

Governor Wike had instituted a commission of inquiry to look into the alleged sale of valuable assets such as Omoku Gas Turbine, Afam Gas Turbine, Trans Amadi Gas Turbine, Eleme Gas Turbine, Olympia Hotel and the award of contract for the execution of Mono Rail Project.

Last month, the Supreme Court dismissed an application by former Governor Amaechi, challenging the probe.

Governor Wike, while swearing in three new Commissioners at the Government House in Port Harcourt, announced the decision of the leaders of the state to prosecute the former Governor and an energy firm, Sahara Energies indicted in the deals.

The firm is co-founded by a businessman, Tonye Cole who is now the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State.

Governor Wike also directed the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Rivers State, Professor Zaccheaus Adangor to write a strong protest letter to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) to stop what he called an harassment of the immediate past Accountant General of the State, Siminialayi Fubara who is now the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State.

Governor Wike was reacting to the recent attempt by the Commission to arrest Mr. Fubara at the Port Harcourt International Airport on his return from Abuja, after he was issued the Certificate of Return by the National Leadership of the PDP.

The EFCC has admitted making such attempt, but said its men where prevented by armed thugs who attacked the operatives.

Governor Wike says the State will be forced to file for contempt of the EFCC continues the harassment, saying the Commission has been retained by courts of competent jurisdiction from investigating the a accounts of the Rivers State Government.

Mr. Fubara and other top officials of the Rivers State Government were declared wanted over an alleged fraud of 117Biliion Naira.

On the reconstitution of the cabinet which he dissolved two weeks ago, Governor Wike he will take his time to appoint party men who are willing, committed and loyal.

The Commissioners that were sworn in are, Professor Zaccheaus Adangor (SAN) who is to continue in his former office as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Isaac Kamalu who is also re-appointed as Commissioner for Finance, while third candidate, Alabo George-Kelly will be in charge of the State Ministry of Works and also oversee the affairs of his former office on Special Project. (Channels TV)