By Desire Uzochukwu
Two pressure groups in Rivers State have called for the enforcement of a white paper on the sale of state-owned assets during the administration of former Governor Chibuike Amaechi, but the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed them as faceless and unrecognised by law.
The Coalition for Accountability in Rivers State (CARS) and the Rivers Patriotic Forum (RPF) urged the state government to begin implementing the white paper, while the ADC challenged the groups’ legitimacy and questioned their standing to speak on the matter.
The groups made the call in Port Harcourt, seeking a review of the circumstances surrounding the disposal of some state-owned assets, including power plants and the Olympia Hotel, during Amaechi’s administration.
The controversy follows a Commission of Inquiry constituted by the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike and chaired by retired Justice George Omereji to investigate alleged sales of state assets. The inquiry’s findings led to the release of a white paper.
In a joint statement signed by CARS Convener, Bekwele Davis, and RPF Coordinator, Moses Fabian Urang, the groups said implementing the white paper would promote accountability and help resolve outstanding questions over the management of public assets.
Reading the statement on behalf of the organisations, Urang said the government needed to clarify the status of the commission’s recommendations and any recovery measures arising from the inquiry.
He also cited a Supreme Court judgment delivered on May 27, 2022, in appeal number SC/911/2017, which he said affirmed the legality of establishing the commission.
The groups called for a comprehensive review of transactions involving the Omoku, Afam, Trans-Amadi and Eleme facilities, including the terms of sale, payments received and any outstanding financial obligations.
They also urged the government to examine the concession agreement for Olympia Hotel in Port Harcourt, particularly its financial terms, duration and compliance with applicable public-private partnership regulations.
According to the groups, implementing the white paper would help ensure accountability in the management of Rivers State’s resources and establish the status of the disputed transactions.
However, the ADC Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, Chizi Enyi, dismissed the organisations, describing them as faceless and attention-seeking.
Enyi argued that the groups were not recognised as legal entities and advised them to register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) before seeking public attention.
The disagreement has shifted attention to both the substance of the demand for accountability over the state’s assets and the legitimacy of the organisations making the call.
