By: Felix Ikpotor
The Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike has been given the nod to borrow another N14.16 billion from the Federal Government.
This is sequel to the approval given by the Rivers State House of Assembly, RVHA today.
Wike had written a letter to the assembly requesting it to grant him authority to participate and access the Federal Government Budget Support Facility of N14.16 billion.
The letter was read in plenary by the speaker, Dabotorudima Adams.
Wike in the letter explained that the facility is an offer by the federal government to assist states meets up its financial obligations and also pay salaries of workers in view of the current economic hardship being experienced in the country.
The letter also stated that the fund would be accessed in three tranches.
The governor noted that the loan would enable the state government to pay salary of workers especially as the #10 billion bailout fund earlier approved by the assembly has not been accessed.
Debating on the request, the house leader, Martins Amaewhule, said the fund is not only accessible for Rivers State alone but all other states in the federation.
He noted that there is nothing wrong with the request so long as it is for development, adding that it is in line with federal government’s adjustments on how to assist states in view of the economic situation in the country.
He maintained that if such an opportunity has been given by the federal government, Rivers State should not be left out.
Speaker of the assembly Dabotorudima Adams gave the approval after all members present voted in support of the request.
This request makes it the fifth request for loans by the governor so far approved by the state assembly.
