We’ll Claim N13bn Ikoyi Loot – Nyesom Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared that his administration will recover the state funds of 13 billion naira found at an Ikoyi residence despite the antics of the Federal Government.

This is as Wike declared that his administration would continue to promote the independence of the judiciary for the sustained growth of the state.

Speaking during a special appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme, Wike reiterated that the money stashed at the Ikoyi residence belongs to the people of the state.

He said the state team of lawyers were already working to ensure that Rivers State gets back her funds which are proceeds from the sale of the assets of the state. Recall that Wike had at a press conference explained that the Ikoyi funds were proceeds from the sale of the assets of the state government, by the immediate past Rotimi Amaechi administration.

We will follow due process of the law to get back Rivers State money found at the Ikoyi residence.

This money belongs to the Rivers State people. We have conducted out checks. We will stun Nigeria with this matter. We will come out with our evidence at the appropriate time

The governor said the state government would not reveal its strategy to recover the funds because of the games being played by the APC Federal Government. He said the politicisation of the entire issue indicated that the Federal Government had something to hide.

Meanwhile, Wike while addressing members of the bench and bar during the state’s Golden Jubilee Special Court Session yesterday, charged judges to be courageous as they dispense justice. The governor said the Nigerian Judiciary had reached a stage where only courageous judges could uphold the rule of law.

He said:

Nigeria has come to a point where if you don’t have courage, justice will not be done. The judiciary must continue to uphold the tenets of the law.

He expressed regrets that the judiciary had come under intense blackmail under the present administration.

Why is it that only when a matter comes that the Federal Government has interest that money is found in the account of judges?

he asked.

While confirming the need to fight corruption, he condemned the approach that is politically motivated and selective.

He suggested the promotion of the welfare of judicial officers to make corruption unattractive for them. He explained that his administration had embarked on the construction of Judges Quarters.

The governor said that the administration would always work with the state judiciary to develop Rivers State. The state’s Chief Judge, Justice Adama Iyaye-Laminkara, lauded the governor for the financial autonomy of the judiciary and the independence it enjoys.