By Jimitota Onoyume

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has dismissed as untrue allegations by the All Progressive congress, APC in the state that it intends to borrow 10 billion naira to fund its ongoing case at the election tribunal sitting in Abuja.

Gov Nyesom Wike

The governor said he was forced to go for bank loans when he assumed office because he met an empty treasury, adding that part of the thirty billion naira loan was used to pay arrears of salaries, pensions owed by the former government.

The governor who spoke through his Senior Special Adviser on media and publicity,  Mr Opunabo Nko-Tariah said part of the loan was also used to rehabilitate deplorable roads in the state.

The governor said he had not expressed interest to secure a fresh loan but will not hesitate to go for it if the need arose.

He assured that he would continue to use every kobo of government judiciously.

“There  is nothing wrong with the governor going for loans. The issue is not whether loans are taken but the judicious application of such loans is what should be in issue.

Gov Wike inherited an empty treasury fester ed by huge pecuniary liabilities such as backlog of salaries,  pensions,  fees for students on scholarships, and a plethora of other burning issues -including abandoned projects.

Given the resources of the state, there wouldn’t have been need for these loans if Amaechi had been prudent. His financial recklessness occasioned the resort to loans.

Again, should Gov Wike want another loan, it will not be done surreptitiously because the Assembly must give its imprimatur”, he said.

He said it was unfortunate that the APC had failed to acknowledge the giant strides recorded by his administration in its first 100 days in office, stressing that he will continue to put  the people first in its programmes,,

The APC in a statement signed by its Publicity secretary in the state, Mr Chris Finebone alleged that the government was planning to go for another loan after the 30 billion naira loan it took and the federal allocations that had so far accrued to the state.

The party further alleged that a total of 130 billion  naira had so far accrued to the state from Federal Government allocation. internally generated revenue and the 30 billion naira loan it took.