PORT HARCOURT—Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has stated that his administration will continue to support Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs,  for the sustained growth of the state’s economy.

Nyesom Wike

He also  called on politicians to work towards developing their respective communities instead of perpetually playing politics.

Speaking when he granted audience to House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Tuesday, Governor Wike noted that his administration had already worked with the CBN to support SMEs through grants.

He said: “As a state government, we have taken steps to support and improve SMEs in the state. Everything will be done to encourage entrepreneurship through legislation. Support for SMEs will empower more people and create  jobs that will sustain a greater percentage  of our people. We will continue to invest in SMEs.”

The governor charged all politicians in leadership positions to use their offices to impact the lives of the people.

He said: “Party is a mere vehicle to attaining office. Once elections are over, let us focus on projects delivery. Whatever you are doing, do it for the people.”

The governor regretted that due to politics, the CBN had been starving Rivers State economy of funds.

Wike condemned the deliberate plots to rig the 2019 general election, pointing out that the election manipulators will be resisted.

According to him, insecurity grew across the country because the  Federal Government  preferred to play  politics with security challenges  in Rivers State.

He commended the House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency and the CBN for coming to the state for their retreat, saying they  have emulated other groups which found the state a worthy host for important events.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency, Mr Jones Onyereri, said the retreat was necessary to forge a formidable front to  build a framework  that will grow the middle class.

He noted that the right steps had been taken to build SMEs, which are necessary to empower the people and create jobs.

Deputy Governor of CBN,  Mr Suleiman Baro, said the essence  of the retreat was to facilitate the oversight function of the National Assembly.

He said the CBN will continue to work with the National Assembly to strengthen the fiscal and monetary framework for the economic development of the country.