By George Onah
Port Harcourt – Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers has told his newly appointed commissioners that he was not in the mood to work with thieves and that if any of the commissioners plans to steal the peoples’ money he or she must think twice because he would be very impatient with such a commissioner.

“I enjoin all of us today to know that we are holding the common wealth of Rivers people therefore, the target is high”.

He drew their attention to the fact that the vision of the present administration was to deliver on its promises by ensuring that Rivers people benefit maximally from the resources available to the state, and justify the confidence reposed in him for the re-election.

Amaechi asked God to give him the spiritual strength to sack any indolent commissioner who fails to measure up in the duty and position assigned to him or her. He also told those lobbying to be appointed to hold their peace.

While seeking divine intervention, last weekend, in Port Harcourt during the swearing-in of six of the commissioners he told the men and women that he was a friend to all but that they should be able to distinguish between his private and public relationship with them.

“I am sure most of you are my friends and you know my goals, you must key into the goals, if I’m not satisfied that you are at the same frequency with me, I will not hesitate to drop you”, he said.

Amaechi said he chose to appoint the commissioners in instalments because he wanted those who have not been appointed to know that their appointment would not be a tea party but a place for serious work.

“I could have selected all the commissioners at once but I want to send a message especially to those returning that there is need to perform better, I ask you to start now, because we just have two years for effective concentration before politics begins to distract you”.

Those sworn-in include Augustine Wokocha, former Commissioner for Power, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari former Commissioner for Information and Communication, Patricia Simon Hart former Water Resources Commissioner, Alice Nemi former Education Commissioner, Mr. Nyema Weli forme