Rivers State.
A group with the name Professionals in Politics for Tonye Cole has blasted the Executive Governor of Rivers State for unnecessary lavishing about #215million just for National Judiciary game taking place in Rivers state.
The group used their facebook social Media handle to make the statement :
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HOPEFULLY MORALITY WILL RETURN TO JUDICIARY IN 2019
The judiciary has always been the bastion of equity and morality in any society. It is known to abstain from filthy politics and condemn any action that panders on the rights of citizens. The judiciary has also enjoyed constitutional independence in managing its finances.
For a State Government that understands Wealth Creation, Sustainable Development and Distribution of Wealth, the 2018 National Judiciary Games holding in Port Harcourt, RIVERS 2018 is an opportunity to boost the local hospitality industry.
Create a safe environment for participants from all over Nigeria to enjoy the night life of Port Harcourt, go shopping in the inner city, take boat rides, explore investment and educational opportunities in the state etc. Rather the absurd happens in the presence of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. The State Governor pledge a whopping 132 million naira on the participants.
We have 36 states plus Abuja = 37
Gov Wike promised the following for winners
1st=#20M
2nd=#15M
3rd=#10M
Others 34* 5M = #170M
TOTAL=#215,000,00O
First, the judiciary as an institution that enjoys budgetary autonomy must have carefully planned and provision made for winners in the tournament.
Secondly, given the sensitivity of the judiciary, it is reputed to be weary of unsolicited gifts.
Most importantly also, this is a State that has been unable to enrol its retirees for pension since July 2015 nor paid gratuity. Staff of several agencies within the state public service such as RSSDA, KENPOLY, COEDSS are owed over 18 months salaries. And the Government bluntly tells any enquirer that it lacks funds.
In the face of all these challenges, the moral thing to do by the Chief Justice of Nigeria is to thank the Governor for his perhaps well intentioned but very indiscretionary gesture and reject such Greek gift.
The deafening silence of the CJN however shakes the moral consciousness of the judiciary in Nigeria, as well as queries its ability to be an impartial arbiter in the 2019 elections.
#SanityBeckons”
All the Dez Mayorz effort to reach Rivers State Government on this was futile.
