In Rivers, each arm of Government is autonomous, says Governor Wike

But the governor said though autonomous, the three arms maintained a robust relationship to create the existing good environment for Rivers people to enjoy democratic dividends.

The governor spoke shortly after inspecting the progress of the ongoing civil construction work at the official residential quarters of the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly in Port Harcourt on Friday.

He said: “So, for us in the state, we believe in the autonomy of each of the arm of government. At the same time, we believe that working together for the interest of the state is better.  Autonomy does not mean that each of government will begin to antagonise themselves.

“If they do that, then at the end of the day, it is the state that will lose. Working in harmony, independently and cooperatively, will bring a lot of benefits to the people.”

Wike said such posture that had helped his administration to deliver on its mandate, in terms of project delivery and provision of services, to Rivers’ people.

He said: “Frankly speaking, it would have been difficult if we do not have a good, robust relationship between the three arms of government. Yes, we are independent but we work cooperatively to see that the state moves forward.

“If we have the relationship that is not good with the legislature, then how would they have passed the budget for the executive to implement?”

Speaking about the legislators’ quarters, Wike stressed that the project was executed deliberately in  to provide the lawmakers and their families a befitting residence.

He said: “Having done that, we also felt, the second arm of government, which is the legislature should also have their own residence. It will be where they can put their heads together, their families can stay and have a good environment where they can work.