THE Rivers State government has spent more than N16 billion on projects aimed at developing communities, through its Sustainable Development Agency (RSSADA).
Governor Chibuike Amaechi made the announcement on Monday in Port Harcourt, while testifying at the public hearing of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
He said government was determined to reach every community through the agency, by equitably executing projects that would meet the people’s needs.
Amaechi noted that the RSSADA was living up to government’s expectation, adding that what was required was for political representatives in his cabinet to identify the problems of their people.
He promised that the administration would stop at nothing to ensure that every community had a fair share of the state revenue.
Asked whether leaders of the militant groups would be allowed to testify before the commission, the governor said “adequate consultation will be made with President Umaru Yar’Adua on the security implication of such indulgence”.
Amaechi, who carefully avoided some questions asked by counsel representing some of the principal actors in the crisis, said
it was legally wrong to pardon somebody not found guilty by any court of law.
Commenting on allegations that some political appointees were sponsoring cult groups, he urged the public to identify such individuals who were members of his cabinet for necessary disciplinary measures.
The governor said: “I believe in the commission as a viable platform to solve the socio-economic and political unrest that has brought the state into disrepute.”
More than 200 interest groups and individuals have so far shown interest to testify before the seven-member commission, headed by retired Justice Kayode Eso.