Creation of Port Harcourt Poly: Wike calms nerves of Ogonis

The Rivers State House of Assembly had passed the conversion Bill into Law, and it was accented to by the Governor.

However, the conversion of is generating reactions, especially from the Ogoni people, who expressed fears that the creation of a new poly will distract the State government from improved funding of the Rivers State Polytechnic now, Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic in Bori, the headquarters of Ogoni.


In order to calm the nerves of the Ogoni people, the Wike stated that his administration would work towards the accreditation of all the academic programmes of the Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic.

He also stated that the state government will start with the upgrade of the school’s workshops and laboratories.

Addressing students of the Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori at the school’s auditorium, Governor Wike stated that upon the improvement of the state’s internally generated revenue, his administration will establish a polytechnic in each senatorial district to create more access to quality education.

He also said that his administration will complete the rehabilitation of the Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori and dualise the Sakpwenwa-Bori road for the good of the Ogoni ethnic nationality.


The governor explained that the establishment of the Port Harcourt Polytechnic was not an attempt to kill the Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic as being peddled by political opponents.

He said he was interested in the development of Ogoni and other parts of the Rivers State.

The governor noted that the state government has concluded plans to improve security in Bori and it’s
environs.

Governor Wike announced the confirmation of the appointment of the Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, Bori, Dr Oneniye -Ofori Georgewill following the overwhelming request of the students through their leadership.

According to him, “I make the solemn pledge to ensure the Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic facilities are improved for the school to carry out its core mandate. That is why I am here to inspect the school and thereafter improve her facilities.

“Having a polytechnic in another location will not remove the polytechnic here. We will extend the necessary grant to the Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic for the improvement of her facilities, especially workshops and laboratories “.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Polytechnic, Chief Adokiye Amaesimaka commended the governor for his investments towards the development of the institution.


Source:DailyPOST