Amaechi challenges technocrats - Appoints economic adviser

Bolaji Ogundele, Port Harcourt - 27.11.2007

RIVERS State indigenes who are technocrats have been called upon to come up with ideas for propelling the economic development of the state.

The state governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, who gave the challenge while swearing-in his Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Mr. Atedo Peterside, at Government House, Port Harcourt, regretted the state of infrastructure, coupled with a high rate of unemployment and poverty, as well as low workers’ morale in the state.

He observed that the general poor state of affairs had resulted in low level of development, indicating that it was the duty of the present administration to re-awaken the morale of the people through a process that would create employment and ensure sustainable economic development.

He told the new Economic Adviser that Rivers State was interested in his ideas and wealth of experience which he noted would drive the state economy forward.

Governor Amaechi disclosed that one of the underlying considerations for inviting Mr. Peterside for the job was his integrity, and the fact that he has a name which he would not want to be messed-up.

“Since you will not want your name to be messed-up, you have to make us work hard to get result”, Governor Amaechi said.

He explained that his invitation by the government was not only to tap from his wealth of experience, but for the introduction of workable policies that would transform the state’s economy.