N82m Dinner: Rivers To Write Soyinka To Pay Back

Rivers State Information Commissioner, Dr Austin Tam-George
has declared that the state government will demand a refund of the N82million
expended by former Governor Amaechi on Professor Wole Soyinka’s dinner if it
confirms that the Nobel Laureate received part of the funds in cash.

Also, Dr Tam-George declared that the point of departure
between former governor, Amaechi and incumbent Governor Nyesom Wike was that
the latter (Wike) observed probity and accountability in all governmental
actions, something that was thrown overboard by Amaechi.

Addressing Rivers people via a radio programme on Wednesday
in Port Harcourt, Tam-George regretted that Amaechi’s administration used the
Ministry of Information and Communications headed by Ibim Semenitari to amass
N1.1billion debt on frivolous expenditure.

“I will seek the permission of the Governor to formally
write Professor Wole Soyinka, a known supporter of Amaechi if he received part
of the N82million spent on a three-hour dinner hosted for him by the Amaechi
administration.

“If he reveals that he received any fund, then he will be
compelled to refund same to the coffers of Rivers State. At present, we have
presented these details to the police for investigation and prosecution. We
will also take up this matter as a financial crime against the people of Rivers
State.”