Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike is set to disburse N450 million to victims of last year’s general elections in Ijaw communities of Abonema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.
The governor, who met with the victims, families of deceased and the council of chiefs in the town, said their accounts would be credited as from tomorrow.
It was learnt that the families of 37 persons, who lost their lives during the violent polls, would be entitled to N9 million compensation.
The governor told Mrs Florence Gold, whose son, Samuel, was killed, that N9 million would be sent to her account.
Wike, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Tammy Danagogo, named categories of beneficiaries as families of deceased persons, the wounded, those who lost their properties, among others.
He recalled that during a church programme organised by the community after the election to mourn the deceased, the governor, who was in attendance, said though he had no power to resurrect the dead, he would compensate the victims.
Danagogo said Wike constituted a committee, led by the deputy governor, to identify the victims.
The governor subsequently released N450 million and insisted that the money should be paid to the beneficiaries’ accounts.
“We came to inform the community that the money is ready and, by Wednesday, you will begin to receive the alerts.
“Money is not enough to compensate the people of Abonema, especially those who lost their lives.
“We have a list of 37 persons that lost their lives. So, money is not enough. But the governor is doing this to let you know that he stands with you.
“This is why I have always said even before I became the SSG that we should support him. The people of Abonema and Akuku-Toru are witnesses to the fact that our governor is reliable,” Danagogo said.
The SSG added that the governor would soon inaugurate the Abonema Ring Road Phase II, which was abandoned in 2006.
The Amayanabo of Abonema, His Royal Majesty, King Disreal Bobmanuel, praised Wike for the gesture.
He said: “The compensation is quite generous. I want to thank Wike for being a friend to the people of Akuku-Toru. I thank him for showing concern and helping us each time we go to him.”
Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Rowland Sekibo, thanked the governor for the act of love.
“It is his leadership style that made us decide to support him,” he said.
