Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, has assured that his administration will continue to protect Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and its investments in the state.
The governor said there is no need for the SPDC to relocate from Rivers, as the action will negatively affect the economy of the state and Nigeria.
Speaking when he granted audience to House of Representatives ad hoc committee on SPDC relocation yesterday, Wike said: “If anything happens here, it will have negative social implications.
“The relocation will not just be a loss for Rivers State, it will be a loss for Nigeria. The negative impact it will have on the Niger Delta and Nigeria will outweigh whatever challenges Shell is facing. “
The governor said his administration is always willing to take measures to ensure that businesses thrive in the state.
He told the House of Representatives that investments in the security framework of Rivers led to the state not witnessing sabotage of major national economic assets.
“I thank the Speaker and members of the Ad hoc committee on SPDC for taking measures to stop the relocation of oil company, “ Wike said.
Earlier, Chairman of the committee, Ibrahim Isiaka, said it is necessary to stop relocation of SPDC because of the effect it will have on the Niger Delta economy.
He said the committee was set up following a motion moved by Kingsley Chinda.
The lawmaker praised governor Wike for his developmental efforts which he said have transformed Rivers state.