No doubt, the creation
of a new Rivers State by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is still a work in progress. However, the truth is that he has achieved significant milestones that cannot be ignored by all lovers of development.
Nobody who has an open mind comes to Rivers State without falling in love with the governor’s superlative performance. Even the most diehard opposition politician in the state finds solace in political gossip, as the issue of development has been squarely addressed.
The other day, the editors endorsed the governor’s projects after they embarked on a project tour.This time, it is the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of Rwanda, Mr Busingye Johnston.
As a lawyer and administrator from a country that has been recreated, the Rwandan Justice Minister understands the rudiments of transformational leadership. He is not a Nigerian politician, hence, he cannot be accused of taking sides with the governor or his party.
In the last 14 months, Governor Wike has engaged in the most profound construction and reconstruction of infrastructure ever witnessed in the country. This is better appreciated when the condition he met Rivers State in May, 2015 is taken into consideration.
From unpaid salaries for months to several abandoned projects down to zero economic activities which he inherited, Governor Wike has given life to all segments of Rivers State. He has made it the centre of growth and development, which benefits the people.
As you drive into Rivers State from the airport or through the roads or waterways, you will discover a different Rivers State. He is a resident governor in sharp contrast with the immediate past governor who resided in Lagos and airport lounges from where he frittered away Rivers resources, while the people mourned their fate.
Under Governor Wike, the situation has changed, it is Rivers first. That is why the state is now host to international and national events.
To the Attorney General and Minister of the Republic of Rwanda, Mr Busingye Johnston, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike deserves commendation for embarking on meaningful development projects in the state.
Mr Johnston, the Attorney General of the Federal Republic of Rwanda said: “I am glad to report that what I have seen so far testifies that massive development is taking place in Rivers State “.
He noted that on his way from the Port Harcourt Airport, he saw several ongoing developmental projects taking place, pointing out that such developmental projects are what African States need at the moment. The Rwandan Minister of Justice said that the time has come for Africans to work towards building the continent so that the future generations would live more meaningfully.
Also, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) commended Governor Wike for his outstanding contributions to the development of the bar in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) noted that Governor Wike has exhibited a higher sense of commitment to the development of the Nigerian Bar Association.
He praised the Governor for his contribution to the Bar headquarters in Abuja which led to the naming of one of the floors as Rivers Floor.
He said, “your contribution to the development of the bar is remarkable . We are here to register our appreciation of what you have been doing for the bar”.
These two justice ministers bared their minds when they visited Governor Wike at the Government House, Port Harcourt during a courtesy visit ahead of the NBA Conference in Port Harcourt. Responding, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike assured the two Ministers of Justice that his commitment to the development of Nigeria and Rivers State is borne out of the desire to improve the living condition of the people.
The governor said all African leaders must work together to lift the continent from the dark corners of underdevelopment for the sake of the future generations.
He called for the respect of the rule of law as all leaders engage in governance.
Governor Wike reiterated his commitment to the unity of the country, stressing that all his efforts are geared towards the sustenance of Nigeria and her economy.
He said, “we believe that this country must be united. It doesn’t matter the political party we belong to, this country is one”.
Governor Wike commended the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami for showing maturity by paying him a courtesy visit. He pointed out that as leader of the bar in Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation has proved that he has the spirit of accommodation.
He said that the visit of the Attorney General of the Federal Republic of Rwanda has further proved the growing acceptance of Rivers State as a home of peace and an international destination of choice, despite the negative propaganda by the opposition in the state.
Today, everyone wants to work with Rivers State and in Rivers State. Those who started the sponsorship of propaganda against the state have now realised the futility of their actions. With the several national and international conferences, hundreds of thousands are coming over to Rivers State and instead of witnessing violence, they have witnessed unprecedented development.
Rather than criticise the government and people of Rivers State based on the false propaganda by the opposition, those who have visited have joined the expanding team of those who appreciate the governor for delivering on good governance.
It was also on Saturday, August 20, 2016 that the President of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Augustine Alegeh (SAN) commended Governor Wike for his outstanding delivery of pro-people projects.
His commendation was inspired by his commissioning of the first class Dr Peter Odili road in Port Harcourt, constructed by Julius Berger Plc.
At this event, Governor Wike assured that he would never allow politics get in the way of the delivery of projects that will empower the people.
For Governor Wike, every commendation is a challenge to take his performance to a higher level. Therefore, the Rivers people should continue to expect better performance from their governor.
Nwakaudu is Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media.
Simeon Nwakaudu
