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N148bn Funds For Roads: Wike Slams Buhari, APC, FG Over Deliberate Neglect Of Rivers …Says Real Madrid Football Academy Has Come To Fruition
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has berated the Federal Government for deliberately neglecting Rivers State in the recent release of N148billion for roads’ construction across the country.
Wike declared that the action of the Federal Government was the most shameful act of marginalisation in a federation where Rivers State contributes to the financial sustenance of the country.
The governor said this before commissioning the new Rivers State Civil Servants’ Quarters at Amassoma Street in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
He said Rivers politicians in APC should be able to plead with the Federal Government to site projects in Rivers State to expand their political relevance.
According to Wike, “The Federal Government released N148billion for the construction of roads and it did not consider one road in Rivers State. Look at the condition of the East-West Road.
“Shame on those who say they are working with the current Federal Government, but cannot protect the interest of Rivers State in that government.
“We are producing oil that finances projects in the country and the Federal Government can release N148billion for roads and Rivers State was neglected. You are working with the Federal Government and you cannot attract projects to Rivers State. Anyone who is in APC and is from Rivers State, shame on you.
“You are there; you cannot even say for my sake, help me and give me one road, so, I can go home and tell my people this is what I brought to Rivers State.
“What offence has Rivers State committed in this country that this Federal Government cannot for one day remember the state? They have our son who was their director general. If for nothing, since he was your director general, help him and do one project for his people.
“Tomorrow, you will say Rivers people should vote for you. Which vote? We won’t do that. Nobody is a slave. We are not slaves. We cannot be conquered by anybody”, Wike added.
Similarly, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has expressed happiness that the Real Madrid Football Academy has become a reality, saying that major international football stars will be groomed at the facility.
Addressing journalists, yesterday, after inspecting the Real Madrid Football Academy in readiness for the commissioning programme on Saturday, Wike said that all the facilities have been put in place for the successful take off of the academy.
“The administrator in charge of Africa and Asia for Real Madrid will be in Port Harcourt on Thursday night. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State will be commissioning the project on Saturday.
“When we promised that we will set up a Real Madrid Football Academy that will help groom international stars in the area of football, so many people played politics and said that it was fake.
“We are happy that it has come to fruition. We have sent people to Madrid and they have been trained as instructors and coaches. We also sent the players of Banham Model Primary School, winners of Channels Television Kids Cup to Madrid for training. They will form the first set of students”, he said.
The governor said the development of the Real Madrid Football Academy was a confirmation that his administration was serious with keeping promises made to Rivers people.
He said that on Saturday, Nigerians will watch live on television to excellent facility that will produce the next set of international soccer stars.
Also yesterday, the governor visited the Judges’ Quarters, which would be commissioned by the administration in October, 2019.
He said: “Rivers State has provided the basic infrastructure for the Judiciary. Anybody who comes here will attest to the fact that Rivers State has provided quality infrastructure for the Judiciary to do their work as expected”.
The governor later inspected the Fruit Garden Market built by his administration after the initial market was gutted by fire.
The Fruit Garden Market would be commissioned next week.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
