Politics
Second Tenure 100 Days: Wike’s Consolidation Of Good Governance
For close to three weeks, the entire nation watched in awe as Rivers State celebrated the first 100days of the second term of Nigeria’s best performing Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. It was a period to dutifully highlight the consolidation of good governance in Rivers State.
During this period, the entire country understood the importance of having a pro-people leader, committed to advancing the interest and prosperity of his state through the diligent execution of key projects and well-planned programmes to improve their standard of living. Whilst others were content to address Press Conferences to mark their first 100days, Governor Wike reeled out about 15 key projects and programmes to re-define second term governance.
In the past, second term was known as a period of lack of productivity. But with Governor Wike, the story has changed. The focus is to maximise the term to improve Rivers State. This decision is borne out of the fact that the victory of Governor Wike for a second term was entirely a function of God and Rivers people. Therefore, the selfless and pro-people governance is a reward to Rivers people for their abiding faith in his ability to lead and defend their interests.
Between 9th September and 27th September, 2019, Rivers State was in the news for all the right reasons. Nigerians from across the country watched in awe as the Wike Administration prioritised governance in Rivers State. Every step of the way, the Rivers State Governor reiterated his commitment to using his second term to consolidate on the gains of his glorious first term.
All the projects commissioned in the course of the 100days celebration were geared towards enhancing the welfare of the people.
Bonny Street, Adaka , Boro/Elliot Henry Streets
These are three roads in the heart of Port Harcourt Township. The roads were not motorable before the intervention of Governor Wike.
The roads have improved the economy of that part of Port Harcourt Township. During the commissioning, residents and Chiefs trooped out to celebrate Governor Wike for delivering the projects as promised.
Governor Wike assured that street light would be installed on the three roads to help security agencies fight crime. The three roads cover 2.8 kilometres. The three roads were constructed in line with approved specifications and design.
Government Secondary School, Ubima
(Former Community Secondary School, Ubima)
This is one of the iconic projects of the first 100days of the second term of Governor Wike. The quality of the project was such that community leaders immediately asked for the secondary school to be upgraded to a tertiary institution.
Governor Wike reconstructed damaged existing facilities of the school and built new structures within the school . New facilities in the school include modern science laboratories, computer centre, Electronic Library, traditional library, teachers quarters, administrative block, perimeter fence and new classroom blocks.
Governor Wike who changed the name of the school from Community Secondary School Ubima to Government Secondary School, Ubima said he promised to rebuild the school and to the glory of God that promise has been fulfilled.
He informed that the State Government will develop boarding facilities for students of the school. The Governor reiterated the commitment of his administration to the construction of educational facilities across the state to expand access to education .
Presentation of Staff of Office/Certificate of Recognition to Traditional Rulers
This programme was symbolic and profound. The programme was held to honour and celebrate Traditional Rulers of Rivers State. It was organised to showcase the rich culture of the state.
The State Government formally presented present Certificates of Recognition and Staff of Office to 84 traditional rulers of different classes drawn from the 23 Local Government Areas of the State.
The venue of the event became a Centre of mass celebration as the subjects of the Traditional Rulers drummed and danced in excitement. The rich culture of Rivers people was on full display.
Governor Wike charged the Traditional Rulers to set new development agenda for Rivers communities with the support of the elected and appointed political leaders of their communities and Local Government Areas.
Sea bed Model School , Port Harcourt
For 106 years, this legendary school never got any facelift. Year after year, the managers of the school appealed to the Rivers State Government to intervene and improve the school’s infrastructure. None of the previous administrations acted.
At a function, the leadership of Christ Church appealed to Governor Wike to intervene. Governor Wike gave his word and transformed the school.
The reconstruction and upgrade of Seabed Model School was in line commitment of Governor Wike to the creation of access to quality basic education.
The school is one of the 253 Schools upgraded and expanded by Governor Wike in the last four years.
Commissioning the school, Governor Wike assured Rivers people that he will continue to uplift the standard of education in the State through critical interventions.
He said: “We shall continue to engage in human capital development. And the best way to engage in human capital development is to fund educational development”.
Governor Wike announced that the State Government has awarded contracts for the construction of 69 Primary and Basic Education Schools across the state.
“We are awarding contracts for the construction of 69 Primary and Basic Education schools for the expansion of the frontiers of education.
“These projects will be handled by people of Rivers State, who will be empowered in the process of executing the projects “, he said.
He said that the Rivers State Government will continue to develop the education sector as a way of securing the future of Rivers State.
The new school now has computer laboratory, Electronic Library, new classrooms and a Generator House .
Port Harcourt Pleasure Park Cinema
This is a value addition to the nation’s flagship tourism destination. This facility formed part of the first 100days of Governor Wike in his second term. It has continued to attract tourists from across the country because of its design, entertainment value and high quality security infrastructure.
The project was designed to give the people maximum comfort. The 250-person capacity cinema, is divided into three sections. The cinema has standard walls, lighting effects and sound proof .
Dualised – Birabi Street
This road is one of the key roads into the New Government Reserved Area in Port Harcourt. It leads to Hotel Presidential and Salvation Ministry. It was a single lane road riddled with potholes until the pragmatic intervention of the Wike Administration.
Delivered as part of the first 100days, Birabi Street is a beauty to behold. It is fitted witg streetlights and telecommunication ducts. The road forms part of the total renewal of the New GRA by the Wike Administration.
Dualised Rumukwurusi -Elelenwo – Akpajo Road
The Commissioning of this Road was a celebration of good governance. Thousands of residents lined up the streets, chanting the praise of Governor Wike. The road was a revival package for a community that was neglected by the immediate past Administration due to political reasons.
The 5.6kilometre Road has five round abouts and ducts for telecommunication companies to set up their facilities. This road links Obio/Akpor Local Government Area to Eleme, Okrika , Tai and Khana Local Government Areas.
In appreciation, Leaders and people of Elelenwo Community of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area conferred on Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the title: “Eze Omekweli kimbom of Elelenwo”.
Roughly translated, the prestigious title means: “A King that develops the land of Elelenwo “.
Government Craft Development Centre, Port Harcourt
The empowerment of the youths forms one of the cardinal goals of Governor Wike. The Rivers State Governor used the first 100days of his second term to make a definite statement that his administration will deliver on the grooming of a technical workforce for the state.
The Government Craft Development Centre was reconstructed, upgraded and improved by the Wike Administration to serve as a catalyst for the growth of Technical and Vocational Education.
At the Commissioning of the reconstructed institution, Governor Wike announced that new standard workshops would be developed for the school by Julius Berger.
Civil Servants’ Quarters
Governor Wike has made history as the most outstanding Governor that promotes the welfare of civil servants. The new Civil Servants Quarters in Old GRA, Port Harcourt is the third since he became the Chief Executive of Rivers State.
The new Civil Servants Quarters constructed through direct labour, offers accommodation to civil servants in the heart of a high profile residential area.
Rivers State NLC Secretariat
This facility was constructed by the Wike Administration to nourish the cordial relationship between the State Government and labour in the state. It was flagged off by the NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba and constructed by Governor Wike in record time. It was commissioned as part of the Governor’s first 100days in office.
The new NLC Secretariat is a three-storey building with conference halls, offices, stores and multiple staircases.
Ogbum-Nu-Abali Fruit Garden Market
Ahead of the General Elections, this Market was gutted by fire. It became an instant political tool for unpatriotic politicians. But Governor Wike stepped above the fray and committed himself into building a new market for the traders.
Aside constructing the new market, Governor Wike empowered all the affected traders with special grants to re-start their trade. This market was formally delivered as part of Governor Wike’s first 100days in his second term.
The new Ogbum-nu-Abali Market has four buildings (one storey each) and eight buildings (bungalow), designed to promote commercial activities. Other facilities in the market include: 232 Open Stalls, 72 Lock Up Shops, Toilet Blocks, car park, drainage, internal roads, a warehouse, generator, transformer, perimeter fence and a security house.
Rivers State University, Students Union Secretariat
The Wike Administration is a Government enthroned by all stakeholders of Rivers State. Students form a major platform upon which Governor Wike was re-elected. As part of his first 100days in his second term, Governor Wike rolled out the Students Union Secretariat Building at the Rivers State University. Hundreds of students were on ground to celebrate this quality gift to Rivers students.
Engineer Lawrence Anele Amadi Road (Former Shell Location Road)
As part of the first 100days, Governor Wike
commissioned four roads completed as the First Phase of Rumuepirikom Internal Roads in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Shell Location Road, one of the four roads commissioned was renamed Engineer Lawrence Anele Amadi Road by Governor Wike.
The Rumuepirikom Internal Roads have a total length of nine kilometres with street lights and modern drainage.
Governor Wike flagged off the construction of 11 Roads, with four of such roads already completed. The remaining roads will be completed by December. The First Set of Roads delivered under the First Phase of Rumuepirikom Internal Roads include: Engineer Lawrence Anele Amadi Road (Former Shell Location Road), Ekani Street, Maxwell Street and Odoli Street.
Rumuwoji Market
This is an international market built by the Wike Administration from the foundation. The market was gutted by fire during the last Administration, but a promise to rebuild it was never fulfilled.
Upon assumption of office, Governor Wike flagged off the construction of the Rumuwoji Market. It was delivered as part of the first 100days of the governor’s second term.
The Rumuwoji market has two banking halls, clinic, police post, fire station, fire hydrants, pumping station and fire alert system. The Market also has 421 lock up shops, 34 open stalls and 441 concrete tables .
The excellent architectural masterpiece impressed the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi who declared that he now understands why Governor Wike is called Mr Project.
Real Madrid Academy
This is a historic investment by the Wike Administration. It will remain relevant decades after Governor Wike would have left office, as International Stars who would be groomed at the Academy will be plying their trade in the best clubs in the world.
It is the first in Nigeria. Equipped with relevant facilities and technical personnel. It was unveiled as part of Governor Wike’s first 100days for his second term. The Commissioning Ceremony which was performed by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde was viewed by millions of Football Enthusiasts.
Highpoint of the Commissioning Programme was an exhibition match between Banham Model Primary School, Port Harcourt, winners of Channels Television Kids Cup and an Under Selected Side. The match ended 1-1.
Post 100days Super-Gift
After the legendary celebration of 100days marked by commissioning of several projects, Governor Wike further lifted the spirits of Rivers people with the acquisition of Shell’s 45 percent interest in OML 11. This masterstroke has changed the developmental narrative, involving Rivers people in the economic process .
Projects All the Way
Governor Wike is not one who will rest on his achievements. He has since hit the road, inspecting ongoing projects across the state. After the celebration of the 59th Independence Anniversary, Governor Wike was at the Judges Quarters and other Road projects to ascertain the level of delivery.
It is certain that it will be projects all the way till Governor Wike concludes his second term in 2023.
Nwakaudu is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media.
Simeon Nwakaudu
The Tide source reports that Prof. Akinoso was elected alongside 38 other executive members of the party at the congress held on Saturday.
Other executive members are Dr Abiola Olaonipekun, who emerged as Secretary, Alhaja Latifah Latifu, Women Leader and Mr A. Adeleke, elected as Youth Leader.
It was learnt that the congress, which took place at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke Ado in Ibadan, was attended by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Police, other security agencies and prominent members of the party.
The election was supervised by electoral committee members, among whom were Prince Diran Odeyemi, who served as Chairman, Hon. Awoniyi Tolulope, Mr Babatunde Gbadamosi, Queen Stepheine Oyechere, Alhaji Yusuf Abidakun, Mr Olumide Aguda and Dr Phillips Adeniyi, who served as Secretary.
Prof. Akinoso, in his inaugural address, urged members of the party to set aside intra-party differences.
He advised them to concentrate their resources on the promotion of the party, saying, “The primary responsibilities of party executive members are to coordinate party activities, ensure harmony among members, and ensure party victory during general elections.
“Our immediate assignments are to key into INEC released 2027 general election time-tables. As directed by the National Caretaker Committee of PDP, our party e-membership registration starts next week. We must be fully involved and do a membership drive.
“A political party is only relevant and benefits its members if it wins the election. This is our goal. We should set aside intra-party differences; concentrate our resources towards the promotion of the party. We will make necessary consultations and dialogue to actualise this”.
President Tinubu disclosed this during an interfaith breaking of fast with senior journalists and media executives at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Saturday.
He also disclosed that his administration had opened up on the principles of true federalism to the extent that local governments now get direct allocation from the Federal Government.
“There’s no morning that I ever leave my house without going through the newspapers. It’s an addiction. I read all of you.
“It might not be in full detail, but headline, the one that would hit me and the ones that won’t.
“At the beginning of this administration, I was just a little bit stubborn, looking at opportunities to correct things and make life more easier for the downtrodden.
“We’ve opened up the principle of federalism to the extent that local governments are now getting their money, but how they use it is in your hands. So, don’t bombard me alone,” President Tinubu said.
The ruling party said the ADC had turned criticism of the APC-led administration into its operating manifesto instead of presenting concrete solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, the party dismissed the ADC’s interpretation of a report presented at a policy dialogue organised by Agora Policy which suggested that the country’s poverty rate had risen from 49 per cent to 63 per cent.
Mr Morka said the opposition party’s reaction to the report as a “damning verdict” on the government’s economic policies reflected either ignorance of economic realities or deliberate political mischief.
“The African Democratic Congress’ attempt to spin a recent report presented at the Agora Policy dialogue indicating a rise of poverty rate of 63 per cent from 49 per cent as a damning verdict on this administration’s economic policies speaks either to its shocking ignorance of economic policy or its wilful blindness to the justification for, and transformative impacts of, ongoing economic reforms,” he said.
The APC spokesman noted that the report itself recognised the necessity of reforms aimed at correcting long-standing structural distortions in the economy.
According to him, the ADC had failed to present any credible alternative policy direction for Nigerians.
“Clearly, the ADC does not recognise itself as a political party. The ADC has not articulated a single alternative policy position or prescription of benefit to Nigerians. Condemning the APC and its policies has become its operating manifesto,” Mr Morka said.
He explained that major economic decisions taken by President Bola Tinubu, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of multiple foreign exchange windows, were necessary steps to rescue the country’s economy from collapse.
Mr Morka said the subsidy regime had for years placed a heavy burden on public finances, consuming trillions of naira annually while encouraging corruption, fuel smuggling and inefficiencies in the system.
He added that the reforms had helped redirect national resources to key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education and social development.
The APC spokesman acknowledged that economic reforms often come with short-term hardship but stressed that the measures were essential to build a stronger and more resilient economy.
“Economic reform is never cost-free anywhere in the world. The transient hardship experienced by Nigerians was an inevitable cost of reforms meant to build and guarantee a better future for all Nigerians,” he said.
Mr Morka maintained that the country’s economic outlook was already improving, citing recent growth figures and stronger external reserves.
“Our economy has rebounded and is expanding steadily. The country’s Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.4 per cent last year and is projected to expand by 5.5 per cent this fiscal year, with foreign reserves now exceeding $50 billion,” he stated.
He also pointed to government initiatives designed to cushion the effects of economic adjustments on citizens, including cash transfer programmes, student loan schemes and the rollout of compressed natural gas (CNG) initiatives to reduce transportation costs.
Mr Morka reaffirmed that the APC-led administration would remain focused on rebuilding the economy and expanding social investments to support vulnerable Nigerians.