The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, says it is a disservice for political leaders to overlook the infrastructural and socio-economic needs of their people and pursue their selfish ambitions.
Such orientation in politics, Wike noted, always sets the community and a greater percentage of the people backward, politically.
The governor made the assertion at the flag-off ceremony for the re-construction of Mgbuitanwo community road by Senator Gabriel Suswan, last Monday, in Emohua Local Government Area.
Wike spoke of how important the Mgbuitanwo Road project was to his administration and the people.
He pointed out that the road project would stand as an undeniable evidence of the difference between a pro-people approach of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the egocentric posture of the All Progressives Congress (APC) politicking.
“If there is one project that is very important, it is Mgbuitanwo Road. The essence of politics is about what will my people benefit. Politics is not about what you’ll put in your pocket.”
The governor told the Special Guest of Honour, Senator Gabriel Suswan that it was appalling that despite Mgbuitanwo being the hometown of a former member of House of Representatives and Senate, Senator Andrew Uchendu, the road to the community was unmotorable.
He stated that it was regrettable that Uchendu failed to leverage on his relationship with immediate past governor of the state, and being a member of the National Assembly for over a decade, to attract basic infrastructural projects to his community.
Wike noted that the re-construction of the Mgbuitanwo community road project was at the instance of loyal Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members who were from the area, though without any elective positions.
According to him, PDP does not discriminate; instead, it works with sincere-minded people.
“If you are a member of APC here today, check your conscience. As an Mgbuitanwo son, as an Mgbuitanwo daughter and a member of APC from Emohua, check yourselves. What is the benefit from the party you call APC to the Mgbuitanwo community and to Emohua Local Government?
“Everybody from Emohua who is in PDP, and who is from Mgbuitanwo, you can go home with your shoulders high, and tell them (your people) that I’m proud to be a member of PDP.”
Wike, who urged the people to own the project and protect it from sabotage, explained that street lights would be part of the project in Mgbuitanwo community.
Performing the flag-off, the senator representing Benue North-East Senatorial District, Senator Gabriel Suswan, noted the giant developmental strides of Wike, and said it was an enduring foundation that was being laid for future Rivers children.
He described the governor as an ambassador of PDP, who has made the party proud with his leadership style that solves development needs of his state, and urged Rivers people to stand by him always.
“This gentleman (Wike) has shown prudence and judicious use of resources that are meant for you, the people.
“A lot of you will take this for granted. But you’ve had governors, you’ve had prominent sons, you’ve not had roads. When this road is re-constructed and completed, you’ll know the difference.
“Wike has brought the best contractor we have in this country to construct your road. You don’t need to like him, you need to appreciate the efforts of making a change in the life of this community.”
In his remarks, the Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, said the project for the re-construction of Mgbuitanwo Road was the outcome of a promise made by the governor in January.
He explained that the road would be 3.85km long and 7m wide, complete with drains and streetlights.
According to him, it would connect the East-West Road to Ogbakiri Road as well as connect other communities.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Emohua LGA, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, commended the governor for his developmental strides in the area.
In his speech, the Regional Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Juergen Fischer, thanked the Rivers State Government for awarding the contract to the company.