Wike Canvasses Peace, Unity

The independence anniversary took the shine off other
activities in Government House last week. Penultimate Sunday, a week-long programme of activities to herald the nation’s 56th Independence anniversary had been lined-up beginning with a church thanksgiving at St Cyprain’s Anglican Church, Moscow Road in Port Harcourt.
At the church service to mark the occasion, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike canvassed concerted effort towards resolving the nation’s challenges.
He assumed that his administration has already established a framework to shield Rivers people from the negative impact of the current economic recession. Part of the scheme, he explained is to sustain ongoing developmental projects and to pay workers salaries.
Last Monday, Rivers State First lady, Justice Suzzette Wike, after being conferred the title of the “Nutrition Advocate” by stakeholders at a two-day summit organized by the Rivers State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in conjunction with United Nations/International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), said Nigeria has the highest number of stunted children. She said her campaign against malnutrition will be taken to schools so as to enlighten parents and families on the need to feed their wards properly.
Justice Suzzette further disclosed that a new strategy, to develop a functional nutrition policy will be championed to improve the health of the citizens.
Governor Wike also inaugurated the State Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy on Wednesday. The body is headed by the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State, Emmanuel Aguma, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The nine-man committee is expected to recommend to the State governor those who merit the government’s annual jail delivery exercise.
Last Tuesday, the governor unveiled the Ozuoba – Rumuosi road in Obio/Akpor local government area. The commissioning of the reconstructed road was done by the immediate past governor of Jigawa State, Dr Sule Lamido. The Jigawa ex-governor praised Wike’s developmental effort, saying the opposition should borrow a leaf from the Rivers governor on how to manage loan resources.
To further accentuate his developmental plans, Wike had last Monday hinted of his plan to build new modern housing project at the newly reclaimed Nkpogu/Ogbunabali Waterfront.
Ex-Governor Godswill Akpabio and the current Senate Minority Leader was in the State last Wednesday, to unveil a federal road reconstructed by the Wike-led administration at Etche local government area. The six kilometre Igwuruta/Chokocho road elicited joy and celebration among the indigenes of the area.
Akpabio congratulated Governor Wike for being a transformational leader. On his part, Chief Wike observed that he is emulating Senator Akpabio, adding that, “I will never play politics with the construction of roads in the state. I will never make promises that I will not fulfill.”
Last Thursday, Governor Wike played host to United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Foreign and Commonwealth office, Mr Tobias Ellwood in company of British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwught. He assured them of the states readiness to partner in developing agriculture and health.
Shortly after the visit, Wike flew to Bodo in Gokana local government area to flag-off the construction of Bodo/Kpobia Road. He berated politicians in the last administration who abandoned the project and put suffering in their communities. He assured that the road will be delivered in three months.
As part of activities to commemorate the 56th Independence anniversary last Friday, Wike advocated for peace and unity amongst Nigerians, saying the nation needs all the effort of citizens to pull it out of the roads.
Last Saturday, the governor and other to state officials attended a special match past parade for the 56th anniversary. The event was camped with a cocktail and dinner later in the day.