Former President,  Goodluck Jonathan, has explained that he has no regrets for supporting Chief Nyesom Wike as governor of Rivers State.
Speaking while unveiling the reconstructed Nkpogu Phase II Bridge, in Port Harcourt, yesterday, to mark Wike’s second year anniversary, Jonathan remarked that the Rivers State governor has surpassed his expectation.
According to him, “I am quite pleased with Wike. I have no regrets that Wike is the current governor of Rivers State. Today, the whole of Rivers State is a project site.”
Jonathan expressed happiness over the governor’s commitment to transform the state, saying, “I am happy that the governor has opened up the state so much. Successive governments have done their bit, but Wike has shown commitment in infrastructure and social mobilization of this state.”
The former president while congratulating the state on its Golden Jubilee anniversary, said he still remains a son of the state, recalling that he spent his adult life in the state, coupled with the fact that he married a Rivers daughter, and therefore, will always be involved in matters of the state.
The former president pointed out that the appreciation for the excellent performance of Governor Wike went beyond party lines, recalling that Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, after visiting the State, also stated that the governor had delivered on projects.
He expressed happiness for the invitation to commission the important Second Nkpogu Bridge , appreciating the people of the State for the support they gave him throughout his eight years involvement in national politics.
He thanked the people of Rivers State for the support they gave to his administration, and expressed his appreciation.
Earlier, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, had said that the state will never abandon the former president or castigate him in any way despite the current political developments.
Wike said the resolve to stand with Jonathan was borne out of the support he gave to the present administration.
He maintained, “We would not abandon you. We are not politicians that when something goes wrong, they begin to sing different song. Rivers State is a different place because when we believe in you, we believe in you. We are different from other Niger Delta states.”
Wike assured that Rivers State cannot openly castigate the former president, pointing out that, “those that do that should have a rethink. Rivers State will continue to back you.”
Governor Wike, in his address, said that Nigerians, after the two years of the All Progressives Congress – led Federal Government, have seen the difference between good governance and false promises.
He explained that the decision was taken for former President Jonathan to commission the second Nkpogu Bridge, as a clear message to the nation that he would not be abandoned.
Speaking further, Governor Wike said: “Those, who think that they have promises from those who think they own Nigeria, should be careful. They will use you and dump you at the appropriate time
The governor, while commenting on the project, stated that the bridge was one of the electioneering campaign promises he made, and which his administration was poised to fulfill.
He commended the contractor, Monier Construction Company (MCC) for the quality of job done, as he promised that the land reclamation by the bridge, when completed, will add more colour and beauty to the area.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works, Bathuel Harrison Iheanyichukwu said the bridge was key to linking the Trans-Amadi Industrial area.
He also said traffic congestion experienced with the closing of the bridge will be reduced as commuters will now have easy access to the adjoining communities of Ogbunabali, Nkpogu and Amadi-Ama.