Wike Decries Retrogressive Politics In Rivers

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has decried the politics of under-development being promoted by some politicians from the state, saying that he will remain committed to develop the state despite plots to distract him.
Speaking while commissioning the Rukpokwu-Aluu Road and Rumuokoro Market and Park in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, last Thursday, Wike said Rivers people must take note of those who are bent on frustrating development in the state.
The two projects were billed to be commissioned by Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo but the acting president departed for Abuja shortly after commissioning the world-class Indorama Eleme Fertiliser Plant in Eleme and two major roads in Etche.
Wike said: “They are annoyed that our projects are being commissioned. Their anger will not stop us from delivering projects for our people.
“We wrote to the acting president to visit Rivers State to commission a number of projects on the 19th July, 2017. We got a response that due to his crowded schedule, that day was not feasible. They gave us 27th July. The advance team came on Wednesday, and said there is also the commissioning of Indorama fertiliser plant.
“I heard on the radio that the other party wrote the acting president saying that the commissioning of projects make us shine. They have forgotten that we shine because God is with us and the numerous projects that we execute for our people”, Wike explained.
At the Rukpokwu-Aluu road, the governor told the people that during the campaign, he made two promises to the people, which he has fulfilled.
While commissioning the Rumuokoro Market and motor park, the governor urged the market women trading along the Rumuokoro roundabout were commercial motorists using the intersections as bus-stops, to stop as they are expected to begin using the market and park forthwith.
Wike particularly directed members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers to desist from picking passengers on the road, and begin using the motor park in the market, instead.
He said: “Now that we have opened the market, nobody should trade on the roadside. Nobody should pick passengers on the road. Henceforth, we will take action against those who flout this order.”
But the acting president appears to have spoken Wike’s mind when he addressed Rivers political leaders, chief and elders earlier.
Osinbajo had advised the two political ‘gladiators’, in the state to pursue issues that would bring development to the people rather than fighting on partisan lines.
He spoke while commissioning the Chokocho-Umuechem-Ozuzu road and Chokocho-Igbo-Etche-Rumuokurushi inter-change in Etche Local Government Area.
Osinbajo, who was full of praises for Wike’s wisdom in embarking on many pro-people projects, charged Rivers political leaders to de-emphasise partisan concerns and work in the interest of their people.
He said: “We must always look for ways to advance the interest of our people. We are greater together than apart. Today is a very happy day. We will always have happy days.
“Here with us to commission the project of the Rivers State Government is Senator Magnus Abe, who is from another party. The Federal Government supports every effort that benefits the people,” the acting president noted.
Earlier, a drama had played out at the Port Harcourt International Airport on whether the acting president should ride in a gleaming BMW car provided by Wike to take him to the site of commissioning of the Indorama’s fertilizer plant or a chopper where Amaechi and other APC chieftains were already seated.
But after a brief exchange of pleasantries and rousing reception for Osinbajo, the acting president, tactically held the governor’s hand, and took him along to the waiting chopper, en route to Indorama Eleme Fertiliser Plant, Eleme, for the commissioning ceremonies.
The Tide gathered that neither Amaechi nor his APC supporters joined Rivers chiefs, elders and other stakeholders to give the acting president the deserved Rivers hospitality during the reception, an action seen by millions as an insult on Rivers people.