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Nigerians Proud Of Wike , Says Saraki …Commissions 12.2km Obiri-Ikwerre-Airport Road …Declares Rivers Safe For Investment
The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki has commissioned the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road linking Obio/Akpor to Ikwerre local government areas in Rivers State, with the declaration that the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has made Nigerians proud through the signature project.
Commissioning the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road reconstructed by Wike, last Saturday night, the Senate President noted that the road was important because it would enhance investment opportunities in the state.
Saraki said: “This is a road that is significant in the sense that it is from here that investors will come into the state.
“If you stand here and look across, you will be proud to be a Nigerian. Looking up there, I can see Nigeria is working and it can work better”.
He said from the projects commissioned in Rivers State within the period, it was obvious that Wike was focused with the Rivers people fully in support of him.
The Senate president urged Nigerians not to lose focus and hope, saying that the country would eventually work.
“We are determined that there will be peace in this country. Those that don’t do the right thing will be sanctioned for not doing the right thing.
“We are determined that from every part of the country, this country belongs to us”, he said.
He regretted that three years were wasted trying to fight him, and noted that the three wasted years would have been used for the development of Nigeria.
Saraki charged Nigerians to continue to fight for the development of the country, and declared that Rivers State was safe for major investments as exemplified by the presence of Indorama.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike stated that with the Senate President, Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliation, would continue to fight the forces of darkness.
He called for the upholding of the rule of law across all tiers of government, saying that was the only way to attain progress in the country.
Wike said: “Any government that does respect the rule of law is the most corrupt government. This is because you cannot fight corruption without the rule of law”.
While berating the federal authorities for using EFCC to illegally probe the finances of Rivers State despite a subsisting court judgement yet to be vacated by a higher court, Wike condemned the Executive Order on corruption, which he said was unconstitutional.
Wike told the Senate President that his political party, the APC, has not kept her promises to Nigerians.
He thanked the Senate President for commissioning the 12.2-kilometre dual carriageway, stating that despite distractions, his administration continues to deliver meaningful projects.
The governor said before the reconstruction of the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road by his administration, the road had been impassable due to abandonment.
Wike, who congratulated the Senate President on his victory at the Supreme Court, said that Rivers people would always stand by him.
He said that the frame-up of the Senate President for armed robbery has negative consequences for the country.
Also speaking, the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose said PDP was behind Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.
Fayose told the Senate President that APC was now a spent vehicle that could no longer take him to the expected destination, and advised that it was high time the Senate President returned to the vibrant PDP.
In his remarks, Rivers State Works Commissioner, Hon Dumnemene Dekor said that the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road was a 12.2-kilometre route that was an architectural masterpiece.
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Solomon Eke said Rivers people would re-elect Wike in 2019 because of his outstanding developmental strides.
General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry, Apostle Chinyere Chibuzor said there was rejoicing in heaven and Rivers State because a righteous man was on the throne.
Similarly, the Senate President Bukola Saraki has laid the foundation for the construction of the Fertiliser Train 2 of Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemicals Limited.
This is as the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike declared that the $3.2billion (USD) for the development of Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemicals Limited is an investor’s destination.
The Senate President tacitly endorsed the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for a second term when he declared he will be in office in 2021, when the Train two of the Fertiliser Plant will be commissioned.
Performing the flag off, Senate President Bukola Saraki said with $3.2billion invested in Rivers State by the foreign investors, it shows that Rivers people are receptive to investors.
He said: “I am congratulating the people of Rivers State for creating the right environment for this investment. I like the example that Rivers people are setting for others to follow”..
In his address, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike said that Indorama has performed creditably through quality investments in the state.
Governor Wike said that the Rivers State Government will sustain the creation of a peaceful environment for the protection of Indorama’s investment.
“We are beneficiaries of the dividends of Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Petrochemicals Limited. We are happy with the management of the company “, he said.
The governor wondered why anyone would say that Rivers State is not safe for investments, when the Foreign Direct Investment by Indorama has hit $3.2billion.
“I am happy that within my time as Rivers State Governor, we commissioned the first train and the flag off of the second train for the Fertiliser Plant.
“If an investment of $3.2billion can be in Rivers State , how can anyone say that Rivers State is not safe. The Nigeria you are hearing is Rivers State “, the Rivers State Governor said
On the Supreme Court judgment on the Senate President, Governor Wike said that it is historic that Rivers State is the first state hosting the Senate President for an official assignment after the landmark judgment.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
