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Another First 100th Day Mark: As Wike Reinvents Rivers

Published

6 years ago

September 9, 2019

This week will witness a water mark in the history of the Rivers State with the second term of the Wike administration running into its first 100 days. This time around, the good people of Rivers State will not miss out on a harvest of programmes and projects that will be recorded in favour of the administration. Ranging from roads to public buildings and even markets, the list of such landmark endeavours is nothing but impressive. Although most of such projects under consideration were started and completed during the first term, the seeming adoption of the maxim that ‘action speaks louder than words’, by the administration, may account for its muted stand on the fanfare that should have celebrated the completion of each of them. Hence, even if the administration does not celebrate its accomplishments on individual basis, the beneficiary, Rivers people do so in their individual capacities.
As an original ‘Port Harcourt (Town) Boy’ from pre-Civil War years, this author enjoys the privilege of having witnessed the undulating fortunes of the Rivers State in general and Port Harcourt in particular. He can therefore vouch authoritatively that the Wike administration is driving a reinvention agenda for the state. And hate him or like him, the tell-tale signs of that dispensation, are all too obvious to be missed. After all, was it not a renowned minister of the gospel that recently pointed out that nobody can successfully argue against hard, real life evidence?
While space may fail this piece to outline all of the projects, the mention of just a few will serve. Take for instance the Rumuwoji Market popularly miscalled ‘Mile One Market’, which remains iconic in the complement of Wike’s administrative style. Given the convoluted history of the market – at least, since efforts to restructure the facility in recent times, its story has been one of unending concern over several setbacks including fire outbreaks, political intrigues and policy somersaults by previous administrations. Compared to its previous state which was described by Wikipedia as one of Africa’s largest open markets, Wike’s intervention has turned it – perhaps into one of the continent’s most improved shopping facilities. Complete with all the relevant support facilities for such a project, including a firefighting capability, clinic and security provisions, the market is simply a world class shopping centre – a far cry from the Wikipedia description.
Moving over to the Fruit Garden along Kaduna Street is another sweet experience in tracking government in action. Until it was burnt down in a fire incident in 2018, the Fruit Garden Market was simply a typical African-style,railroad-side, collection of make shift shanty stalls, and expanded on a daily basis. This was until it became simply unmanageable and a problem for the flow of traffic along Kaduna street Road and adjoining areas of ‘D Line’. Today, the Wike touch has transformed it into an architectural masterpiece that is fit for the beautification of any city in the world.
Leaving the market scene, one can mention the new Woji- Akpajo Dual Carriage Expressway. Combining its new state with the renovated Old Refinery Road which traverses Elelenwo Town and links the Oil Mill Junction and Akpajo, the result has been a complete and unprecedented make-over of the entire environment, with the upsurge in business startups completing the picture of a reinvention tale. And as it is with the few mentioned projects so it is for other areas of intervention by the administration.
However, it may be inequitable for the administration if its credit rating is confined to just physical projects, as actual administrative style and efforts also define the integrity of any administration. Hence, for the administration, the restoration of sanity on the streets of Port Harcourt also qualifies for mention. For the past fortnight, the administration has been engaged in a series of face-offs with hordes of street traders and its roadside artisans who with impunity turned Port Harcourt and its environs into a free for all theatre of the absurd. Daunting as the task of reining in street traders and artisans may be, the approach by the governor created significant relief to both the enforcers and the affected, in the push for a cleaner Port Harcourt.
He had started with facilitating enabling laws for the exercise given the absence of same in the state’s statute books. This approach not only guaranteed the compliance with procedure by all actors in the exercise, but went further to accentuate a law abiding disposition of the governor. With such an approach, he instills confidence across the State, that come what may, he will stand on the side of the law.
An immediate spin-off this disposition came into play with the recent stir over the alleged demolition of a mosque in the Trans Amadi area of Port Harcourt. In spite of the attacks on the administration and even his person from interests across the country and even beyond, the only defence was based on the position of the law on the matter. And given the course of events all through his first term and the newly commenced second one, it is to state the obvious that the days of trial for his administration are not over. In fact in all realism, suffice it to be stated that more shall come and perhaps even in more sophisticated forms and shapes.
Meanwhile, until such come his way, let all of Rivers State mark the passage of the first 100days of Wike’s second term with optimism, as the African proverb says that ‘a chick that will be a cock in future, can be identified soon after being hatched’.

Monima Daminabo

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Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed

Published

2 weeks ago

November 14, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.

Addressing newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor noted that the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.

He was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the Governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.

Governor Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. He, therefore, hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.

“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” the Governor said.

The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which forms a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.

Governor Fubara stated that the bridge will serve as a key link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.

He emphasised that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access, which are central to his development vision for Rivers State.

“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele.

“Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.

Governor Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines.

He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.

The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.

He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.

“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” Governor Fubara said.

Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.

He explained that his government is executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.

Governor Fubara stated that the administration will soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.

“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.

Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that provides value for public funds and meets the aspirations of Rivers people.

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Fubara Pledges Cleaner Gateway To PH City …Visits New Dumpsite At Igwuruta

Published

1 month ago

October 24, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.

The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.

The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.

Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.

“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.

“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.

So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.

Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.

Featured

Fubara Tasks New SSG On Honour, Service, Protection Of Rivers Interest

Published

1 month ago

October 17, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.

Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.

Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.

“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”

Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.

He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.

“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.

The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.

He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.

“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.