The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has challenged local government chairmen in the state to embark on development projects in their areas in order to better the lot of their people.
Wike said this while commissioning the Ekeukwu ultra-modern market built by the Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Dr Obinna Anyanwu at Ulakwo, recently.
The Rivers State Chief Executive expressed happiness that the project would enhance the economic well-being of the people of Etche, and encouraged Anyanwu to continue to deliver quality projects that would touch the lives of Etche people.
The governor, who was represented by the state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Amb Desmond Akawor, said the chairman has set a standard in project implementation that anyone who would succeed him would strive to improve upon.
He accused the APC-led Federal Government of neglecting the state by failing to fulfill any of its promises, and added that in less than six years, his administration has constructed 11 flyover bridges, built roads, schools and hospitals in all parts of the state.
The governor also expressed regret that even the so-called narrow gauge rail line allegedly approved for Rivers State has been cancelled while construction of the one for Maiduguri, Borno State is ongoing.
“For all the promises they made to us, let them tell us which one of them has been fulfilled. I hear even the latest one the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi gave us; the narrow gauge had been cancelled now, but the one in Maiduguri is working. Rivers people have already sent a message that you have to make sure you complete it before you come back home at the end of your assignment. We cannot tolerate that anymore”, the governor warned.
He also condemned, in strong terms the utterances of one of the sons of Etche, who is the spokesman of the Amaechi faction of the APC, Hon Ogbonna Nwuke, wherein he attempted to downgrade the good efforts of the administration in the execution of quality projects in the state.
“I heard one of your sons who is his spokesman, Hon Ogbonna Nwuke, came out to ask questions about projects. I don’t know what he said about the Okomoko farm. I don’t know what he said about the roads in Etche. I believe Ogbonna Nwuke knows the cost of the Monorail. I believe Ogbonna Nwuke knows what it means to destroy what has been built by our fathers in the state. And with what has happened, instead of him to praise the man God has given to us to do one or two things in the state, his question now is: where is he getting the money from?”, he said.
Underscoring the position of Etche as an important local government area in the state, the governor said that Etche people would always remember him, especially for sitting a campus of the Rivers State University in the area, and urged them to ask their sons in the APC the projects they have been able to attract to the area.
“So, you have every opportunity to ask your sons questions, where you are what have you brought for Etche people. Rotimi Amaechi is good, what did he do for Etche people. Hon Allwell Onyesoh will tell you why he left, that he got tired because he could no longer come to Etche freely”, he said.
While commending the Etche Local Government Chairman, Dr Obinna Anyanwu, for the bold step taken to construct the ultra-modern market, Wike described him as a strong believer in the Wkematics philosophy.
He also lauded the father of the Etche Council Chairman, Chief Emma Anyanwu, and the traditional ruler in the area, for their various supportive roles and advice, and enjoined the youths of the area to remain united and peaceful in order to attract more developments to the area.
In his response, the Chairman of Etche local Government Area, Dr Obinna Anyanwu said that the market was in a state of dilapidation at the inception of his administration.
He said that the reconstruction was considered necessary in order to boost the economic activities in the area and as well, enhance the living condition of the people.

By: King Onunwor