The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu, has conveyed the warmth gratitude of the people of Obio/Akpor to the Rivers State Government over the successful flag-off of the Rumuokwurusi-Elimgbu flyover in the LGAand subsequent completion of about six others in the state capital and its environs.
He said that Obio/Akpor Local Government has never witnessed such massive infrastructure development in the political history of Rivers State and the LGA.
Ariolu stated this in a statement while presenting an address at during the flag-off of Rumuokwurusi-Elimgbu flyover, last Monday.
The chairman, while expressing gratitude to the Rivers State Government, described the Rumuokwurusi-Elimgbu flyover as an identifiable and justifiable signature project of Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike administration.
He noted that the importance of the flyover to the people of the area cannot be overemphasised, adding that it would serve the East-West Road connecting the entire states of the South-South and other parts of the nation.
Ariolu, who was accompanied by his Vice, Lady Chinyeru Agbara, observed the high level of vehicular gridlock suffered by motorists within the Rumuokwurusi-Elimgbu axis, expressing confidence that the flyover, upon completion and inauguration, would reduce man-hour as well as enhance accessibility to other parts of the roads.
In his remarks, the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, noted what was important in governance was making promises and fulfilling them, which according to him,was a primary duty his administration owes the people of Rivers State in order to improve their condition of living.While questioning the integrity of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration at the federal level, Wike added that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), unlike other parties that had continuously struggled with fulfilling promises to the people, had remained consistent with its promises to the electorates.
He maintained that politicians who fail to keep promises, build their confidence on hijacking of electoral materials to teleport themselves into office.
Accordingly, he expressed confidence that the period of using uniformed men and thugs to snatch electoral material was over, adding that the card reader and transmission of results electronically means that elections can no longer be manipulated.
Also speaking, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed expressed need for Nigerians to consider Wike for the opportunity to serve at the national level, even though he (Bala) had declared interest to contest the seat of the president.
He maintained that if Rivers State was lucky to have Wike, Nigerians would be luckier to have him, describing Wike as a man with the vision of knowing how to harness resources to improve the lives of citizens.
Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Elloka Tasie-Amadi while describing the project, said the Rumuokwurusi-Elimgbu flyover is 8.40meters long and 17.6meters wide with median, insisting that it would be completed in 10 months.
He added that the project when completed would enhance rapid development of real estate activities as well as boost commerce in the area.
However, Managing Director of Julius Berger, Lars Richter, has assured the Rivers State Government and residents that the company would deliver the project on time and according to specifications.
Earlier, it was disclosed by the Rivers State Government that a contractual agreement has been signed with the construction giant, Julius Berger for the Rumuokwurusi-Elimgbu flyover at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
The event, which had several Rivers stakeholders and elder statesmen in attendance were greeted with a heart-warming musical performance by contemporary singers, Aloysius Mbata and Patricia Okene.
It also featured special appearances from the Rumuokwurusi-Elimgbuwomen groups, Rumuokwurusi wrestling group as well as Oboni and Owembe Cultural Masquerade group.