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I’ll Resign If Anyone Can Prove I Promised He’ll Be My Successor -Wike …Says I’ll Campaign With Infrastructure Award
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has vowed to resign from office if anyone could prove he promised to make him his successor.
The governor said by virtue of his character, it was inconceivable that he would make a promise to help someone to succeed him, and then, renege on it.
He gave the clarification, last Monday night, during a state banquet held in Government House, Port Harcourt, to celebrate the recent conferment of “Distinguished Award InInfrastructure Delivery” on him by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Wike explained that it had become pertinent to correct erroneous lies peddled by some persons that he reneged on his promise to make them his successor.
“God gives power. There is never any day I had ever sat with anybody, I challenge whoever will say he sat with me, and I made a promise to him that, look the way things are going, you will be the (next) governor. If anybody can come out and challenge me, I will resign as governor of Rivers State.”
The governor noted that during every political transition, it was natural for politicians to be ambitious, even when they know that their dream and aspiration were unrealisable.
According to him, he never at any time since assumption of office promised anyone the seat of the governor of Rivers State.
“I never, because if I did, my conscience won’t allow me to sleep. Anything I tell you I will do, I will do it, it doesn’t matter what it is.”
He remarked that a resounding defeat awaits the opposition in the state as the award bestowed on him by the Buhari-led Federal Government had already sealed their fate.
“If the ruling party (All Progressives Congress APC) can say ‘you have done well’, who is that person, let them come and campaign here. Bring your report card; I will bring the award and the certificate. President Buhari said, ‘you (Wike) have done well’.”
The governor, who dedicated the award to God Almighty and the people of Rivers State, said but for God’s divine benevolence and the support of Rivers people, it would have been almost impossible for his administration to achieve much since 2015.
He thanked the Legislature and Judiciary for working in synergy with the Executive for the interest and benefit of the state.
The governor commended all the service chiefs, the police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their steadfastness in ensuring that Rivers State remains one of the safest states in the country.
“Today, we won’t be talking about peace in Rivers if the service commanders and the police are not doing their best. They are putting in their best, and for the first time in Rivers State, we are not having problem.
“Today, they say we are the best in infrastructure delivery, assuming there is no peace: can contractors work?”
Wike disclosed that he had authorised the Accountant General of State to pay a total of N60billion to contractors working on various projects in the 23 local government areas of the state to enable them conclude the projects on time.
The governor said he was elated that his administration was able to award contracts for 12 flyover bridges between 2019 and 2022.
“From 2019 to 2022, in three years, we have done 10 flyovers. By 2023, which is four years, we would have done 12 flyovers”, Wike said.
The Rivers State governor reiterated that he would not abandon any project started by his administration for the incoming government.
In his goodwill message, the former governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, said the award bestowed on Wike by Buhariwas the best honourthat Rivers State has received since its creation.
“For Mr President, who is President on another platform to confer that honour on a governor, who is on a different opposition platform, is not an easy business. It is unique, it is historic.May Almighty God bless you for bringing that honour to the state”.
The former governor noted that whenever people talk about the achievements of Wike, what comes to mind are the flyover bridges, roads, hospitals, schools and other infrastructure.
He stressed that people often don’t see the governor’s huge investments in human resource development.
“One investment that you have made which people are not seeing now, but will see in future, is your investment in human resource development. As we speak, you have positioned Rivers State to become the greatest producer of human resource in the medical and legal profession for the future.
“From next year, which is the year you’re going to terminate your tenure as governor, you would have laid the foundation for Rivers State to produce not less than a 100 medical doctors of Rivers State origin.”
On his part, the Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-OwajiIbani, and the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice ChibuzorAmadi, commended the governor for identifying and tackling infrastructure needs of the state.
Similarly, the Chairman, Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council andAmanyanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja; Chairman, Rivers PDP Elders’ Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba; and former president, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Onueze C.J. Okocha, SAN; commended the governor for making the state proud.
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.
Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, has lauded the commitment, solidarity and pivotal role of women in promoting peace and enterprise development in Rivers State.
Lady Fubara spoke at the second edition of ‘Women Converge,’ a special programme organized by Rivers Women Unite for Sim, an NGO, at the main bowl of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
She said women in the state had tremendously impacted the state positively through their prayers, careers, contributions to the home fronts, and expressed appreciation to Rivers women, for their unwavering support to her husband, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, while urging them to continue to pray for the state.
“Once again, let me use this occasion to thank Rivers women for their support both in prayers and solidarity with me and my family. You have been wonderful. I can’t reward all that you do, but God in heaven who sees in secret will surely reward you openly.
“Truly today, marks another milestone in our effort to shape the society for good and lending our support for the sustenance of peace and development of Rivers State in particular and Nigeria at large. Without doubt, the prayers of our women avails much in every situation.
“Let me enjoin our women to remain prayerful because God is ever ready to answer our prayers. In all that we do, we must not forget the hand of God and often seek Him for direction and help. You have always been steadfast and I urge you not to relent, and together we will move our society forward. Whatever you do, putting your trust in God will certainly succeed”.
The Rivers State first Lady described the theme of the event, “Women in An Evolving World” as apt and, deeply reflective of the very essence of actions and strategies that women adopt to navigate the new world order.
She noted that despite the complexities of managing the home front and the constraints of economic realities, women had demonstrated formidable strength and resilience to confront the odds of life.
“This Converge underscores the resilience of our women to succeed no matter the odds, especially with absolute faith in God and determination for greater accomplishments.”
“Whether in the industry, business, agriculture, public service or even in politics, they have always shown strong determination to adapt and to accomplish like others.
“Our natural state notwithstanding our focus has always been to reach for the sky like every other person and as Rivers women we have always been pacesetters.
The Keynote Speaker, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, described women as the foundation of every society, noting that the development of every society depends on the strength of womanhood.
In their good will messages, notable Rivers women who attended the event expressed optimism over the prospects of sustainable peace and development in Rivers State, and reiterated their support for the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Some dignitaries that attended the event include former Commissioner for Environment in Rivers State, Prof Roseline Konya; foremost activist, Ann Kio Briggs; wife of the former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Mrs Christie Toby; President of the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHACCIMA, Dr Chinyere Nwoga; Pastor Ene Secondus, among others.
Highlights of the event were ministrations, cutting of cake and special prayers for Rivers State.
