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Reconciliation In PDP Must Be Based On Equity, Fairness, Justice -Wike …Apologises To Oshiomhole Over Past Political Comments
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) G-5 Governors would only be disposed to reconciliation based on equity, fairness and justice.
The Rivers State governor made the assertion at the inauguration of the Rumuepirikom Flyover, the 8th so far constructed and completed by his administration.
The project inauguration was performed by the former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, last Wednesday.
Wike pointed to how, prior to the crisis rocking the PDP, some members of the party were singing praises of him and colleagues that make up the G-5 Governors. But he noted that the same people have turned around to call them names because they are clamouring for equity, fairness and justice.
“I’m sure, those of them in my party, before, they cannot say anything without mentioning Wike. But now, because I said let the right thing be done, let agreement be agreement. Because I have said that, I have now become an enemy. These were people who were praising me morning, night, any day.
“But because we said, look, we had an agreement, do this, do that, and some people believe that they will not and we said it must be done. We stand for equity, fairness and justice. That is what the G-5 Governors will continue to preach. We have said we are not against reconciliation, but reconciliation must be based on equity, fairness and justice.”
Wike said politics is about interest and Rivers people must be sure of what they stand to benefit for any support they would have to give ahead of the 2023 general election.
“Politics now is about interest. You must tell me what the interest of Rivers State is. You must tell me what the interest of my community is. I will not join anybody who does not want my state to benefit. I will not support anybody who does not like my state.”
Wike drew attention to the place of integrity in leadership across strata and why leaders must be bonded by what they say and do.
“When once you have lost integrity, there is nothing you can offer again. And that is the problem we are having in this country where politicians will stand up and make a statement.
“And then, people are watching you to fulfill that statement, promise you have made and when you don’t, Nigerians will now say that is how politicians behave. I don’t agree to that.
“Individuals can behave that way, I will not behave that way. If I say something today, I will do it. If there is any reason I won’t do it, I have to come back to you and let you know this is the reason why. And that is what they call integrity.”
He called on leaders across strata and divide to promote unity among Nigerians.
According to him, the expected unity should be devoid of ethnicity, religion and party considerations but based on the fact that one is a Nigerian.
“We need a Nigeria that all of us can be proud of. And so, for us, all we are looking for is how Nigeria will progress. How people will have food on their table. It is not a about ethnicity, it is not about religion. It is not about party but how Nigeria will progress. That is where we stand.”
Wike decried situations most people are made to experience, which often make them to question their nationality as Nigerians.
He said, it was unfair for some Nigerians to lord it over others on an unequal stance, a feeling that negates unity and progress.
The governor also seized the opportunity to offer public apology to Oshiomhole over some political comments made against him and the governorship candidate that he supported in the last Edo State gubernatorial election.
“You know I came to Edo State to make sure your candidate didn’t win election. I was virtually in charge, everyday coming out on television to take you on, and I said you will not win, and you didn’t win.
“Well, that assignment has been done; we now know who is who. I want to tell my people, I sincerely apologise to you, and you know, each time you (we) learn.”
Wike said to be called a good leader; you must have integrity because good leadership requires honesty and transparency.
Commenting on the project, Wike noted how the people had cried over the inconveniences they had suffered while the construction work lasted.
But with the Rumuepirikom flyover now completed and inaugurated, Wike observed that people were happier that their sacrifice was worth it.
The governor thanked the people and residents of Rumuepirikom for their cooperation and understanding throughout the period of the construction in spite of the inconvenience.
“Before any good development comes to an area, there must be some kind of discomfort as sacrifice for that good thing to come. I thank my people for the support they gave Julius Berger during the period of the construction despite the inconvenience they experienced.
“We thank God that we are through with the project that we started last year around June/July. Today, we are celebrating; it is a thing of joy for the people of my community and those doing business here. We are not going to abandon any project we have started.
“Governance does not know party; governance does not know ethnicity or religion. Governance is for everybody; It doesn’t matter whether they voted for you or not. When you get power through the vehicle of your political party, you are obliged to carry everyone along the moment election is won and governance starts.
“I invite people from the other political divide to commission projects because there is no law that says I must invite only those in my party to commission projects. Today, our brother, Adams Oshiomhole is here with us, when he goes back, he will tell people that all those things I have been hearing about projects in Rivers State, I have gone there, I have seen and they are correct.
“What is important about leadership is integrity, once you have lost integrity, there is nothing you can offer anymore in leadership because it requires honesty and transparency to be seen as a good leader,” the governor said.
Wike instructed Julius Berger Nigeria PLC to return to the Rumuepirikom community and make sure all roads were reconstructed in the area.
Performing the inauguration, former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, noted with pleasure the belief by Wike that in a democracy, though political parties were needed to win elections, promises made to the people must be kept, and projects delivered as proof of governance.
“I think, Rivers people should be proud because, our people often say that prophets are not appreciated at home. Governor Wike has truly transformed this city.
“So, sir, the truth is that, I have heard anyone who is able to say with some measure of confidence that Governor Wike does not hide his position; and speaks whenever he feels he had something to say. You talk, you walk the talk!
“In politics, I can’t come to this place when we want the votes and begin to celebrate you. If I celebrate you like our President MuhammaduBuhari has celebrated you now, and you’re using the certificate to make the most potent campaign against my own party what can we say?”
Oshiomhole, who was also a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), commended Wike for using his time in office as governor of Rivers State to make a difference.
“Facts are very stubborn. So, I agree that even your worse critics will admit that Wike has made a difference. You made a difference not only in terms of projects but even your statement this afternoon. I join you in saying, because I had course to say that in Benin, when I was governor of Edo State, that how can a country be governed by people who cannot be trusted?
“When politicians make statements, make promises or even make agreements or even enact laws and the laws are not to be obeyed by themselves but to be obeyed by others, and when they default in their promise or standing, they say that is politics for you”.
Oshiomhole described r Wike as a courageous and visionary leader who matches words with actions.
He said Nigeria needs more people like Wike in positions of authority.
“I feel very privileged that you are inviting me at a time when I am not in a position of authority to do anything for anyone. I really thank Your Excellency for this recognition.
“Yes, we need political parties, and we need to contest elections. In doing so, when we make promises and the people give us the benefit of the doubt, when the election season is over, we should move away from politics to projects like Governor Wike is doing.
“That is why you were honoured by our president who is not very generous in praising people, he doesn’t have much qualification in terms of flattering, he doesn’t flatter, and he won’t give you recognition if you don’t merit it.
“I can reveal this: this is why it took him seven years before he conferred the first national honours in his administration. He told me when I was the national chairman of APC, we don’t throw honours away, and you have to give honour to those who really merit it.
“One or two years in office is not enough time for him to assess people. As you can see, you are one of the few that were honoured. I think it was yours in particular that was really celebrated by many based on your activities. In spite of your no flattering statements about his government, he still found you worthy of that honour as Mr Projects.
“Rivers people should be proud; Governor Wike has truly transformed this state. I haven’t heard anyone say with confidence that Governor Wike just boasts, and does not do anything. You talk, you walk the talk.
“Your Excellency you have made a difference not only in the area of projects but in governance in general. Nigeria needs more people like you in positions of authority,” Oshiomhole added.
Oshiomhole extolled the eloquence, brilliance and proficiency in construction terms and figures exhibited by the Rivers State commissioner for works.
“I must salute the brilliant young commissioner for works who took us on a tutorial of the project from A to Z. Your Excellency, I must confess, you have an intellectual as commissioner for works,” he stated.
Providing the project description earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Dr. George-Kelly, D. Alabo, said the flyover is 820 meters in length.
“This flyover project is 820m in length; it has two approach ramps on the north side and the south side of the overpass, 110m each. It has a width of 16.8m, 600mm walkways on both sides, and 600mm medians.
“We have a total of 108 beams, and 260 elastomeric bearings to ensure that movements due to compression are accommodated. We also have expansion joints at locations, expansion joints on the bridge, and expansion joints even on the retaining walls to take care of thermal expansivity.
“Sub-structurally, we have 200mm thickness of soil cement stabilisation after soil replacement. We have 200mm thickness of stone base, and we have pavement of 100mm thick; 50mm binder course and 50mm wearing course,” the commissioner added.
He stated that the flyover was designed to last, would reduce time spent in traffic; improve the socio-economics dynamics within the benefitting communities in addition to the enhanced value of property in the area.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described the ongoing construction of the brand new 13.52-kilometre Ngo-Atlantic-Oyorokoto Road as a bold and visionary effort by his administration to open up the coastal region for economic growth and harness the full potential of the state’s blue economy.
The Governor made this remark during an inspection visit to the project site in Andoni Local Government Area. The road, being constructed by Monier Construction Company (MCC), cuts through challenging coastal terrain and leads to a newly identified beachfront facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Governor Fubara explained that while the original plan was to construct a road leading to Oyorokoto Town and its popular beach, his administration decided to expand the project to create an entirely new route that would open access to another pristine beachfront.
“We are doing another inspection today. This particular one is a virgin road, 13.52 kilometres of a new pathway to the blue economy,” Governor Fubara stated.
“Initially, we were constructing a road to Oyorokoto Beach, one of the finest tourist centres in this area. But as we progressed, we discovered another beach directly facing the Atlantic Ocean. It became clear that we shouldn’t limit development to just one site. We want to harness this new beach front as part of our broader plan to develop the blue economy.”
The Governor emphasised that the project, once completed, will not only improve access to coastal communities but also stimulate tourism and economic activities, boosting revenue for Rivers State.
Describing the area’s difficult terrain as challenging, he commended the contractor for its dedication, and expressed confidence that the road would be completed and commissioned by March next year.
“You can see for yourself, it’s a brand-new road in a very difficult terrain, just like the one we saw yesterday. But I strongly believe we will overcome it. From what we’ve seen today, the contractor, MCC, is doing their best, and by next year, hopefully by March, we’ll have the cause to commission this project and give God all the glory,” the Governor affirmed.
Governor Fubara also visited Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area to assess the progress of work on the Epellema axis of the ongoing 5.2km Kalaibiama-Epellema road project featuring a 450-meter bridge.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road project, revealing that about 75 percent of the critical piling work has been completed.
Governor Fubara made this known while addressing journalists after an on-the-spot inspection of the 12.5-kilometre road project, which will connect the state capital to several Kalabari communities across the sea.
The Governor rode on a boat from a jetty at Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area through the rivers and creeks on the project route during the inspection.
The project was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited, on May 15, 2024, with an initial 32-month completion timeline.
The Governor said the visit was aimed at verifying reports from the Ministry of Works regarding the project’s advancement. He commended the contractors for their dedication, and described the progress as “a true reflection of hard work and commitment to excellence.”
“The first phase of the project takes us to Bakana, and features four major river-crossing bridges and nearly five deck-on-pile structures. The terrain is difficult, and the engineering work required is complex. But to the glory of God, I can confirm that the reports I’ve been receiving are accurate. Almost 75% of the piling job, which is the most critical part of the project, has been achieved,” Governor Fubara said.
He emphasised that the Trans-Kalabari Road is one of the most technically demanding infrastructure projects in the state due to its challenging marine terrain but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver it on schedule.
Governor Fubara highlighted the strategic importance of the road in connecting the Kalabari Kingdom to Port Harcourt, and stimulating economic growth across riverine communities.
“This is a key project that will turn around the lives of the Kalabari people immediately it is concluded. By the grace of God, in the next six months, if we return here for inspection, we might be driving across the bridge,” he said.
Governor Fubara assured Rivers people that his administration remains focused on delivering transformative infrastructure projects that will improve lives and bring lasting development to rural communities.
“We have made a promise to our people to embark on projects that will change lives and bring development, and this is a testament to that commitment,” he added.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says that the impact of flooding and erosion on the inhabitants of Rivers State, especially those living in coastal communities, are of great concerns to the government.
Governor Fubara lamented the consequences of flood on both human and biotic life, which sometimes lead to loss of life, property, and degradation of the environment.
The Governor made the remark in Port Harcourt during the launch of a book titled, ‘Coastal Zone Flooding And Erosion in Developing Communities, Principles, Cases and Strategies,” written by Emeritus Prof. Wiston Bell-Gam.
According to the Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Benibo Anabraba, his administration, would continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies to combat flooding.
In his words: “The Rivers State Government will continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies, such as construction of seawalls and breakers, canals and channels, restoring coastal ecology and ecosystem for coastal resilience and where necessary, the relocation of communities on the coastline.
“These issues are currently receiving the much needed attention and intervention by the recent approval of the construction of shoreline protection along the coastlines of more than five communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Opobo/Nkoro LGAs respectively.”
“It is important that as stakeholders in the protection and preservation of marine environment, we all act and advocate for mitigation strategies such as reduction in emission of Green House Gasses that causes climate change and rise in sea levels. Let us promote the use of clean energy and against fossil fuel.
Governor Fubara further cautioned residents to desist from building on waterways.
“We also need to encourage our people to stop developing buildings on and along natural water courses, indiscriminate sea mining and dredging activities on our coastline without consideration for mangroves and swamps,” he stressed.
He appreciated the author for his advanced contributions to the body of knowledge in both Rivers State and globally.
Also speaking, a former Military Governor of the old Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Ditte-Spiff, who was Royal Father at the Event, stated that the book was timely to enable stakeholders manage the challenges of global warming.
“Global warming is real. If it’s not addressed globally, a time will come coastal areas will find themselves under water. The coastline of Nigeria is shocking with many mangroves gone,” he noted.
The Reviewer of the Book, who is also the Vice Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Ondo State, Prof Temi Ologunorisa, explained that the 14-chapter book is timeous as it fills literary gaps between desire and available knowledge on coastal flood and erosion in developing communities.,
“A major beauty of the book that sets it apart is the detailed consideration of flood and erosion control from around the world,” he stated, adding that the book is based on detailed field investigation.