Kudos To Wike For FG’s Award 

When Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike confidently proclaimed that the Rivers State Government would undertake a massive construction of infrastructure, particularly the flyover projects at the Port Harcourt/Aba Expressway in addition to the then three ongoing flyovers at Rumuogba, Okoro-nu-Odo, Rebisi and also expand the Rumuola flyover, professional howlers and opponents went to town with their usual never-ending criticisms.
One of the key commitments Wike made to Rivers people when he assumed office on May 29, 2015, was to embark on a fully comprehensive urban renewal and fulfil the long-held desire of indigenes and residents of the local government areas to be connected to the rest of the state through asphalt roads and solid bridges. Seven years plus into his tenure, the urban renewal programme in the capital city and indeed the interconnectivity across the state are remarkable interventions.
Since he took up office, Governor Wike has been widely celebrated for his infrastructural revolution, which has seen him impacting all facets of development. With giant strides in road construction and rehabilitation, the building of unprecedented 12 flyovers in the state, healthcare infrastructure; education, sports, and agriculture, among others, Wike is fondly called ‘Mr Projects’ by many Nigerians. And he has vowed not to rest on his oars until his last day in office.
In recognition of the governor’s outstanding performances that have set a useful benchmark, the Presidency recently nominated him for the Distinguished Award in Infrastructure Delivery at the forthcoming Nigeria Excellence in Public Service Award slated for October 21, 2022, in Abuja. The proposed award is a direct confirmation of the tremendous leadership of the governor. The hard-working Rivers’ governor, who is no stranger to the receipt of awards and accolades from far and near, recommitted himself to the service of the state in the following words:
“The only way we can show gratitude to the people for the confidence reposed in us by the people is to continue to serve them with all our hearts and might. I will continue to commission projects until the last day. We can’t stop. We were elected to serve the people. We will continue to offer quality services to our people. Even our worst critics will agree that we have delivered excellently on our campaign promises. By God’s grace we will finish strong and our incoming governor, Siminlalayi Fubara, will continue in our legacy of quality service to our people.”
We commend President Muhammadu Buhari for readily recognising Wike’s unprecedented contributions to the development of Rivers State through the provision of quality infrastructure. Buhari has demonstrated uncommon political maturity for inclining towards the Rivers State Chief Executive for the award among other governors in the country, despite coming from an opposition party. This speaks volumes about the visionary leadership the governor has delivered for his people.
The Tide congratulates Governor Wike on making Rivers State proud! During his administration, Port Harcourt has been transformed into one of the fastest growing cities in Nigeria. Hence,  we must go on to support him and his good work that continues to provide democratic dividends until his last day in office. Wike has brought Rivers State from the depths of murkiness to the great spotlight in national affairs. The governor’s nomination for the award will eternally remain a piece of cheering news to all Rivers’ sons and daughters.
Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, had nicknamed Wike, ‘Mr Projects’ at the Government House, Port Harcourt, after inspecting the various projects executed by the governor. His visit was part of the Federal Government’s measure to interact with leaders of the oil-rich region aimed at finding a lasting solution to the crisis in the area. During the state dinner organised in his honour by the state government, Osinbajo said he was impressed by the various project sites he visited.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, renamed his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike, ‘Mr Quality Projects’. Makinde had cause to rebaptise him during the inauguration of the Emuoha campus of the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. Makinde was Wike’s guest of honour, with both being allies, especially in their Peoples Democratic Party battles. He said Wike had been so productive that he deserved to move from being called ‘Mr Projects’ to ‘Mr Quality Projects’. Such is the impeccable character of the governor.
The true masters in any endeavour do not care for the limelight. They merely accomplish their task and move on. This is just as true in the Rivers State of today. The mysteries of Governor Nyesom Wike’s last four years in office are being unravelled one after the other, and his people are not holding back their acclaims. The present-day set of Nigerian governors is past understanding. Each has been rechristened with a sobriquet that fits his accomplishments. But Wike has one of the best of these titles, and for an exceptionally good reason.
Analysts have concluded that Wike is on the list of the top five governors in Nigeria and likely the first three in the history of Rivers State governors. No other Rivers governor has paid as much attention to grassroots development as he has. No other has managed to balance the nearly boundless resources of the state with the truly boundless demands of the people, culminating in a crescendo of satisfactory sighs.
Projects executed by the governor in these last four years perfectly encompass all aspects of the Rivers’ economy: development of basic and social infrastructure, education, tourism, transport, agriculture, you name it. What’s more, he has unclasped the weight of unfinished projects from the neck of Rivers people, and the projects that have changed positions from abandoned to finished are there for all to see.
Wike is a man known for his dedication to the fulfilment of his promises. He has worked very hard and achieved so much with far fewer resources. He has provided first-class socio-economic infrastructure and kept the state and businesses safe and secure, despite the unexpected outbreak of COVID-19 and the attempts to frustrate and create diversionary situations. Indeed, the administration has remained firm and focused on this progressive trajectory. We can only hope that his successor will add better momentum to the development of the state.