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I’ll Leave Office Fulfilled, Wike Declares …Says 2023 Polls’ll Prove Strategic Political Importance Of Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that he would be leaving office in May with a sense of fulfilment that he has not disappointed the people of the state.
And to consolidate on the infrastructure transformation of the past seven years, the governor implored Rivers electorate to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship, national and state legislative candidates in the general election.
This is even as the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has declared that the 2023 general election would prove to many the strategic political importance of the state.
The governor spoke after inspection of the ongoing dualisation of Azikiwe-Iloabuchi Road, Rumuola-Rumuokwuta and Mgbuoba-NTA-Choba flyovers in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Wike said the huge number of Rivers people who thronged the streets to commend him at the various project sites, was indicative that he delivered on his mandate and has not disappointed the people.
“You can see the happiness radiating in their faces, that makes us happy that the people are happy with us. That means when government or leaders have made promises they should be able to fulfill their promises.
“I think we can say with all good authority, we are happy and we can go home satisfied that we have not disappointed our people. That is the major thing for me, that you’re going home not disappointed that you made promises to the people and you didn’t fulfill the promises.”
Wike noted that it is unprecedented in the history of the country that a government with barely four months left to the end of its tenure, could still be flagging off and new commissioning projects.
“We are still flagging off new projects which is key, and people are asking what kind of government are these people. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, a government is commissioning and flagging off more projects when they have less than four months to leave.”
The governor, who expressed confidence that his administration would finish strong, charged Rivers electorate to ensure they vote massively for the PDP governorship, national and state legislative candidates in the February and March elections.
He maintained that voting for the PDP governorship and legislative candidates would guarantee the consolidation and sustainability of the infrastructure transformation recorded in the last seven years by his administration.
“It is unprecedented, but again, Rivers people deserve the best. That is why we are saying to Rivers people with what we have done, we are preaching for consolidation.”
The governor remarked that when in his second tenure, his administration started the construction of 12 flyovers; some cynics had questioned where the state would get the resources to accomplish the projects.
“We are doing flyovers, and at the same time carrying out other projects in the state. Today, we completed 10 flyovers and commissioned them, remaining two.
The governor said Julius Berger has promised that three projects inspected will be completed and delivered to the state government for commissioning before the end of the administration.
“Berger has promised that we will commission these projects before we leave office, and that is in fulfilment of the promise we made to our people that no one project will be left abandoned.”
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has declared that the 2023 general election would prove to many the strategic political importance of the state.
He said the state cannot continue to be a dumping ground where the interests of the people are considered inconsequential.
Wike spoke at Elele Civic Centre, venue of the flag-off of construction work on the Elele internal roads in Ikwerre Local Government Area, yesterday.
He urged the people to understand that Rivers State stands very strong in the scheme of national affairs, which was why when the state gives anybody support, it should be reciprocated.
Instead of people to address their minds to that reality, Wike said they were rather issuing political threats against the state.
He warned those issuing such threats in Abuja to have a rethink else they would have problems.
Wike said Rivers State has remained the bedrock of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since 1999, provided it with bulk votes and logistics than any PDP state in the country.
The governor insisted that if there was no Rivers State, there would not also have been a PDP, adding tyhat despite the state’s contributions, there was nothing of note, in terms of projects that can be reckoned as benefit to justify the support.
Wike pointed to how Rivers State refused to enter into negotiation with the APC-led Federal Government as done by other states, and did not give President Muhammadu Buhari 25percent votes in the 2019 election despite the heavy military presence in the state.
He explained that Rivers State ranked higher above other states, and they should shiver when it was talking.
Ahead of the 2023 general election, the Rivers State governor disclosed that some politicians have started mounting pressure on the National Assembly to speedily pass the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) N500billion budget.
“Since NDDC was established, look at the money that has gone into NDDC. What can we show for it? The NDDC has become a cash cow for politicians. The President has just inaugurated the new board of the NDDC. You know what is going on now? There is N500B budget for NDDC. Election is coming from February 25. Now, what the politicians have done is to put pressure on the National Assembly so that they will pass the N500billion budget for NDDC.”
He explained that some politicians with vested interest in the 2023 general election have already determined how the NDDC budget would be siphoned, and if they succeed, the region will further suffer.
Wike said it was regrettable that those who superintend over the affairs of the NDDC are sons and daughters of the oil producing states; yet, the commission has never deemed it appropriate to seek the input of these state in its budget preparation.
He said the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice has been notified to challenge some perceived fraudulent provisions of the budget, such as the allocation of N60billion for building a spurious safe haven for a particular security agency and N4billion for cleaning of gutters, in court.
The governor lamented that the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs had been rendered redundant, as supervision of the NDDC had become the role concern of minister in charge of the ministry.
Speaking on the project, Wike told the people of Elele that the entire roads network in the town would be reconstructed, and would serve as part of appreciation for their support to his administration 2015.
He explained that all the indigenous contractors his administration was using have all shown capacity, and assured that no project awarded by his administration would be left abandoned.
Wike urged them to support his quest for consolidation by voting Sir Siminialayi Fubara to be the next governor of the state, and his running mate, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, who would continue with the ongoing development agenda.
Providing the description of the project, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr. Dakorinima Alabo George-Kelly, said the Elele internal roads was awarded to the contractor, O.K.I. Nigeria Limited on October 28, 2022.
According to him, the road measures 9KM in length, would have 6KM drains, and was expected to be completed in the next three months.
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Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.
Addressing newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the Governor noted that the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.
He was accompanied on the tour by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who briefed the Governor on the status of the project and adjoining infrastructure.
Governor Fubara, who appeared visibly unsatisfied with what he saw on the stretch of the road, said his administration would not condone mediocrity or allow public funds to be wasted on underperforming projects. He, therefore, hinted that a review of the contract may be imminent to ensure the delivery of quality infrastructure to the people.
“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” the Governor said.
The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the standard and pace of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, which forms a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve connectivity among communities in the area once completed.
Governor Fubara stated that the bridge will serve as a key link between communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, reducing travel time and providing an alternative route to the East–West Road.
He emphasised that the project demonstrates his administration’s commitment to rural connectivity and inter-community access, which are central to his development vision for Rivers State.
“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community that is connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele.
“Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.
Governor Fubara also expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use in early 2026, noting that Setraco’s expertise and performance met his administration’s expectations for quality and delivery timelines.
He highlighted that projects of such importance should be handled by firms with the capacity to meet government standards.
The Governor further remarked that once completed, the bridge would serve as a crucial economic corridor for farmers and traders, especially those involved in agriculture and cultivation of local produce across the beneficiary local government areas.
He maintained that his administration is determined to deliver people-oriented projects that promote connectivity, strengthen commerce, and enhance livelihoods across the State.
“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” Governor Fubara said.
Reaffirming his vision for Rivers people, the Governor noted that his development plan seeks to integrate all parts of the State through strategic infrastructure investments that promote mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth.
He explained that his government is executing projects across multiple local government areas to ensure balanced development and inclusivity.
Governor Fubara stated that the administration will soon address the deplorable state of the Abua/Ahoada Road, which he said, will be included in the 2026 state budget.
“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” he said.
Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that provides value for public funds and meets the aspirations of Rivers people.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.