Wike Tasks LG Bosses To Construct Rural Roads …Says We’ve Harnessed Partnership In Developing Rivers

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said that it was unconscionable for any local government chairman not to construct roads in the rural areas, since the state government does not tamper with their funds from the Federation Account.
Wike, who was Obio/Akpor Local Government chairman during the tenure of former governor, Dr. Peter Odili, described as absurd, the demand by council chairmen for the state government’s intervention in roads that they can conveniently construct for their people.
He said these, yesterday, at the Odiemudie Junction by Akoh Mini Central, where he flagged off the construction of Odiemudie Road in Ahoada East Local Government Area.
The governor told the Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Council, Hon. Benjamin Eke, that when he was chairman of Obio/Akpor, he executed road projects without asking for assistance from the then governor.
There was, therefore no basis, Wike said, for Eke to have stood before him to request the state government to construct the road in Ward 10 in Ahoada East Local Government Area.
“I was council chairman. People knew in the state, I was constructing roads. I never one day called the governor to come and do so and so thing. You have the temerity to stand before me to say, ‘come and do road in Ward 10’.
“Thank God you said I don’t temper with all local government money. I know how much you all get. Last two months, local governments got between N300million and N400million. What’s the salary bill? Where does the money go to?”
Wike directed the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs to go and get a comprehensive list of projects that the chairman of Ahoada East Local Government claimed to have accomplished and submit same to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
“Because I believe there should be development everywhere does not mean you will take it for granted. So, this is the last time I will go to any local government, and I will see a chairman coming out to say do so, so thing for us. You must show me your report card.”
The Rivers State governor said his administration would continue to sustain the ongoing partnership with local contractors in the development of infrastructure in the state.
The governor stated that the local contractors awarded several road projects by his administration have not disappointed the government.
He maintained that they have rather shown capacity, delivered completed projects that meet agreed specifications, and handed over projects on schedule.
“I have the belief that the local contractors will continue to do their best. That is why we are encouraging them, and which is why they are performing.
“I’m happy that in our time, the few indigenous contractors we have now have shown capacity and commitment. If this goes on, then, we will continue to partner with them because they are doing very well.”
Wike expressed the conviction that the partnership hings on the inclusion of local content in the award of civil construction activities.
The governor noted the claim made by the local contractor handling the Odiemudie Road to have engaged about 100 youths on the project, and said it was commendable.
He urged them to also offer subcontracts to the locals so that they can supply some ancillary materials that can be sourced within and around the community.
Wike commended the Eze Ekpeye Logbo of Ekpeye Land, and the Eze Akoh for ensuring peace in their areas, which had reflected in the cooperation the contractor has enjoyed.
Providing the description of the project, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr Dakorinima Alabo George-Kelly, said the Odiemudie Road was awarded two months ago, and the contractor was expected to deliver the project on March 31, 2023.