As the Wike administration in Rivers State gears up to mark successful
first year of its second tenure on the 29th of May 2020, some elder
statesmen have expressed delight over the unfettered leadership Governor
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has continued to offer the state amidst Covid-19
pandemic.
The elder statemen recounted how the broken walls of development and
brotherliness were mended in his first tenure with sectorial
performances and services provided by strategic institutions of
government have remained efficient under his leadership into his second
tenure without any lapse.
Chairman of Greater Port Harcourt Development Authority, Chief Ferdinand
Alabaraba said everybody within the state can attest to the fact that
construction of critical road projects and the three flyovers bridges
have continued despite the covid-19 pandemic.
He said, such commitment to delivery of projects to Rivers people
combined with the tackling of the Covid-19 pandemic is matched because
governor Wike provided palliatives to people in all local government
areas to cushion the hardship they experience.
“He has taken all necessary steps to ensure that the disease does not
spread and also to ensure that the people are protected. People have
criticised him but we know that he is doing the correct thing we all
support him. He has not only done that, he’s also not left out his
people, giving palliatives to all LGAs of the state. It is a matter of
joy that the governor has at all times, worked for the interest of the
people and has the support of the people in all he does.”
Speaking on project execution in AkukuToru, chief Alabaraba said the
ongoing construction of the ring road in Abonnema town is almost ready
and likely to be commissioned in the next few weeks and it will enhance
the economy activities of the people.
The elder statesman commended the governor for the cash compensation
given to Abonnema Town people that suffered from the Military invasion
during the 2019 presidential election, saying it is a demonstration of
love and care of a leader to his people.
Senior advocate of Nigeria, Chief Onueze Okocha who sued for patience,
understanding and cooperation from all Rivers people who desire good
governance that governor Wike has continued to provide, urged them to
remember the inglorious past when the state was on its knees from where
the governor took it up to chart a new course.
He said the courts are working now, like all arms of government, with
construction of projects unabated.
According to him, he had boldly confronted covid-19 pandemic to mitigate
alarming health crisis in the state.
“Unfortunately, but happily only four LGAs of Rivers State have
reported incidence of persons having covid-19. The measures, he has
put in place, I believe to a large extent, helped us to contain the
spread of the virus. There has been lockdown which some people found
very unpalatable. Of course, when you have a serious ailment you must
find a serious medicine to deal with it, which is why I keep speaking to
the people of Rivers state to exercise patience with the governor to
show understanding especially because we are seeing the result. ”
The senior advocate berated the security agencies for sabotaging
movement restriction but noted that beyond such betrayal, Rivers people
can celebrate another successful year of the Wike administration.
“I believe that we are here to celebrate even in this very troubling
times and doff our hats for the man who we elected to govern Rivers
State. His first year in the second tenure has been successful and I
hope and pray that the succeeding years that he has in office from now
up till the 29th Of may 2023 will also be happy years for which we will
celebrate and thank God that at this point in time a man called Nyesom
Ezenwo Wike was our governor.”
On his part, Chief Emmanuel Anyanwu recalled how Governor Wike
reconnected Etche local government area by road to Port Harcourt with
the construction of Chokocho – Rumuokwurushi Road
And Chokocho-Ozuzu Road that were impassable.
According to him, the Odofor-Akporka-Umuoye Road that is under
construction is expected to be completed before the end of the second
tenure of the governor.
He noted that Etche people like every other local government area in the
state are indebted to governor Wike for the inclusiveness they have
enjoyed in his administration, declaring that governor Wike has been
bold speaking in defence of the state and its people regularly. .
“We believe in him and are happy with his success in office. The entire
elders and the state are behind him, Let people say if he had not
managed infrastructural development very well, including humans beings.
Governor Wike is in touch with his people as a grass root leader.
Without him, there would not be PDP in Nigeria. He has supported
people in leadership to succeed in all areas he had served.”