to build a stable and vibrant economy.
In a state-wide broadcast to mark the first year of his second term in
office today, Governor Wike noted that the state can overcome the
present global economic situation if citizens come together in unity of
thought and purpose.
“Yes, we can if we resolve to downplay our individual differences and
work together for the common good of our heritage, our lovely State, our
communities and our people. As a government, we welcome constructive
criticisms devoid of politics and mischief, because they serve to make
us better performers.
“This is a time for governance, not politics, and we welcome everyone
on board to create an environment that promotes balanced economic
growth, thriving private investments, boundless opportunity and a State
we can truly call our pride and heritage.
“For us, nothing matters more than Rivers State, our people, our
interests, our treasures, our enormous resources and assets, our
accomplishments and our greatness,” he stated.
The Governor pointed out that within the last one year, his
administration had embarked on urban renewal programme in the State
capital and the construction of the multi-billion naira three flyover
projects at Rebisi, Okoro-nu-Odo and Rumuogba.
He said that the dualization of Kira- Sapkenwa-Bori-Kono Road straddling
three local government areas in Ogoni heartland has reached 92 percent
completion.
The Oyibo(Mbano camp) road to Iriebe linking Oyigbo and Obio/Akpor
Local Government Areas had been completed while Alesa-Agbonchia-Oyigbo,
Rumuakunde/Isiodu and the second phase of Isiokpo community Roads had
also been completed.
Rumuji-Ibaa-Isiokpo, Omoku-Egbema, Odufor-Akpoku-Umuoye, Ula
Ehuda-Odioku-Anwunugboko-Ubeta
Umueze-Umuogba-Umuokpurukpu-Um
Eteo-Sime-Nonwa and Abonnema Ring Roads have reached various stages of
completion.
In addition, the governor said, work has commenced on the expansion of
the entire stretch of Ikwerre Road from Education Bus Stop to the Port
Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
According to him, the long abandoned roads to the coastal communities of
Opobo and Andoni in Opobo/Nkoro and Andoni Local Government Areas has
almost been delivered with appreciable work already done on the
Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road.
On healthcare delivery, the governor said the Mother and Child Hospital
has been furnished, equipped and only undergoing necessary testing and
preparations for commissioning.
The Braithwaite Memorial Hospital, he said, has been fully equipped and
converted to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH)
leading to the accreditation of the programmes of that facility for the
training of medical students by the Medical and Dental Council of
Nigeria.
Governor Wike stated that the regional referral hospitals in Degema,
Bori and Degema are presently being equipped while structural work is
on-going on the ones located in Omoku and Etche.
The State Chief Executive pointed out that funds had been released for
comprehensive upgrade of Enitonnia High School, Comprehensive Secondary
School, Borikiri, Obama High School, Degema, Community Secondary School,
Tombia, Community Secondary School, Omuanwa in Ikwerre Local Government
Area and Kalabari National College, Buguma.
Others include, Community Secondary School, Kugbo in Abua/Odual Local
Government, Community Secondary School, Obeakpu in Oyigbo Local
Government and Community Secondary School, Eteo in Eleme Local
Government Area.
On Real Madrid Academy, Governor Wike announced that the construction of
students’ hostels is progressing and that the school would soon open for
simultaneous football and related training programmes.
He said in line with the promise to refocus on agricultural development,
the Datco Cassava Processing Plant with a guaranteed off-market
opportunities for 3000 local cassava farmers would soon be completed to
stimulate cassava revolution in the state.
The governor regretted that despite the advisories and regulations on
social distancing and compulsory wearing of face masks, most residents
are flouting the directives to the collective peril of all.
“These are all irresponsible and risky behaviour in the face of the
invisible and ravaging pandemic and the enormous threat it poses to
public health and the safety of human lives.
“We shall bring the full weight of the law to bear on every recalcitrant
person, business or institution, irrespective of status who decides to
treat the existing orders and regulations for mitigating the spread of
COVID-19 in our State with contempt.
“Government may be forced to reinstate lockdown if members of the public
continue to flout and disregard the established regulations on social
distancing and the compulsory wearing of face masks,” he said.
Governor Wike however, commiserated with the families of those that lost
their loved ones to the pandemic and prayed for the peaceful repose of
their innocent souls.
He said that while we pray for the quick success, for the global search,
for vaccines, the responsibility still rests on everyone to strictly
comply with the established mitigating measures.