of completed projects in the State has silenced critics, and members of
the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Wike stated this at the inauguration of Abonnema Ring Road in
Akuku Toru Local Government Area of the State by the former Deputy
Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu on Thursday.
The governor said instead of the opposition to address how they can
encourage their APC governors to roll out projects for inauguration as
done by PDP governors, they are hiding under the guise of speaking for
local contracting firms.
He described allegation that his administration has refused to empower
local contracting firms to handle project construction as sheer
falsehood.
Governor Wike said some of the projects that have been inaugurated this
week like the Semi-Nonwa -Kira Road was handled by Rivers construction
firm, Lubrik Construction company, while the Abonnema Ring road was done
by
O.K Isokariari Construction Company.
According to him, his administration is mindful of empowering Rivers
people, encouraging and trusting them to handle some critical projects
because he believes in their capacity.
“Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have said I should
mention those whom, locally, we have empowered. OK Isokariari Company is
a Rivers Company. They did Phase One of Okochiri Road. They have also
done this Abonnema Ring Road.
“Lubrik Construction Company Ltd is a local company too. As we go on,
we will begin to mention them. Our own is not to develop others without
developing our own people. I’m happy with the contractor. We will
continue to engage you so that you’ll employ Rivers sons and daughters.
“You see how we have silenced them in the state. We commissioned
projects until the 24th of December 202 . We have started this year
since 4th January 2021. Let them tell their people to roll out their
projects and call people.”
The governor said the PDP is different from APC because it always keeps
its promises to the people, deliver good governance and quality projects
that satisfy the yearnings of the people.
“For us, as a party and government, whatever promises we make we must
fulfil them. We are not a party that promises and fail or gives excuses.
“We are a party that when we make a promise, we must fulfil the promise
because we owe it to the people. That is why I have told our people, we
have no choice, that the only hope this country has today is the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP).”
Governor Wike said it is not the length of the ring road that matters
but it’s importance to the people. He stated that the ring road now
serves as an alternative route in and out of Abonnema and Obonoma towns.
He announced that the adjoining mangrove will be dredged to provide land
to the people of Abonnema and Obonoma that they can use for future
development.
“Having done this, the next thing for us to do is sand-filling so that
they can have land to build on. I know how important land is to them.
“I therefore direct the Special Adviser on Special Projects to meet with
the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to make sure we award a
contract of sand-filling of Abonnema-Obonoma areas.”
Former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, said by
executing projects in the hinterland land other than the city, the Wike
administration has demonstrated equity and justice to Rivers people.
He noted that the lessons to be learnt from the series of project
inauguration in Rivers State by governors and other political leaders,
should be for them to get inspired and replicate such development in
their various States and at the national level.
“I believe it when I said that we should not be ashamed to say we are
learning from our colleague on what to do. If we need help, we must
seek help from whoever we can get help from and that’s the only way we
can develop.”
Former Deputy Senate President also enjoined the federal government to
explore the possibility of getting assistance from foreign countries
that have such capacity in order to protect the sovereignty of the
country, it’s people and democracy.
“Today, we are challenged as a country in terms of security. Out of
sheer national pride, we have not been able to accept help and
assistance from those who know better, who can help us to secure this
country.
“This is an opportunity for me to call on our leaders, just like I am
saying that other States should learn from Rivers State, we in Nigeria
must also accept assistance from other countries in order to secure our
boarders, secure our democracy, secure our place and secure the citizens
of this country. That is the only way to go. We must learn from those
who have done better than us.”
The Commissioner of Works, Elloka Tasie-Amadi said prior to the
construction of the phase two of the Ring road, there was only one entry
route into Abonnema.
He explained that the phase of the project which was initiated by
Governor Wike administration now serves as alternate route.