bitterness that often make them to frustrate development projects
attracted by others to their communities.
Governor Wike gave the counsel during the inauguration of the
Rumuche/Rumuakunde/Ohna Awuse Link Road in Emohua Local Government Area,
performed by the former Governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha
on Monday.
He said politics is a game of interest and future looking politicians
like him are not vindictive in nature, but pursue the interest that will
enhance the overall socioeconomic life of communities and individuals
that have supported the party.
The governor challenged Senator Andrew Uchendu of the APC to show what
he has achieved for his community while a member of both the House of
Representatives and Senate.
Governor Wike announced the immediate award of contract for the
reconstruction of the Mgbuitawo Road in Senator Andrew Uchendu’s
community to serve as a proof that he is a liberal politician.
“I am different, so, I will do the Mgbuitawo Road immediately. I am
going to do it because I am not a vindictive politician. If I am a
vindictive politician, that road will not be done. Also, I want to tell
him, there is no need to play politics with bitterness. Politics is a
game, we will talk today and talk tomorrow. No permanent friend and
enemy but permanent interest. For Mgbuitawo Community people, Ohna
Awuse, and Emeka Woke do not hold anything against you. Therefore the
road will be constructed. So, the Commissioner for Works is hereby
directed to go and scoop the Mgbuitawo community road, and also go for
the internal roads in Ogbakiri Town.”
The governor also announced that streetlights will be installed on the
just inaugurated Rumuche/Rumuakunde/Ohna Awuse link Road and Isiodu Road
all in Emohua Local Government Area to further appreciate the support
that they have given to him.
“I came here, I told you that I will do this road, I give God the glory
that I have done it using one of the best constructing firms in Nigeria.
Speaking further, Governor Wike clarified that bringing Senator Rochas
Okorocha, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress, to
inaugurate the road project does not mean that he is fraternising with
the opposition party, but because they had been friends since his days
as council chairman.
“But let me tell you what you may not understand. I don’t believe that
you must only have friends in your own party. You must have to build
relationship across boards but that doesn’t not mean that you’ll sell
your party.
Senator Okorocha has been my friend since I was Deputy National
President of ALGON down to when I became the President of ALGON.
“He was a member of the PDP. He left us and said they are going to make
Nigeria great. He is still there, I believe that in these two years
that they have, they’ll make us to be that great. But as at today, we
are not great.”
Inaugurating the road project, Senator Rochas Okorocha, who represents
Imo West Senatorial District at the senate, said it is time for people
of like-minds who desire the best for Nigeria to stop complaining but
come together to join force to make the country great.
“In this dispensation, there are many bad people in APC, many bad people
in PDP. I think the good people of APC and good people of PDP must come
together for purpose of making Nigeria great. I could imagine where I
join forces with Wike. Governor Wike, this is my hand of friendship. Let
us bring all like minds, all great people of Nigeria. Rather than
complaining , let us come together to make this country greater and
greater as it should be.”
According to him, Nigerians must embrace each other no matter the
political affiliation, and break the barriers that make it difficult to
work together as Nigerians for the good of the country.
“What brought me here today is not party. What brought me here today is
love and friendship. I am not PDP, I am APC. But the time has come when
we must break the jinx of party division and begin to embrace
brotherhood and friendship and be able to state what is good and what is
bad. A bad man is a bad man, even if he is PDP or APC.”
Senator Okorocha said Governor Wike is a courageous leader, who has
spoken truth to power, and continued to improve the lot of Rivers people
with his project delivery mantra.
Okorocha said political power is a trust which can only be justified
when used for the common good. He noted that, is obvious that the masses
of Nigerians are not asking for too much from their leaders other than
basic necessities of life . according to him, leaders who are unable to
provide basic amenities such as electricity, water and road must be
considered failed leaders.
Commissioner for Works, Hon. Elloka Tasie-Amadi said the once
deplorable Rumuche/Rumuakunde/Ohna Awuse Link Road has been
reconstructed into a desirable access. It is 7meter wide, ended the one
way entry problem into the community and will also serve as bypass to
Kalabari people.
In his speech, Ohna Sergent Awuse expressed his gratitude to governor
Wike for ending the several years of unfulfilled promise by previous
administration. According to him, it pays to have such a leader who
means well for the people.