By Paulinus Nsirim<\/p>\n
Rivers State was on the global map for three weeks as eminent citizens
\nof Nigeria joined Governor Nyesom Wike to commission projects in 11
\nLocal Government Areas of the State.<\/p>\n
This unprecedented development\u00a0 coming at a time most leaders in the
\nworld have used COVID-19 as excuse for non performance\u00a0 will surely
\nremain legendary.<\/p>\n
Many social commentators\u00a0 across the country, have opined with
\nconviction, that the only person who can realistically beat this
\nimpressive record is Governor Nyesom Wike himself, especially when the
\nnext phase of projects commissioning which will unveil some of the most
\namazing and marvelous legacy infrastructural projects ever seen,
\ncommences in Rivers State.<\/p>\n
Of course, the delivery of quality projects to the people is not new to
\nGovernor\u00a0 Wike. Everyone who has followed the trajectory of his
\nadministration objectively, will agree that he hit the ground running
\nfrom the first day he assumed office in 2015, fixing roads and bridges,
\nreorganising institutions and establishments, opening up clamped down
\nspaces and courageously mending a broken, dysfunctional and deliberately
\nabandoned State.<\/p>\n
It was little wonder therefore that in just two years into his first
\nterm, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo visited Rivers State and
\namazed by the volume of work and projects already delivered and
\nfunctional within that period, named Governor Wike ‘Mr Projects’.
\nChairman of Nigeria Governors Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode
\nFayemi, was to corroborate and revalidate the Vice President’s honest
\nobservation and endorsement a few months later when he visited Rivers
\nState to commission some projects himself.<\/p>\n
Projects commissioning has become synonymous with the Governor Wike
\nadministration in the last five years and even against the backdrop of
\nthe noisome buzzing of a jobless, fragmented and confused opposition in
\nthe State, one important fact which even his critics will admit and even
\nconcede to is that the construction of infrastructural projects like
\nroads, bridges and jetties is not a one day job.<\/p>\n
Quality projects require careful planning, expert handling and many
\nmonths of hard work to ensure that projects are delivered to
\nspecification to serve the people for a long time.<\/p>\n
This is what Governor Wike has achieved with class, panache, tremendous
\nsuccess and a lot of goodwill and appreciation from Rivers people who
\nwill be the beneficiaries of these projects.<\/p>\n
Two major talking points stood out in the course of the just concluded
\nprojects commissioning in the State. The first was that most of the
\ninfrastructural projects\u00a0 were handled by renowned world class
\ninternational and indigenous construction firms with the unparalleled
\nGerman construction consortium, Julius Berger, at the top of the list
\nand delivering a good number of the quality projects.<\/p>\n
But the more exciting and quite audacious aspect of the entire projects
\ninauguration spree has been the array of outstanding Governors,
\npolitical leaders and national statesmen, cutting across partisan and
\ngeopolitical divides, who Governor Wike attracted to Rivers State as
\nSpecial Guests to perform the projects inauguration ceremonies.<\/p>\n
And the outpourings of praise from these leaders, peers and
\ndistinguished Nigerians, awed and amazed by the massive infrastructural
\ntransformation that is going on in Rivers State under Governor Wike’s
\nwatch, have been warm, sincere, uncensored and gushing with the
\nunbridled admission of the Rivers Governor’s brilliant, astute, firm and
\ncommendable leadership qualities, in delivering quality legacy projects,
\nthat are not only in fulfilment of his campaign promises to the people
\nbut are also tailored to serve\u00a0 the needs of the people in their
\nperculiar environments.<\/p>\n
Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri who commenced
\nthe first phase of the inaugurations when he commissioned Emeyal,
\nElelenwo, Ndoni and General Diriyai Streets on December 21, 2020, had
\nonly words of praise for Governor Wike who has exhibited total
\ncommitment to advancing the quality of life of his people with his
\nlandmark projects and for being an irrepressible democrat who has
\ndemonstrated uncommon vision and rare courage in working for the Rivers
\npeople and making a difference that is unprecedented and hardly to be
\nequalled as well as advancing the unity of Nigeria.<\/p>\n
“Nowhere has Governor Wike demonstrated this than in the constant and
\nconsistent liaison with his fellow colleague governors such as my humble
\nself in the North. Let me assure the government and good people of
\nRivers State that the difference that Wike is making in Rivers State is
\nunprecedented and can hardly be equalled,” Governor Fintiri said.<\/p>\n
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, who commissioned the dualized
\nTombia Road and Amaji Street on Tuesday, December 22, 2020, showed the
\nbenevolence and generous side of Governor when he confessed how the
\nRivers Governor stood by him and the people of Benue State in their time
\nof need.<\/p>\n
“There came a time when I was an outcast and my people in Benue State
\nwere outcast. Nobody cared to visit for fear of persecution. We were
\nlike the lepers in the Bible. Yet, Wike stood up and came all the way to
\nBenue State to see how we were fairing. We had over 500,000 IDPs in
\ncamps then. It was not easy to fend for these people. Wike came with
\nvery distinguished leaders from Rivers State and supported us.”<\/p>\n
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State,\u00a0 described Governor Wike as a
\nbrand, an icon, and symbol of everything good and a blessing to Nigeria,
\nadding that by virtue of the professional expertise that has gone into
\nthe projects, especially the roads, given the topography of the areas,
\nthey will last\u00a0 for a long time as a legacy to the visionary
\nadministration of Governor Wike.<\/p>\n
Senator Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State applauded Governor Wike
\nfor delivering such quality roads project that connects several
\ncommunities to ease movement of rural dwellers and confessed that he
\nfeels proud to be a Nigerian anytime he sees how Governor Wike, in spite
\nof imposing challenges, has continued to deliver democratic dividends to
\nRivers people.<\/p>\n
“This is so, because here is a Nigerian, a governor who has been able
\nto deepen leadership, bringing people of capacity on board. Even using a
\nlocal contractor to bring local content. This is the kind of Nigerian we
\nneed tomorrow. Someone who can lead and bring people on board with
\nquality and capacity.<\/p>\n
“I am always happy to be associated with Governor Wike. It is not
\nbecause he is the most pragmatic governor in Nigeria. It is not because
\nhe has always worn the toga of leadership. It is also not because he has
\nalways tried to satisfy his people and defied all odds. But it is
\nbecause of his capacity as the face of our party, the PDP. He is the
\nface of leadership in Nigeria,” he added.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the commissioning of the Saakpenwa -Bori road, Governor
\nIfeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State acknowledged that many projects
\ninaugurated by Governor Wike,\u00a0 were campaign promises which the Rivers
\nGovernor has been fulfilling for Rivers people since he assumed office.<\/p>\n
“I congratulate Your Excellency on the accomplishment of this
\ninfrastructural milestone among many others which will undoubtedly make
\nlife more meaningful for the people of Ogoni land. I understand that
\nthis strategic road project was a campaign promise that has been
\ntruthfully fulfilled. Expectedly, it gladdens the hearts of Ogoni people
\nand reinforces their faith in our constitutional democracy.<\/p>\n
While Senator Birabi and Barr. Ledum Mitee, both noble sons of Ogoniland
\ndescribed the project as a monumental legacy Governor Wike has
\nbequeathed to them, Veteran Rivers State journalist Comrade Blessing
\nWikina was to fully capture the essence and importance of the project
\nthus: “Truly, Sweet smooth roads are no longer fantasies or fairy
\ntales…with our two eyes open, and closed, we have seen it, touched it,
\nfelt it, heard about it, and also smelt it. Our Governor is building
\nthem. Governor Nyesom Wike deserves our thanks, and commendation. For
\nshowing that dreams, can be converted to reality, ” Wikina enthused.<\/p>\n
Commissioning the Rehabilitated 11.53 kilometers Agbonchai-Oyigbo road,
\nconnecting Eleme and Oyigbo Local Government Areas, former Senate
\nMajority leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume described Governor Wike as a
\ntrue nationalist who is an important voice in national affairs across
\nparties, and always stands out as one who speaks the truth to power
\ncourageously.<\/p>\n
” There is new hope for the State and he is Wike. Now, Rivers is not
\nonly becoming a Garden City again but it is becoming a Golden City. May
\nGod continue to give you (Wike) the strength.<\/p>\n
“And from today, know that you’re a leader in this country. If you’re
\nnot a friend and a nationalist, I will not be here,\u00a0 Fayemi will not be
\nhere and many other APC Governors. You’re one of the true Nigerians that
\nI ever know. And if we have people like you that speaks the truth to
\npower, Nigeria would have been better off for all of us.”<\/p>\n
Senator Ndume also highlighted the peaceful and secure nature of Rivers
\nState, when he commended Governor Wike for his feat in the fight against
\ninsecurity in the state, which had given the people the liberty to come
\nout and participate fully in the spree of projects commissioning across
\nthe state, without fear.
\nYou don’t know what you have until you lose it. What you’re doing here,
\nwe will never try it in Borno State.<\/p>\n
Former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, while
\ncommissioning the Abonnema Ring road noted that by executing projects in
\nthe hinterland land other than the city, the Wike administration has
\ndemonstrated equity and justice to Rivers people, adding that the
\nlessons to be learnt from the series of projects inauguration in Rivers
\nState by governors and other political leaders, should be for them to
\nget inspired and replicate such development in their various States and
\nat the national level.<\/p>\n
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State, who is a great friend of
\nRivers State asserted that the performance of Governor Wike has
\njustified the confidence reposed in him by Rivers people who had
\nre-elected him to serve them for a second term and described Governor
\nWike, as a bridge builder and a special gift to the country.<\/p>\n
“Almost two years into your second term, I believe that you have
\njustified their confidence. You have done so exceedingly well. Those
\nfollowing you and those following developments in Rivers and democratic
\ndevelopment in Nigeria, know your place in this state, and at the
\nnational scene in delivering your mandate, and your efforts at building
\nbridges across Nigeria. You’re indeed a special gift to the people of
\nRivers State and Nigeria at large,”<\/p>\n
Speaking further Governor Tambuwal who also commissioned the Bonny\/Bille
\nJetty on Saturday January 9th 2021 said:\u00a0 “It is not just about earning
\nrevenues, be it revenues from FAAC or from IGR. It is about having the
\ngrace of God in applying those revenues to the needs of the people. That
\nis what I see here happening in Rivers State. You have done a lot in the
\narea of human capital development. You have done a lot in the
\ninfrastructural development of the state and importantly bringing back
\nsecurity and safety of life in Rivers State. That is very key and that
\nis very fundamental,”<\/p>\n
National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche
\nSecondus, in his comments, said that since the roads were first built by
\nthe colonial masters, no government had given them serious attention
\nuntil this intervention by Governor Wike.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are one of the shining lights of our party because your good
\nworks speaks for itself. I don’t think another governor or governors of
\nthe other party can really compete with the governors of PDP,” he said.<\/p>\n
The charismatic former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, who
\nnow represents Imo West Senatorial District at the Senate, inaugurated
\nthe Rumuche\/Rumuakunde\/Ohna Awuse Link Road in Emohua Local Government
\nArea and\u00a0 described Governor Wike as a courageous leader, who has spoken
\ntruth to power, and has continued to improve the lot of Rivers people
\nwith his project delivery mantra.<\/p>\n
\u201c What brought me here today is not party. What brought me here today
\nis love and friendship. I am not PDP, I am APC. Let us bring all like
\nminds, all great people of Nigeria together. Rather than complaining ,
\nlet us come together to make this country greater and greater as it
\nshould be,\u201d the Owelle said.<\/p>\n
Inaugurating the Rumuekini \/Aluu Road project, former Secretary to the
\nFederal Government, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, expressed his delight to
\nassociate with Governor Wike because he has demonstrated through his
\nprojects that he is truly bonded with Rivers people and knows their
\nneeds. He equally noted that it is this level of leadership that has
\nenabled Wike to conceive projects that are tailored to meeting those
\nneeds and eliminate the possibility of having white elephant projects.<\/p>\n
“Governor Wike, because you commission projects, it is certain no
\nproject will be abandoned. I am proud to identify with the progress that
\nyou have made. I am proud to belong to PDP family. It is the spirit of
\nPDP that is at work in your government and that spirit of PDP will come
\nto work in Nigeria,” he stated.<\/p>\n
Former Anambra State Governor and 2019 PDP Vice Presidential candidate,
\nDr. Peter Obi commissioned the Isiopko Internal Roads Phase 2 in Ikwerre
\nLocal Government Area and hailed Governor Wike for providing access
\nroads to the Isiopko people, which will increase the quality of life
\nthey live, enhance property value and reduce poverty.<\/p>\n
“Accountability in government is the most critical yardstick to
\ndetermine good governance and to build the trust of the people. For
\nrecruitment into governance, competence capacity, and visible
\nperformance like we are seeing here today should be embraced,” Dr Peter
\nObi said.<\/p>\n
Senate Minority leader and former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Senator
\nEnyinnaya Abaribe, who performed the inauguration of Isiodu Road in
\nEmohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, urged Emohua people not to
\nrelent in believing in Governor Wike who they know as a leader who
\ndelivers on his promises<\/p>\n
“Today, I have seen that you’re the real talk and do person. That you
\nhave been able to bring eminent Nigerians to come and be commissioning
\nprojects that you started and completed, since December 2020, is
\nsomething that is unprecedented in Nigeria.<\/p>\n
“Let me also say that you are an ambassador, a role model and also a
\nshining light of PDP in Nigeria. Some people are angry that Governor
\nWike is commissioning roads every day. They should wait until he starts
\ncommissioning schools, hospitals then comes back to unveil the fly overs
\none after the other.<\/p>\n
“When they continue to look for excuses in the Federal Government, and
\nwe come here and see how you are doing your own thing without looking
\nfor excuses, we know that somebody like you cannot be left alone in
\nNigeria. We must all continue to support you,” Senator Abaribe pledged<\/p>\n
And on Saturday, January 16, 2021 the second phase of the marathon
\nprojects commissioning was rounded off with pomp and celebration at Ogu
\nBolo LGA, where the inauguration of Bolo Town internal roads network,
\nwas performed by the former Governor of Gombe State, Dr Ibrahim Hassan
\nDankwanbo.<\/p>\n
Inaugurating the network of internal roads in Bolo Town, Dr. Dankwanbo
\nsaid he considered himself privileged to be in Bolo Town to see how such
\nhinterland has been touched by the administration of Governor Wike,
\ndelivering democratic dividend to rural dwellers even as he noted that
\nthe road infrastructure put in place by the Rivers State Governor will
\nopen up Bolo Town and its people to enjoy the benefits of development.<\/p>\n
“Development comes in several ways. From what I have seen, coming to
\nthis part of the State was very easy. Seeing the internal roads that
\nhave been constructed with drainages, is a rare achievement and very
\ncommendable.<\/p>\n
“Roads open development. I want to, therefore, urge the people of this
\ncommunity to use this facility that have been provided to ensure that
\nthey grow the economy of this place. More youths should be employed and
\nensure that all the farmland are cultivated, and the produce easily
\nevacuated to the market,” he said.<\/p>\n
There’s no doubt whatsoever that all these eminent leaders and statesmen
\nspoke their minds honestly and with great candour not just on the
\nexcellent developmental strides and achievements which Governor Wike has
\naccomplished since he assumed office as Governor of Rivers State.<\/p>\n
They were also quite succinct and unfettered in their praise for the
\nRivers Governor’s soaring political profile and national appeal which
\nhas made him one of the most accepted and admired Governors in Nigeria
\ntoday.<\/p>\n
History is already recording the sounds and strides of Governor Wike and
\nwith many more projects still to be commissioned, it is only to be
\nexpected that his place in the pantheon of great leaders\u00a0 who delivered
\nlegacy projects and impacted positively on the lives of his people, is
\nalready secured.<\/p>\n
Nsirim is the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Rivers
\nState<\/p>\n
By Paulinus Nsirim Rivers State was on the global map for three weeks as eminent citizens of Nigeria joined Governor Nyesom Wike to commission projects in 11 Local Government Areas…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":77899,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-77896","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles-opinions"],"yoast_head":"\n