Simeon Nwakaudu
Over the last four years, Rivers State has witnessed one of the most profound lifting in terms of development, peace and economic revival. Despite the fact that Governor Nyesom Wike inherited a damaged developmental structure, countless abandoned projects and a moribund economy, he has change the narrative by making a mark on all parts of the state.
Before he assumed office, the previous administration performed woefully. In some instances projects were paid for, but not executed. In other case, nothing was done at all. The Justice Karibi Whyte Hospital is one of such projects, where the government of ex-Governor Chibuike Amaechi paid billions and simply pocketed the money. To show how bad the situation was, the former governor could not pen down a hand over note. His closest to a handover note was a declaration on May 27, 2015 at the Obi Wali International Centre in Port Harcourt.
Amaechi had said: “I’m not joking’ we have no money anywhere. In Rivers State, no money. I think Nyesom Wike is coming, we are waiting. He will look for money for salary; there is none. But when he pays out salary, we will see if whether they can build the schools, the roads, even to get a loan.”
Amaechi wish failed. Wike came to office and used his managerial excellence to turn things around. He paid salaries. Built roads and paid for them. Built and reconstructed hospitals and paid for them. And has met all other obligations of government, in fulfillment of his social contract with the people.
Wike has lived up to expectation because he knew the people believed in him.
Rivers people saw in Wike, a workaholic, a promise keeper, a lover of the state and a courageous defender of the homeland.
On assumption of office in 2015, Governor Wike rolled up his sleeves and commenced a pragmatic state-wide development programme. This is a classical entrenchment of development in all the 23 Local Government Areas of the State. Through projects, appointments and programmes, he has given all sections of Rivers State a sense of belonging. He has developed a New Rivers State, where every ethnic nationality has been duly accommodated.
Rivers South-East senatorial district
This is one region where Governor Wike has executed life-changing projects to uplift the people and change their standard of living. Projects that were left in the realm of mere promises have been executed for the benefit of the people. Millions have been lifted from the doldrums of despair and placed on the platform of economic emancipation, with the enablement to start their lives afresh.
The Sakpenwa-Bori Road that cuts through Tai, Gokana and Khana and linking Andoni and Opobo-Nkoro is one of such projects. The dualisation of this road has been a promise since 1960. No administration was bold enough to actualise it. Governor Wike flagged off this project and delivered it in record time.
It was because of Sakpenwa-Bori Road that one of the APC South-East senatorial rallies ended in a fiasco. Defeated 2015 Rivers APC governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside, attempted to deride Governor Wike, but APC supporters rejected his lies. Amaechi had to admit that the Sakpenwa-Bori Road was an outstanding project.
The Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road is one project Governor Wike has driven to over 90 per cent completion. The governor has made history by linking Opobo town to the rest of Rivers State. For this historic achievement, Governor Wike was rewarded with the golden key to Opobo.
The Andoni axis of the road has crossed Ikuru town and will soon link Ngo town. This road has developed the economy of Andoni and Opobo-Nkoro LGAs.
In Tai LGA, Governor Wike is constructing the Kira-Nonwa-Barayira-Sime-Eteo Road. The 10.2 Kilometre Road cuts Tai, Eleme, Oyigbo and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas of the state. The road was abandoned for 50 years. The administration has delivered the Kpopie-Bodo road in Gokana, the General Hospital, the General Hospital, Opobo and the General Hospital, Nchia-Eleme. Other key projects in the area include: Eleme-Oyigbo Road, Government Secondary School, Onne, Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori, Zonal Hospital, Bori, General Hospital Bodo and Water Project in Opobo-Nkoro.
This is why leaders and people of Rivers South-East Senatorial District have resolved to vote Governor Wike on March 9, 2019. They re-affirmed their position during a meeting at Bori.
The Gbenemene Tau-Tau of Tai Local Government Area, King Sam Nne said the traditional rulers of Rivers South-East want the re-election of Governor Wike because of his outstanding projects delivery across the state. He said the election had been won by Governor Wike on the strength of the fact that the governor turned the state into a huge construction site.
The traditional ruler said for the first time, a Tai man has been elected a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the support of Governor Wike .
Speaking on behalf of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Chief Felix Nwaeke said Governor Wike fulfilled all his promises to the people, hence they would stand with him during the elections.
For Khana Local Government Area, Chief Austin Nnako said the people of the area will turn out en-masse to re-elect Governor Wike.
Mrs. Priscilla Vikwe of Gokana Local Government Area described Governor Wike as a covenant child who cannot be defeated by the evil machinations of the opposition.
Rivers East senatorial district
This is one district where the impact of the Rivers State governor has fundamentally touched the lives of the people. In all the eight local government areas of the district, key projects have revived the standard of living of the people.
In Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas, the Wike administration reconstructed key roads to improve traffic and create access to economic zones. These projects have generated jobs and empowered the people.
In the two local government areas, several key projects have been executed and commissioned for the rapid development of the state. Some of these projects are: NBA House, Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, National Industrial Court, Court of Appeal, Government Girl Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Emmanuel Aguma House, Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, Obriki-Ikwerre Road, Civil Servants Quarters, Judges Quarters , Woji -Akpajo Road and Woji-Elelenwo Road among others.
In the Etche axis, the governor linked Etche to Port Harcourt. Prior to the emergence of Governor Wike, Etche had no road to Port Harcourt. Governor Wike reconstructed and commissioned the Igwuruta-Chokocho road. He constructed the Chokocho-Umuechem-Ozuzu road and Chokocho-Igbo-Etche-Rumuokurushi Inter-change and the Umueze-Umuogba-Umuokpurukpu-Umueke- Umunju-Umuellechi-Eberi road in Omuma LGA is nearing completion.
In Bolo of Ogu/Bolo LGA, the Rivers State governor has constructed internal roads, while the Elele-Alimini Internal roads have been commissioned. In Okrika Local Government Area, the Wike administration delivered the Okochiri internal roads, the ATC Jetty and the General Hospital, Okrika.
Like other Senatorial Districts, the people of Rivers East have emphasised that they will re-elect Governor Wike. Former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, said Governor Wike has developed the district alongside other parts of the state, hence the decision to support his re-election.
Senator George Sekibo said the Senatorial District was happy because the Rivers State governor, through his outstanding performance, has become a national reference point on the delivery of projects and programmes.
Former President of Nigeria Bar Association, Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN), said the entire Senatorial District was solidly behind Governor Wike.
Youth representative, Oraye St Franklyn, said Governor Wike had no option but to contest and further develop the state.
Former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, said the Rivers East Senatorial District would work for the Rivers State governor to complete his two terms.
Also speaking, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara, said ] the Rivers East Senatorial District would mobilise support for Governor Wike’s victory in 2019.
Rivers West senatorial district
From Kalabari land to Abua/Odual through Ahoada to ONELGA, Governor Wike has clearly ensured that the people of Rivers West Senatorial District enjoy the benefits of good governance. His projects are visible all through the communities of Rivers West.
In Kalabari land, Governor Wike has executed the Nyemoni Grammar School, Abonnema; the Abonnema ring road, the Abonnema-Obonoma Bridge, the General Hospital, Abonnema, the Abalama land reclamation project, the Degema zonal hospital and the General Hospital, Buguma, among other projects.
In Ahoada East and West Local Government areas, the governor has executed the Western Ahoada County Grammar School, GSS Okarki, Odiokwu internal roads, Odiokwu-Anwuigboko road, Odiokwu-Oyigba road and the Odiokwu Water Scheme.
In ONELGA, the Rivers State governor completed the Omoku internal roads , the Omoku zonal hospital and the Omoku-Egbema road.
The people of Abua/Odual are happy with the numerous projects sited in their communities by Governor Wike. Former Minister of Sports, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, said the eight Local Government Areas of Rivers State were direct beneficiaries of the quality projects of Governor Wike. He outlined the projects executed by Governor Wike in all local governments, noting that Governor Wike deserves the massive support he enjoys.
He said: “You have proven to the people of Rivers West Senatorial District that you are the only man to stand with them irrespective of the situation.
“You were the first governor to oppose cattle colony in the South and you opposed the anti-people bill on the water-ways. The people are sure that you will defend their interests at all times.”
Chairman of the Rivers State PDP Campaign Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, said the district will support the re-election of Governor Wike because of his outstanding projects delivery in the area.
He said all evil plans against Rivers State by the APC and their collaborators will fail because the people love Governor Wike and the PDP.
Spokesman for Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Samuel Horsefall said the people will vote overwhelmingly for Governor Wike and PDP candidates during the March 9 elections.
Promise Jacob of Ahoada West Local Government Area said the new vision is a distinct state and nationhood agenda, which the people of the Local Government will support.
Raymond Oyil, who spoke on behalf of Abua/Odual LGA stated that the area had every reason to support the re-election of Governor Wike. He said that they were committed to the victory of all PDP candidates.
Youth and women empowerment
These are two key areas that Governor Wike stands above his colleagues. The Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo is a woman of substance. So are the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyaye-Laminkara, and the President, Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Christy Gabriel Nwankwo. All the 23 Vice Chairmen of councils are women, while there are 150 female councillors.
In his second term, Governor Wike has pledged 65 per cent of positions for women and youths.
Verdict
Wike is like Nigeria’s staple food, garri. He needs no introduction or advertisement. He is a pro-people politician accepted for his commitment to the development of Rivers State . They love him for his dogged defence of the interest of the state and his general investments in the security of lives and property.
From all the 23 Local Government areas of the state, the endorsements and indicators of support are glaring. Rivers people will re-elect Governor Wike on March 9, 2019. On this date, they will cast their votes, defend their votes and work with Wike to massively consolidate on the development of the state between 2019 and 2023.