■ FG using EFCC to distract us –Gov
From: Tony John, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has started inviting contractors executing projects in the state to inquire if the projects are real.
This was even as the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has declared that Rivers State is lucky to have Governor Wike, who is transforming the state through the execution of people-oriented projects. Speaking during the commissioning of Abacha Road in GRA Phase 3, Port Harcourt, yesterday, Wike regretted that the EFCC and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government are working desperately to distract the Rivers State Government.
He said: “EFCC are now inviting our contractors to inquire if the projects we are executing are fake or real. Instead of encouraging us to continue with our good works, they are working desperately to distract us. EFCC should go to non-performing states. I want to tell our contractors that we are not afraid because we are doing the right thing for the people of Rivers State “.
He said that the State is witnessing real development, hence, his confidence to invite prominent Nigerians with pedigree to inspect and commission key projects. The governor urged the people to protect projects in their area, saying that the State Government would not tolerate street trading on newly constructed roads.
Wike further added that the reconstructed Abacha Road has created the right environment for businesses to thrive. He commended the businesses along the route for supporting the contractor by supplying their workers food. He urged the people to continue to pay their taxes for the administration to deliver more projects for them.
Commissioning the project, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Achebe, stated that he was happy that the state, where he grew up, is being transformed through prudent management of resources. He said: “This is home-coming for me. I am a stakeholder in this city. I have businesses here. I grew up in Abonnema as a young child. Rivers State is very lucky to have Governor Wike. In three years, the Rivers State governor has achieved a great deal of projects”
He described Governor Wike as a man who makes a promise and works assiduously to keep his promise, describing him as a man of passion and commitment. The monarch prayed God to keep the state governor, so that he can leave distinct legacies for the people.
“Port Harcourt is so new. Port Harcourt has been renewed. This particular area was so swampy . I was offered a plot of land here for one million naira and I rejected it. Today, everything has changed around here”, Igwe Achebe said.
Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Prince Noble Amadi, said the road was impassable, until Governor Wike intervened with his magic touch. He said that the road is key, as it links areas where vital business transactions take place in Port Harcourt .
Speaking on behalf of Rumueme Kingdom, Dr. Franklin Nlerum, announced the endorsement of Governor Wike for his numerous achievements.
The State Works Commissioner, Mr. Dum Dekor, said the road has been dualised with very deep drainage to address the issue of flooding in the area.