Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the governor of Rivers State, believes that Nigeria has vast resources that, if properly handled, may transform not only the country’s fortunes, but also the lives of all Nigerians.
As a result, he has challenged the federal government to prove where all of the money borrowed from external creditors has been used.
Governor Wike issued the challenge during the opening of the Rumuola Flyover Bridge in Port Harcourt on Thursday, which was conducted by former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.
The governor added that his administration is motivated by a passion for and dedication to serving the people of Rivers, which is why it is working hard and judiciously with the state’s resources for the benefit of the people of Rivers.
“It is very clear that governance is not by magic. It is all about commitment. It’s all about your love for your people and your country.
“This country has enormous resources to change the lives of our people. Nobody should give excuses. Like we would always say, if you don’t have it, you don’t have it.
“So, all these stories that you borrowed money from here, and there, let us see what the money is being used for. If we borrowed money, we are showing Rivers people what we used that money to do.”
Governor Wike stated that he is busy with his responsibilities as governor and serving the people who elected him.
His best response to the opposition, he claims, is evidence of the high-quality projects his administration has continued to produce.
They can see that the state government, which is governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has done a commendable job, he said.
Aside from the various roads that have been completed or are being built, Governor Wike stated that his administration has delivered nine flyover bridges to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc in less than two years.
“This government has done well. This PDP government has done well.
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is our contractor. We’re up against the federal government, which employs Julius Berger. “Ask them how much Julius Berger costs.”
“None of these flyovers cost us less than N7 billion,” he continued. Now, let’s compare the average of N7 billion to N9 billion, as well as the other roads built by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC and the quality they provide. I’m glad and proud to be associated with a company that provides the finest in terms of construction. I can proudly roam about this state and country.”
Governor Wike went on to say that criminal elements stealing manhole covers on important roads and flyover bridges should stop their malicious actions.
Those criminals and their sponsors, he said, are state adversaries because they are destroying the wonderful work that has been done to make motoring enjoyable using public resources.
“Let me warn those who steal the cover of the manholes. You know when you take actions, people bring ethnic colouration. Those of you who are stealing the cover of manholes, if you like come from anywhere, if anybody want to sabotage us, we will tell you how saboteurs are treated.
“We cannot do this road construction and you come to sabotage us by stealing to disappoint us, to make people have accident.”
Governor Wike also stressed the importance of having a successor who will not only maintain but even outperform him in terms of growth.
He emphasized that such a person must rise above egoism and be willing to defend and safeguard the State’s interests in the face of adversity.
Former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, spoke at the project’s inauguration, saying that Governor Wike has proven himself worthy of the moniker “Mr. Project!”
Those who are disturbed by Governor Wike’s comments and actions, he claims, cannot ignore the reality that he conceives, plans, and delivers projects because he enjoys them.
“Some see governance or being in government as an end in itself, you have deployed your limitless energy, by these accomplishments, to demonstrate that governance is a means to an end; the improvement of the lives of our people.”
