From Blessing Ibunge, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike said the hope of Nigeria survival depends on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding that Nigerians are earnestly waiting for the Party to take over power at the federal level in 2023 to enshrine good governance.
Governor Wike stated this at the inauguration of 11.53 kilometers Agbonchai-Afam road, connecting Eleme and Oyigbo Local Government Areas in the state.
The governor said Nigerians have increased their yearnings for good governance, improved economy and developmental projects that PDP has continued to provide in the states that it controls.
“Eleme people, I want to sincerely thank you for the support that you have given to me and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Do not relent. Continue because the hope of this country depends on PDP”.
He declared that PDP is working in Rivers State and in other states that are controlled by PDP.
He urged the former Senate Majority leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume who inaugurated the project and the APC to respect the wishes of Nigerians who are determined to return the PDP to power in 2023 to provide them dividends of democracy.
“To our special Guest of Honour (Ndume), he should not be angry because we are taking over from them. When they came, we didn’t fight, they took over. Now, that Nigerians have decided to change them, let them also handover to us as quickly as possible without any fight.”
The governor said he is satisfied to have fulfilled the campaign promise he made to Eleme people that he will reconstruct the once deplorable Eleme-Afam road. He said the completed road now serves as an alternative route to neighbouring states.
Governor Wike, disclosed that his administration has completely rebuilt the Government Secondary School in Onne Town with the one in Eteo reaching finishing level.
“Today, we are in Eleme commissioning Agbonchia (in Eleme)-Afam in Oyigbo Local Government Road. This road traverses two Local Government Areas. Nobody will say that we have not come to Rivers East Senatorial District to do anything.
“As I speak to you now, by the end of this month, we are coming back to Alesa Secondary School and Ascension High School. Those schools will be rebuild completely.
“And because you gave me a good, reliable and trusted person who is my Commissioner of Finance, there is this other road here that needs attention, I will reconstruct it.”
Former senate majority leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who inaugurated the 11.53 kilometers long Eleme-Afam Road said he felt truly humbled to perform the task and be part of what Governor Wike is doing in his state.
Senator Ndume described governor Wike as a true nationalist who is an important voice in national affairs across parties, and always stands out as one who speaks the truth to power courageously.
“Governor Wike is my very good friend, a trusted leader, a very honest person. One thing we have in common is that, as a leader, you must stand out and speak the truth even if you’re alone and Wike is known for that.
“There is new hope for the state and he is Wike. Now, Rivers is not only becoming a Garden City again but it is becoming a Golden City. May God continue to give you (Wike) the strength.
“And from today, know that you’re a leader in this country. If you’re not a friend and a nationalist, I will not be here, Fayemi will not be here and many other APC Governors.
“You’re one of the true Nigerians that I ever know. And if we have people like you that speaks the truth to power, Nigeria would have been better off for all of us.”
Speaking further, Senator Ndume commended Governor Wike for his feat in the fight against insecurity in Rivers State that has given the people the liberty to come out to participate in such event without fear.
“You don’t know what you have until you lose it. What you’re doing here, we will never try it in Borno State. You can’t invite people like this and everybody, comfortably, listening to somebody speaking without looking around. So, we have to thank God.
“Honestly, let me say here that Nigeria is lucky to have not only Rivers State but Rivers people. South-South, particularly Rivers people are the great people of Nigeria. What you’re giving to this country; if Rivers is not there, Nigeria will not be there.”
