By Simeon Nwakaudu
In very profound ways, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has transformed governance. He has brought a human touch to government-community relationship.
In just two days, Governor Wike rolled out 30 roads in two towns, transforming their respective economies and changing their fortunes.
For Governor Wike, governance is beyond mere rhetoric. It is about keeping the promise to the people. It is about showing the people love.
Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio captured the essence of Governor Wike’s projects revolution. He stated that only a leader who loves his people will use their resources to better their living condition.
Performing the commissioning of the 11 roads in Omoku on May 31, 2018, Senator Akpabio expressed satisfaction with the commitment of Governor Wike to the security and welfare of the people.
He said: “Nobody changes a winning team. Therefore, Governor Wike will enjoy the constitutional second term. This government believes in transforming the landscape of Rivers State. “I am very proud of Governor Wike and his team. Federal Government must hear that the projects of the Rivers State Governor have helped to protect the nation’s economy.
Governor Wike is sustaining the economy of Nigeria through projects that have enhanced peace in the oil bearing communities “.
For the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), Governor Wike worked with local stakeholders to address the security challenge of the area and thereafter commenced the construction of Omoku Internal Roads.
Governor Wike said that the immediate past failed Amaechi administration awarded the contracts in 2009, but refused to fund them.
He said upon assumption of office, his administration mobilised the same contractor to site and funded all the 11 Roads to completion.
He said: “We don’t play politics with projects. Once the projects are vital to the development of an area, we execute them for the benefit of the people “. Other projects being executed by Governor Wike in the area include: the Omoku-Egbema (23. 4kilometres) Road, Omoku-Aligwe-Kreiyami-Obobura Road (17km) and Akubuka-Okposi Road (14.7kilometres) .
This is outside the Zonal Hospital, Omoku, five shore-line protection projects and jetties under construction in ONELGA. In Elele-Alimini, Governor Wike blessed the people with 19 Internal Roads on May 30, 2018. These roads were constructed in two phases. This community was completely abandoned by the immediate past Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
The people celebrated the first major government presence in Elele-Alimini. In their numbers, they sang, danced and made merry. They were happy that Governor Wike revived their economy with the inter-connectivity of roads.
Commissioning the Elele-Alimini Internal roads, Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose lauded Governor Wike for his commitment to the development of the state. He said that the roads commissioned will help in growing the economy of the area. He urged the people of Rivers State to remain supportive of the PDP. Omoku and Elele-Alimini towns represent the profound project revolution across Rivers State. Today, the people are feeling the impact of good governances. Through quality road projects, the people are feeling the impact of economic emancipation programmes.
With the resounding success of Governor Wike in state-wide projects delivery, Rivers people have come to realize the importance of a pro-people government. On this score, they have resolved that Governor Wike should lead them till 2023.
The outstanding performance of Governor Wike is a developing story. The transformation of Rivers State is a package. The more they struggle to distract him, the more projects are released for Rivers people. He is focused, determined to improve the lives of the people.
Simeon Nwakaudu is Special Assistant to Rivers state Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Electronic Media.