Rivers State governor, Gov Nyesom Ezenwo Wike – CON has declared total faith in the willingness of the electorate in the State to vote candidates, including the preferred presidential candidate, as agreed in the 25th February 2023 general election.
Speaking on Tuesday at Ogbo/ Ukordu junction in Ahoada East Local Government Area, venue of the flag-off of phase two of Ahoada-Omoku Road, governor Wike said voters in Ahoada communities have already been instructed on what to do on Saturday.
The road project will connect communities in Ahoada East Local government area to those in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of the State.
The governor urged the people to go and ensure that their permanent voters cards are handy, which they should use to “pepper” their political opponents.
“I am sure you must have brought out your PVC and kept it very well so that nobody will say my PVC is missing. Go now and put it under your pillow.
By 6:30 in the morning on Saturday make sure you’re in your various polling units and use your PVC and pepper them. Help us and use your PVC to pepper those wicked people.”
Governor Wike explained that it will cost the State government N70B to complete the phase two of Ahoada-Omoku Road and the Emohua Road to Abalama/Tema Junction projects.
The governor stated that money will not be a problem because the payment plan is structured to be an irrevocable monthly deductions of N4B from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), so that in 18 months, the projects are delivered.
The Rivers State governor said he believes that Rivers people deserve the best, which is why his administration has not looked back on committing resources, while engaging the best construction firms to deliver those critical road projects.
Governor Wike recalled that when the phase one of the Ahoada -Omoku Road was inaugurated, he promised to return and flag off the phase two of the road that has now been awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria PLC to handle. According to him, it is a promise fulfilled.
He said when the road project is completed, it will not only ease movement of farm produce from the rural area to the city, but also reduce travel time and encourage people to stay in their communities and go to work in Port Harcourt.
Governor Wike stated that his administration will end in the next three months, but his successor, Sir. Siminialayi Fubara, which they have to vote into office, will continue and complete the projects.
Providing the description of the project, Rivers State Commissioner of Works, Dr. George Kelly Dakorinima Alabo said the phase one of the Ahoada -Omoku Road is 6.2KM, while the phase two is 25.4KM long , making a total of 31.6KM dual carriage way.
“If I’m not mistaken, I believe this will be one of the longest carriageways in Rivers State as it is. Your Excellency, this is not cheap. It comes with a lot of resources.
“It comes with a lot of finance, as it will be handled by Julius Berger, Nigeria PLC, and they are about the most expensive contractors to deliver very quality projects.”
Dr. Alabo explained further that the entire width of the road is 15.2 meters and will have 547 street light poles and the project will be delivered in 18 months.
In his address, the South-South Regional Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Juergen Fischer said while they are grateful for the confidence in them to handle the project, delivering it in 18 months comes with enormous challenge.
He therefore, solicited co-operation from both the Ministry of Works and host communities to enable them deliver the project on schedule.
On his apart, Chairman of Ahoada East Local government area, Ben Eke thanked governor Wike for the numerous projects delivered in the area.
He noted that the road being flagged off will further ease transportation of farm produce and provide employment for the youths while the project lasted.
Also speaking, chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), Vincent Job said the road project signals more development for ONELGA people and communities who are resolved to go every length politically with governor Wike.
Kelvin Ebiri
Special Assistant on Media to the Rivers State governor.
February 21, 2023.
