You
may have your personal views about the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo
Wike, especially as regards the political equation in the state. You may be
tempted to believe the false political propaganda being churned out by the
rejected opposition in the state backed by a financially compromised section of
the media. But when the facts are down, you cannot not argue. Wike is simply
the best in the present dispensation.
Rivers
State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has lifted the bar of performance and established
new benchmarks for the assessment of performing governors in the country.
When
he churned out state-of-the-art projects after just one hundred days in office,
his dumb-founded opponents murmured all manners of funny pedestrian excuses.
Wike borrowed money, Wike completed our projects, Wike is just trying to
hoodwink Rivers people that he is a performer, Wike this, Wike that.
These
excuses did not fly. Governor Wike personally took journalists on a tour of
projects to mark his first 100 days in office. Some of the journalists rode in
the same bus with the governor. They saw abandoned projects completed in record
time, they saw new projects completed and they saw fresh projects still being
executed within the approved time lines and in line with Governor Wike’s avowed
financial prudence.
About
70 days after he celebrated his first 100 days in office, the performance data
in the public domain indicate that he is the only Governor in the country who
is productively delivering in line with his development blueprint. He is the
only governor whose reputation is not driven by mere propaganda. He is the only
governor who walks the street in work attire, identifying with workers and the
ordinary people.
It
is only in Rivers State that infrastructural development has been tied to the
economy with the governor opening neglected areas. The multiplier effect has
positively impacted the state’s economy.
The
flag off of the total rehabilitation of 11 Secondary schools in the state in
terms of infrastructure, laboratories, hostels and libraries is not only
pro-people, but a pragmatic investment aimed at building a world class
educational framework.
The
governor in his pragmatic approach to governance personally inspected
preliminary rehabilitation works in one of the schools, GSS Rumuokuta, Obio/
Akpor LGA. He was happy with what he saw.
The
programme will restore iconic selected iconic schools in all three senatorial
districts of the state. The eleven schools being upgraded form the first phase
as they will witness the reintroduction of boarding education.
Other
schools with decayed facilities will receive attention.
As
Governor Wike delivers on roads, education, health , environmental sanitation
and security, he declares that dwindling resources will not affect his determination
to actualize programmes outlined in his blueprint.
His
achievement in the area of security has led to the influx of professionals and
entertainers into Rivers State to host conferences and events. The last
professional body to be hosted in Rivers State was the Nigerian Bar
Association. The Super Eagles and other national teams have made Port Harcourt
their home because of improved security in the state. Under the immediate past
failed administration in the state, these high points were not possible as the
former governor chased shadows.
Governor
Wike gave this assurance to the NBA: “ we are committed to taking action on
several fronts and using resources at our disposal to keep Rivers State safe,
secure and peaceful for investors, residents and visitors. While our government
is open to constructive criticisms, we expect the opposition to also
acknowledge the fact that these are financially challenging times for the
entire country, and Rivers State is not different.
”
If you have the passion, as we do, that we must salvage Rivers State; if you
are determined, as we do, that we must not turn our backs on those in need of
empowerment; if you believe, as we do, that working together we can build a
better future for our children and the succeeding generations, then join us to
bring about the better life that our people greatly deserve.”
The
reception that Governor Wike received on Saturday, November 14 when he embarked
on road inspection in Port Harcourt and Obio/ Akpor LGAs proved that the Rivers
people are satisfied with his superlative performance.
He
has pledged to reward them with sustained performance which will end on May 28,
2019. The people entered into a Covenant with Wike. They fulfilled their own
side of the bargain on April 11 and 12. Now, Wike is reciprocating and his
calculated steps have made him Nigeria’s most outstanding governor.
By
Simeon Nwakaudu
Special
Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media