Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike on Saturday threatened to shut down the Bonny-Bille-Nembe Jetty in Port Harcourt if there are reported cases of criminality or physical violence in the area.
The governor said the zeal to provide an enabling environment for sea travellers and boost marine economy of the state, spurred his administration to remodel the once dilapidated jetty first built in the 1950s.
He stated this at the commissioning of the remodelled Bonny-Bille-Nembe Jetty by the Governor of Sokoto State, Rt Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Saturday.
Governor Wike, said he decided to remodel the once filthy and disused jetty because he firmly believes that the people of the State deserve the best infrastructure required to boost economy activities and enhance the well-being of the people.
The governor noted that while government will not relent in providing infrastructure needed to create an enabling environment for business to thrive, it will not tolerate criminal activities around the remodelled jetty.
“Those of you too who will use this place, don’t turn it to a place of criminality. If you do that I will shut it down. I have no room for criminality and I want to tell anybody who cares.”
Governor Wike stated that he will not hesitate to shut down the jetty if any passenger travelling to and fro Bonny, Nembe or Bille is reportedly kidnapped around the jetty.
“Don’t come here and kill people. Don’t come here and kidnap people. Don’t come here to act as thugs and criminals.”
The governor ordered the contractor to erect concrete wall around the jetty in order to make it inaccessible for non-travellers. He also directed the Commissioner for Transport to ensure the departure and arrival hall at the jetty is furnished within the next two weeks.
Governor Wike reiterated that the hope for a better and prosperous Nigeria depends on the return of the Peoples Democratic Party to power in 2023 and urged the people to continue to support the party.
He further declared that the sterling accomplishments of his administration have silenced the All Progressives Congress in the State.
