River State Governor, Nyesom Wike has asserted that politics is about bringing benefits to the people, providing them with the basic infrastructural and socio-economic needs.
The Governor said this on Monday, at the flag-off ceremony for the re-construction of Mgbuitanwo community road in Emohua Local Government Area.
He expressed that the Mgbuitanwo road project is one that is very important to him because of the benefit it will bring to the people as he revealed that the essence of politics is not to take gains home but to bring development to the people.
“If there is one project that is very important, it is Mgbuitanwo Road. The essence of politics is about what will my people benefit. Politics is not about what you’ll put in your pocket.”
The governor noted that it is appalling that despite Mgbuitanwo being the hometown of Senator Andrew Uchendu, a former member of the House of Representatives and Senate, the road to the community remains unmotorable.
He stressed that Senator failed to leverage on his relationship with the immediate past governor of the State and being a member of the National Assembly for over a decade, to attract basic infrastructural projects to his community.
Governor Wike noted that the re-construction is courtesy of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) members, who he described as loyal. He enjoined the natives to own the project and protect it from all forms of sabotage.
“If your a member of APC that’s here today, check your conscience. As an Mgbuitanwo son, as an Mgbuitanwo daughter and a member of APC from Emohua local government, check yourselves. What is the benefit from the party you call APC to the Mgbuitanwo community and to Emohua Local Government?
“Everybody from Emohua who is in PDP, and who is from Mgbuitanwo, you can go home with your shoulders high and tell them (your people) that I’m proud to be a member of PDP.”
Senator Gabriel Suswan, while performing the flag-off described the Governor as an ambassador of the PDP, who he said has made the party proud with his style of leadership solving the development needs of his state.
He noted the giant development stride of Governor Wike as an enduring foundation that is being laid for future Rivers children.
“This gentleman (Wike) has shown prudence and judicious use of resources that are meant for you, the people. A lot of you will take this for granted.
“But you’ve had governors, you’ve had prominent sons, you’ve not had roads. When this road is re-constructed and completed you’ll know the difference.
“Wike has brought the best contractor we have in this country to construct your road. You don’t need to like him, you need to appreciate the efforts of making a change in the life of this community.”
Rivers State Commissioner of Works, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, said the project for the re-construction of Mgbuitanwo Road is the outcome of a promise made by the Governor in January.
He explained that the road will be 3.85km long and 7m wide, complete with drains and streetlights, noting it will connect the East/West Road to Ogbakiri Road as well as connect other communities.
Also in attendance at the ceremony is the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Ipalibo Harry-Banigo; Chairman of Emohua LGA, Dr Chidi Lloyd; Regional Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Juergen Fischer, among others.
