The planned flag-off of the construction of Chokocho-Igbodo Road on Monday by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has sparked unprecedented excitement among the people of Etche Ethnic Nationality.
TPCN learnt that the reason for the excitement is not unconnected with the fact that the people have suffered so much because of the deplorable condition of the road.
Also, they had reportedly made calls, appeals and requests for the construction of the road which is believed to have socio-economic significance to the people.
Having already constructed some roads in Etche such as Igwuruta-Chokocho Road and Odufor-Umuoye Road, many Etche people may have thought that it would not be easy to convince the Rivers governor to construct the Chokocho-Igbodo Road while some may have also felt that such a request could be tantamount to asking for too much.
Wike’s decision to construct the road is therefore seen by the people as another huge favour from a governor who has shown great love for them, hence the excitement the gesture is evoking among them.
As a demonstration of their excitement and gratitude over the flag-off of the road on Monday, stakeholders in the area have continued to shower encomiums and appreciation messages on Governor Wike.
Leading the group of those thanking the governor for the proposed flag-off of the Chokocho-Igbodo Road is Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Hon. Dr Obinna Anyanwu, in his message, stated that the construction of the road would open up the area for commercial activities.
He expressed the gratitude of the people of his LGA to the governor for deciding to flag off the road for construction.
“The people of Etche Ethnic Nationality are indeed grateful to Governor Nyesom Wike,” the statement noted.
The former member representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Ogbonna Nwuke, is also among those expressing appreciation to Governor Nyesom Wike over the proposed flag-off of the Chokocho-Igbodo Road on Monday.
Ogbonna Nwuke, who recently decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the All Progressives Congress (APC) where he was publicity secretary of the Amaechi faction, hailed Governor Wike’s developmental projects in Etche and thanked him for carrying them along in his scheme of things.
These appreciation messages further reverberate with those of Ben Chioma, Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development and Emma Nwaobilo, Board of Trustees Chairman, Grassroot Development Initiative, Etche Chapter.
While Ben Chioma lauded Governor Wike’s friendly disposition to the people of Etche, Emma Nwaobilo thanked the governor and prayed God to bless him.
“Your Excellency, may God bless you for remembering Etche people,” the Etche GDI BOT Chairman prayed.
