It has not been all ‘uhuru’ for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister Nyesom Wike in his tour of the 23 local government areas of the state which he christened ‘Thank you’ visit.
Unlike in some other places already visited, his planned visit to Andonis local government on Friday (today) may leave a sour taste in the mouth just like what reportedly transpired on Thursday at Bonny LGA.
One Otuene Claude Claude who hails from Andoni and holds the honour of Distinguished Service Star of ANDONI (DSSA) in a statement on Friday berated the FCT Minister for according to him abandoning the Andonis during his 8 year reign as governor of the state.
Otuene wrote, “It will not be nice and alright for me to fail to officially welcome the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Hon. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, to Andoni.
Read also:
“Honourable Minister, you are welcome to Andoni. On behalf of my LGA, I sincerely thank you for not commissioning a single project in Andoni throughout your eight (8) years in office as the Governor of Rivers State. Your tenure came and went without Andoni benefiting from any commissioned project, despite our repeated expectations as loyal citizens of Rivers State.
“I can clearly remember the last time you visited Andoni. On that occasion, instead of taking responsibility, you chose to blame our leaders for your failure to execute and commission projects in Andoni. Sadly, at that time, accessibility into Andoni was still a challenge.
“However, today tells a different story.Today, you can conveniently drive into Andoni, not because of anything you did while in office, but because Governor Siminalayi Fubara, within just six months of assuming office, constructed the road that made this journey possible. This singular achievement has restored dignity and access to our people”
The aggrieved indigene continued “More importantly, through the benevolence and commitment of Governor Sim Fubara, Andoni people will soon be able to drive directly to Oyorokoto, the largest fishing settlement in West Africa, following the ongoing construction of the NGO–OYOROKOTO ROAD. This historic project, seemed impossible for decades, is finally becoming a reality.
“Furthermore, Andoni is now proud to host the RIVERS BEACH FESTIVAL, an initiative introduced by Governor Sim Fubara. This is not by coincidence. Andoni remains the only local government area in Rivers State with direct road access to the Atlantic coastline, made possible by the ongoing NGO–ATLANTIC ROAD, awarded by Governor Sim. This project has strategically positioned Andoni as a tourism and cultural destination in Rivers State”
He told the minister that Andonis would not be fooled by the narratives and excuses including falsehoods which he might have prepared to present to the Andoni people concerning Governor Sim Fubara.
“We are not perturbed. Instead, we are delighted.
“We would rather show you, physically and practically, the visible projects and life-changing interventions that Governor Sim Fubara has delivered to Andoni within his short time in office, so that you can see with your own eyes what purposeful leadership looks like.
“Today, you can drive freely to Ngo Town. All thanks to Governor Siminalayi Fubara”
Meanwhile, the Minister was said to have been embarrassed by the scanty crowd which received him on Thursday at Bonny.
It was gathered that none of the titled chiefs in the area graced the occasion even as the youths and women who usually flood other venues reportedly shunned the ceremony.
George Tolofari, the Renewed Hope leader in Bonny apparently shocked by the bold statement of the Bonny people in an attempt to appease Wike explained that the people probably had gone to their various businesses. He said the event ought to have been scheduled for a weekend.
Bonny and Opobo where Governor Fubara hails from share common ancestry. Besides, Oko Jumbo former factional speaker of the State House of Assembly who provided a buffer for Fubara when the assembly split also hails from Bonny.
This may explain the sentiment that played out in Bonny. The experience in Andoni today where the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Prince Uche Secondus, former Deputy Governor, Engr Tele Ikuru and Reps member representing Andoni/Opobo Federal Constituency, Awaji Inombek Abiante who are core supporters of Gov. Fubara hail from.
ADVERTISEMENT
