Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Tuesday begged Rivers people to stick to the preferred presidential candidate, “as agreed” while casting their vote in the 25th February 2023 general election.
Speaking at Ogbo/Ukordu junction in Ahoada East Local Government Area, venue of the flag-off of phase two of Ahoada-Omoku Road, governor Wike said voters in Ahoada communities have already been instructed on what to do on Saturday.
Speculations are rife that the governor has directed his followers to vote for the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Party, APC, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu during the polls
The road project flagged off would connect communities in Ahoada East Local government area to those in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of the State.
The governor urged the people to go and ensure that their permanent voter’s cards are handy, which they should use to “pepper” their political opponents.
“I am sure you must have brought out your PVC and kept it very well so that nobody will say my PVC is missing. Go now and put it under your pillow.
“By 6:30 in the morning on Saturday make sure you’re in your various polling units and use your PVC and pepper them. Help us and use your PVC to pepper those wicked people”, the governor begged.
Wike explained that it will cost the State government N70B to complete phase two of the Ahoada-Omoku Road and the Emohua Road to Abalama/Tema Junction projects.
He stated that money would not be a problem because the payment plan is structured to be an irrevocable monthly deduction of N4B from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) so that in 18 months, the projects are delivered.
According to the governor, Rivers people deserve the best, which is why his administration has not looked back on committing resources while engaging the best construction firms to deliver those critical road projects.
Wike recalled that when phase one of the Ahoada -Omoku Road was inaugurated, he promised to return and flag off phase two of the road which has now been awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria PLC to handle. According to him, it is a promise fulfilled.
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He said when the road project is completed; it would not only ease movement of farm produce from the rural area to the city, but also reduce travel time and encourage people to stay in their communities and go to work in Port Harcourt.
The governor stated that his administration would end in the next three months, but his successor, Sir. Siminialayi Fubara, which he urged them to vote for would continue and complete the projects.
Describing the project, Rivers State Commissioner of Works, Dr George Kelly Dakorinima Alabo said that phase one of the Ahoada-Omoku Road is 6.2KM, while phase two is 25.4KM long, making a total of 31.6KM dual carriageway.
“If I’m not mistaken, I believe this will be one of the longest carriageways in Rivers State as it is. Your Excellency, this is not cheap. It comes with a lot of resources.
“It comes with a lot of finance, as it will be handled by Julius Berger, Nigeria PLC, and they are about the most expensive contractors to deliver very quality projects.”
Dr Alabo explained further that the entire width of the road is 15.2 meters and will have 547 street light poles and the project will be delivered in 18 months.
In his address, the South-South Regional Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Juergen Fischer said while they are grateful for the confidence in them to handle the project, delivering it in 18 months comes with enormous challenges.
He, therefore, solicited cooperation from both the Ministry of Works and host communities to enable them deliver the project on schedule.
On his part, Chairman of Ahoada East Local government area, Ben Eke thanked governor Wike for the numerous projects delivered in the area.
He noted that the road being flagged off will further ease the transportation of farm produce and provide employment for the youths while the project lasted.
Also speaking, chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), Vincent Job said the road project signals more development for ONELGA people and communities who are resolved to go to every length politically with Governor Wike.
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