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Wike Challenges FG On Foreign Loans …As Mimiko Inaugurates Rumuola Flyover
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike said that Nigeria has enormous resources, if well managed, can change, not only the fortunes of the country but the life of every Nigerian.
He has, therefore, challenged the Federal Government to show evidence where it has deployed all the money borrowed from external creditors.
Wike made the challenge at the inauguration of the Rumuola Flyover Bridge that was performed by the former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, yesterday, in Port Harcourt.
The governor stated that his administration was propelled by love and commitment to service, which was why it is working assiduously and deploying the state’s resources judiciously, for the good of Rivers people.
“It is very clear that governance is not by magic. It is all about commitment. It’s all about your love for your people and your country.
“This country has enormous resources to change the lives of our people. Nobody should give excuses. Like we would always say, if you don’t have it, you don’t have it.
“So, all these stories that you borrowed money from here, and there, let us see what the money is being used for. If we borrowed money, we are showing Rivers people what we used that money to do.”
Wike said he is preoccupied with the duties of governance and rendering service to the people who elected him.
According to him, his best reply to the opposition is the evidence of the quality projects that his administration has continued to deliver.
It is clear to them, he said, that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) controlled state government has performed creditable well.
Aside the numerous roads completed and ongoing, Wike explained that his administration has within two years period delivered nine flyover bridges, which are handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
“This government has done well. This PDP government has done well.
“Our contractor is Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. We are competing with Federal Government that is using Julius Berger. Ask them how much it is to pay Julius Berger.”
He further continued: “None of these flyovers cost us less than N7billion. Now, the average of N7biilion into nine and the other roads done by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC and the quality they give; I’m happy and proud to associate myself with a company that gives the best as far as construction is concerned. I can move about in this state and country proudly.”
Speaking further, Wike warned criminal elements who steal manhole covers on major roads and on the flyovers bridges to desist from their nefarious activities.
He described those criminals and their sponsors as enemies of the state because they are sabotaging the good works that have been achieved to make motoring pleasurable with the state’s resources.
“Let me warn those who steal the cover of the manholes. You know when you take actions, people bring ethnic colouration. Those of you who are stealing the cover of manholes, if you like come from anywhere, if anybody want to sabotage us, we will tell you how saboteurs are treated.
“We cannot do this road construction and you come to sabotage us by stealing to disappoint us, to make people have accident.”
Wike also spoke about the need for his successor to be one who will not only sustained the current pace of development but outperform him.
He pointed out that such person must rise above selfish pedestal and be ready to defend, and protect the interest of the state against all odds.
Performing the project inauguration, former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, said that Wike has proved himself worthy his sobriquet: “Mr. Projects!”.
According to him, those who feel unsettled by Wike’s words and actions cannot take away the fact that he conceives projects, plan projects, delivers projects because he loves projects.
“Some see governance or being in government as an end in itself, you have deployed your limitless energy, by these accomplishments, to demonstrate that governance is a means to an end; the improvement of the lives of our people.”
Mimiko also spoke about the need to restructure Nigeria because it was an imperative means to a just, more productive and more prosperous nation.
He noted that restructuring is also about policies and actions towards getting Nigerian children off the streets into schools for the right kind of education.
According to him, it is also about improved subnational accountability in tackling youth unemployment and general alienation and many more.
“It is also not about Niger Delta oil and gas alone. After all, with the present state of climate change consciousness and concomitant investment in renewables, fossil fuels may sooner than later become truly fossil and out-dated.
“It is about ensuring that all our God-given minerals, e.g., Gold in Zamfara or Osun is optimally exploited for the people, and not unaccountably, by, and for a few elites and their rampaging foreign collaborators.
“It is about a decentralized security architecture that will ensure nimble, versatile, accountable and optimally responsive formations.”
Providing the description of the project, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Elloka Tasie-Amadi said the Rumuola Flyover Bridge project that was awarded on July 2, 2020, to Julius Berger Nigeria PLC was completed by August, 2021.
Tasie-Amadi pointed out that within the period the civil works lasted, there were road closures, traffic diversions, grid locks, deployment of equipment and workers.
He also stated that there were inconveniences caused to commuters, support from many good people, particularly the community, and of course payments to the contractors but all of that are over.
“This flyover measures 532m from ramp-to-ramp with the suspended section being 292m long. Service lanes on either side of the bridge are 8.3m wide and 858.4m long. The entire project is adorned with street lighting and traffic control fixtures.
“The foregoing are all visible including the 24 piers under the bridge (24 columns if you may).”
Tasie-Amadi said, before the project commenced, there was only a single carriage bridge which became grossly inadequate for the volume of traffic.
“To address the situation,” he said, “a second bridge was built, service lanes completely reconstructed and expanded and all elements required to ease commute and pedestrian activities were incorporated into the project. That also included but not limited to refurbishment of the old bridge and adjoining streets.
“Please, permit me to cease this opportunity to urge road users and the relevant agencies to ensure compliance with codes and strict adherence to road and traffic signs erected around the area, most notable amongst these are signs which make it unlawful to stop on the bridge and high speed lanes and which require that all commercial vehicles use only the service lanes. The bridge is essentially off limits to commercial vehicles”, he added.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.