Embrace common platform , Wike tells Rivers politicians
Only a common platform, irrespective of political affiliations can attract Federal Government projects for the development of Rivers State. This is the declaration made by Governor Nyesom Wike to the politicians in Rivers State in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Governor Wike said that the united front was needed to challenge the current situation where the APC Federal Government deliberately denied the State her benefits, despite the state’s contributions to the wealth of the country.
Speaking during the Thanksgiving and reception in honour of the Member Representing Tai/Eleme/Oyigbo Federal Constituency in Kpite-Tai, Hon. Bari Mpigi, Governor Wike said all politicians should place Rivers development ahead of their political affiliations.
He said that while the APC Federal Government instituted fluid projects in Rivers State, it funded projects in northern states, saying, “My coming here today tells you that in unity, we will have development.
Let us put heads together to understand that anything that will bring development to Ogoni, all of us, should do it. It doesn’t matter the political party that you belong to, you cannot see something wrong happening to your people and keep quiet.”
He pointed out that the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas, NLNG, has deposited N60billion for the Bodo-Bonny road, but the Federal Government has refused to pay its N60billion counterpart for the execution of the project.
He said: “But two days ago, the Federal Government awarded a project for Abuja-Kaduna-Kano at N154billion. Look at the one NLNG said they are bringing N60billion, it has become an issue of politics.”
He reiterated his demand for the commensurate release of funds for the Niger Delta to balance the $1billion to be withdrawn from the Excess Crude Account to fight Boko Haram.
Governor Wike, then, said Rivers politicians must work together to avert the suffering of the people.
The Member of the House of Representatives representing Tai/Eleme/Oyigbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Bari Mpigi, and advocated politics centred on Rivers State, adding that development was party-blind. He also pointed out that the roads constructed by the governor were useful to APC and PDP members.
Mpigi said that he was not under any obligation on who to relate with. He said that he was guided by the interest of his people.
The Paramount Ruler of Tai, Gbenemene Tua Tua of Tai, King Samuel Nnee called for politics without bitterness. He said politics was the route to development.
Thousands of Tai people graced the Thanksgiving service and reception.
Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt
