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| Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike |
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has said that he will not politicise the development of the state.
The governor, who gave the assurance during the signing of the contract papers for the award of the GRA Junction Flyover in Port Harcourt, also reiterated his commitment to providing quality infrastructure that would enhance the development of the state.
He, however, charged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state not to give the All Progressives Congress (APC), its rival and ruling party at the centre, a breathing space in the PDP-controlled state.
The governor assured that provision of critical infrastructure would not be politicised because the people of the state deserve the best.
He said: “Today, we have signed the papers for the award of N15.8 billion contract for the GRA Flyover and also the dualization of the Ezimgbu Link Road up to Stadium Road, and from Genesis Eatery Axis of Tombia Road up to Ikwerre Road.
“It is unprecedented that a state can dream, commence and complete construction of five flyovers within a year.
“We will pay Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 70 per cent of the contract sum upfront. This will make them to keep to the terms agreed on delivering the job within 12 months.
“The rains cannot be used as an excuse because we are going to pay them. I trust the capacity of Julius Berger and I believe that Rivers State deserves the best.”
The governor dismissed comments by critics that he is concentrating development in Port Harcourt, the state capital, to the detriment of other parts of the state.
He said he would not politicise anything that has to do with the construction of roads in the interest of the state.
The governor maintained that any investment made in the state capital goes a long way to boost the image of the state.
He said: “We are providing infrastructure and roads in all the 23 local government areas. We are also at the point of constructing a road from Woji town connecting Aleto-Alesa up to Port Harcourt Refinery junction.
“That road will help the people of Okrika to access Port Harcourt within 10 minutes without going through the East West Road.”
Governor Wike also announced the court judgment that has affirmed that the Rivers State Government is the owner of the OML11.
“Yesterday, we got judgment against Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) that OML 11 and Kidney Island belong to Rivers State Government.
“For us, whatever we will do to enhance the development of the state, we will do it within the period we are in office,” he added.
Managing Director, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Dr. Lars Ritchter said they are delighted to be part of the success story of Governor Wike’s administration.
He pointed out that they started with polehole contracts in 2015, and has since constructed 19 roads.
Other projects completed include the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, Ecumenical Centre, cinema and restaurant.
