Governor Wike expressed confidence that the citizens of Rivers State would adhere to the arrangement he made with them regarding their preferred presidential candidate, although he did not elaborate on the nature of this arrangement. His comments were made during the ceremony, which was aimed at connecting the communities in AELGA and the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) through the Ahoada-Omoku Road project.
In addition to his statement about the presidential election, the governor also encouraged the people of Rivers State to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) to "pepper" their political opponents. This remark was made in the context of the ongoing political campaign season, during which parties and candidates are jostling for support from the electorate.
The Ahoada-Omoku Road project, which is being undertaken by the state government, is intended to improve infrastructure and connectivity in the region. The governor stated that the project would enhance economic opportunities and reduce poverty in the area, and also pledged to complete the project on schedule.
He said, “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.”
Wike says that to finish the Ahoada-Omoku Road (Phase II) and the Emohua Road to Abalama/Tema Junction project, the state government needs N70 billion.
The governor said that money wouldn’t be a problem because the payment plan is set up so that N4 billion will be taken out of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) every month until the project is finished in 18 months.
Wike said again that he believed the people of Rivers deserved the best, and he explained why his government had not hesitated to spend money to hire the best construction firms.
Wike remembered that when the first part of the Ahoada-Omoku Road was opened, he promised to return and start the second part.
He said it would make it easier to move farm products from the countryside to the city when finished. It would also cut travel time and make it more likely for people working in Port Harcourt to move back home.
The governor said his term as leader would end in three months, but Sir. Siminialayi Fubara would take over and finish the projects.
Works Commissioner George Kelly Dakorinima Alabo gave a profile of the project. He said that the 31.6-kilometre dual carriageway comprises the first phase, which is 6.2 kilometres long, and the second phase, which is 25.4 kilometres long.
Dr Alabo said, “If I’m not mistaken, this will be one of the longest carriageways in Rivers State as is. Your Excellency, this is not cheap. It comes with a lot of resources.
“It will cost a lot of money because Julius Berger, Nigeria PLC will be in charge of it, and they are one of the most expensive contractors who do very good work.”
AELGA Chairman Ben Eke said that Wike had done excellent work in the area.
He said the road would make getting around even more accessible and help young people find jobs.
His counterpart at ONELGA, Vincent Job, said the project was a step forward for his council.