The Governor of Rivers, Nyesom Wike, says it is unconscionable for any local government chairman not to construct roads in the rural areas since his administration did not tamper with LG funds from the federation account.
Wike, who was Obio-Akpor LG chairman during the tenure of former Governor Peter Odili, described as absurd the demand by council chairmen for state government’s intervention on roads that could conveniently construct for their people.
The Rivers governor said these on Thursday at the Odiemudie Junction by Akoh Mini Central where he flagged off the construction of Odiemudie Road in Ahoada East Local Government Area.
He told Mr. Benjamin Eke, Chairman of Ahoada East LGA that when he was chairman of Obio-Akpor LGA, he executed road projects without asking for assistance from then Governor Peter Odili.
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Wike said there was therefore no basis for Eke to stand before him to ask the state government to construct a road in Ward 10 in Ahoada East LGA.
“I was council chairman. People know in the state. I was constructing roads. I had never one day called the governor to come and do so and so thing. You have the temerity to stand before me to say, come and do road in Ward 10.
“Thank God you said I don’t tamper with all local government’s money. I know how much you all get. Last two months, no local government got less than between N300 Million and N400Million. What’s the salary bill, where does the money go to?” Wike asked.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs to get a comprehensive list of projects that Eke claimed to have accomplished and submit same to the office of the Secretary to the State Government.
“Because I believe there should be development everywhere does not mean you will take it for granted. So, this is the last time I will go to any local government and I will see a chairman coming out to say do so, so thing for us. You must show me your report card,” the governor said.