Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike says the Federal Government has been playing politics with the Ogoni environment remediation programme recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
He noted that Ogoni having played a pivotal role in the economic development of Rivers State and the country deserved more than what was currently being offered to the area.
According to a statement by his media aide, Kelvin Ebiri, Wike stated this during the commissioning of the 16.06-kilometre dual carriage Sakpenwa-Bori Highway by the Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday.
The governor urged Ogoni people to stop believing those who use Ogoni clean-up exercise at the turn of election year to deceive them and wondered why clean-up never happens when elections are over.
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“I am not like Federal Government. They promised you they will do Ogoni clean up. Has it been cleaned? I promised you road, have I done it? So, you can see the difference between our party and their own party. The difference is clear.
“When election comes in 2023, they will start another clean up. You people don’t even ask question. Why is it a year to election that Ogoni clean up will always commence? Now that there is no election are they doing clean up now? Watch from next year they will start clean up.”
Wike said it has remained “undisputed” that only the governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were delivering development projects to their people.
The governor challenged those who felt uncomfortable with his public declarations to also showcase their projects and invite persons of repute to commission them as he has done since December.
He stated that because of the existing mutual trust between his leadership team and the people, sufficient progress has been achieved in Ogoni land and in the entire state in terms of project delivery.
Wike announced the commencement of the phase two of the newly commissioned road, which will now be from Bori to Kono and would be awarded to the same construction firm, CCECC.
Governor of Enugu State. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi acknowledged that many projects have been inaugurated by Wike, including the Saakpenwa -Bori road which was a campaign promise that has been fulfilled.
“Today’s event is significant as it epitomises the desirable fellowship among colleague governors while providing opportunity for experience sharing and other discourses on service delivery.
“I congratulate your Excellency, Governor Wike on the accomplishment of this infrastructural milestone among many others which will undoubtedly make life more meaningful for the people of Ogoni land
“I understand that this strategic road project was a campaign promise that has been truthfully fulfilled. Expectedly, it gladdens the hearts of Ogoni people and reinforces their faith in our constitutional democracy.
“I enjoin the good people of Ogoni land and entire Rivers State to continue to support Governor Wike with their prayers and wise counsel as he takes Rivers State to the next level.”