By Simeon Nwakaudu
Despite the sponsorship of negative propaganda against Rivers State by the All Progressives Congress (APC), the influence of Port Harcourt has continued to soar, both nationally and internationally. Every important group that plans to chart a way forward gravitates towards Port Harcourt. This is simply because the incumbent administration in the state has made Port Harcourt a centre of attraction and security with world class infrastructure that can host any event.
This has not always been the case. The immediate past administration of Rotimi Amaechi destroyed the foundations of security, locked up the courts and the state Assembly, frittered away monies meant for infrastructure and even boasted about the havoc unleashed on the state.
Hear Amaechi on May 25, 2015: “In Rivers State, no money, I think Nyesom Wike is coming, we are waiting. He will look for money for salary; there is none. But when he pays out salary, we will see if any of them can do what we did in this state: whether they can build the schools, the roads, even to get a loan.”
That statement during his 50th birthday celebration at the Obi Wali Cultural Centre confirmed the worst mismanagement of resources ever witnessed by a state. A brazen attempt to castrate the incoming administration with the criminal conspiracy of the powers that be.
It was on this rather shaky note that Governor Wike started the development of structures that have made Port Harcourt the cynosure of all eyes. What you see today have been grown from the scratch, because Amaechi ran away without preparing handover notes.
For two years, Governor Wike rolled out critical infrastructure to transform Port Harcourt and its environs. Roads, street lights, traffic lights, walkways and world class drainage were developed in quick succession.
The security architecture of the state was also rebuilt and re-configured to improve safety and create the required confidence. Governor Wike donated about 200 vans and over 20 gunboats to security agencies, repaired another 50 gunboats and acquired armoured personnel carriers.
In August, Rivers State has played host to three major events- the 2017 African Bar Association Annual Conference, the retreat of the House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency and the 60th anniversary of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN). These events brought together thousands of professionals who chose Port Harcourt as the location to discuss the future of Nigeria and the world.
Prominent dignitaries that attended the African Bar Association Annual Conference were the immediate past president of Tanzania, Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal , High Commissioner of Tanzania to Nigeria, Ambassador Elias Muanoobo, former NBA president and chairman, AfBA Governing Council , Joseph Daudu, President of African Bar Association, Mr Hanzinbal Uwaifo, Attorney General and Minister of Justice of Sierra Leone, Joseph Camara and other senior lawyers from over 40 countries of Africa.
The immediate past president of Tanzania, Dr. Kikwete commended the state government for the improved infrastructure and the serene environment that made deliberations smooth.
He said he was happy to have visited Rivers State, pointing out that he will gladly visit again. According to him, he had a memorable experience. The former Tanzanian president was seen shopping for souvenirs at a gift shop along D-Line in Port Harcourt .
The Vice President of the African Bar Association, North Africa, Mr. Hassan declared that the beautiful Port Harcourt outing will live with him for a long time.
According to him: “Even though by my religion, I don’t take alcohol, permit me to use the expression…I am intoxicated by the beauty and warmth of this city.”
The Attorney General of Sierra Leone, Joseph Camara stressed that the confab in Port Harcourt was timely, as it provided African lawyers the opportunity to build the structures of development.
Governor Wike told the African lawyers at a State Banquet that his administration will continue to make the state attractive for international and national conferences through the consolidation of the state security architecture and basic infrastructure.
After the African Bar Association came the retreat of the House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This important retreat had as its focus on the use of Small and Medium enterprises to rebuild the middle class in Nigeria.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency Committee, Mr. Jones Onyereri captured the importance of Port Harcourt in his speech during a courtesy visit to Governor Wike at the Government House Port Harcourt.
“Port Harcourt has continued to be a destination choice for everyone who is progressive. Its vitality and energy have always been a selling point for work in a serene environment.
“There is no better time to host this retreat here in Port Harcourt than now when Governor Wike is at the helm of affairs. Governor Wike has been termed ‘Mr. Projects,’ ‘Working Governor’ and very aptly so.
“The development in Rivers State under Governor Wike’s leadership is very clear for all to see. We have moved round the state and I must say that development strides must be admired by all well-meaning Nigerians,” he said.
As the federal lawmakers and CBN officials left Port Harcourt after their retreat, thousands of teachers trooped in for their 60th anniversary.
President of STAN, Mallam Mohammed Moulud commended the efforts of the government in developing the security of the state to such a level that all groups wanted to hold their programmes in the state.
Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria will be the host of the 2018 senior, junior and cadet African Wrestling Championships from February 7-11, 2018. It will be the first time that Nigeria will be hosting the event.
It was the same scenario last year.
The West African Institute of Architecture, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Nigerian Bar Association, West African Golf Tournament, Rotary International Conference and the PDP National Conventions. These events attracted several thousands of visitors and impacted the state’s economy positively.
As chief image maker of Rivers State, Governor Wike has continued to campaign for all groups and investors to visit the state. At every given opportunity, the governor outlines the economic and social benefits of visiting and hosting events in the state.
He explained during the courtesy visit by the House of Representatives Committee that the state was now accustomed to hosting major national and international events.
Port Harcourt has been transformed into a major national hub for business, pleasure and conferences. Over the last two years, hotels and tourist centres have been revived and rebranded to attract more people to the city.
Port Harcourt has defeated the evil forces of conspiracy and treachery, rising steadily as a destination of choice.
The growing influence of Port Harcourt City is not by accident. The New Rivers Development Blueprint at page 19 declared: “The new Rivers vision is geared towards making Rivers State the number one tourist destination in Nigeria.”
•Nwakaudu is Chief Press Secretary to Rivres State Governor