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.

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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