From: TONY JOHN, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has assured former President Goodluck Jonathan of the continued unwavering support of Rivers people, saying that he would never be abandoned.
This was even as Jonathan has declared that he has no regret, that Wike was elected the governor of the State.
Wike stated this, on Thursday, during the commissioning of the second Nkpogu Bridge, performed by the Jonathan, as part of the second year anniversary of the governor’s administration.
Governor Wike, in his address, said that Nigerians, after the two years of the All Progressives Congress – led Federal Government, have seen the difference between good governance and false promises.
He explained that the decision was taken for former President Jonathan to commission the second Nkpogu Bridge, as a clear message to the nation that he would not be abandoned.
He said: “We are not politicians that when anything is wrong, they sing different song. Rivers State is a different place. When we believe in you, we believe in you. We are different from other Niger Delta states. We can say it with all authority.
“We cannot come out in the public and begin to castigate our own. Those of them who do that, should have a rethink. For us, it doesn’t matter the blackmail against Jonathan, we will continue to back him”.
Speaking further, Governor Wike said: “Those, who think that they have promises from those who think they own Nigeria, should be careful. They will use you and dump you at the appropriate time “.
Commissioning the bridge, former President Jonathan commended Wike for numerous projects he has executed, saying that the governor has justified the support he received from political stakeholders for his election in 2015.
Jonathan said: “Governor Wike has performed wonderfully well. I have no regrets that Governor Wike is the governor of Rivers State. I am happy that the governor has opened up Rivers State through projects.
“Wike has shown so much commitment to infrastructural development. The whole of Rivers State is now a construction yard”, he noted.
The former president pointed out that the appreciation for the excellent performance of Governor Wike went beyond party lines, recalling that Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, after visiting the State, also stated that the governor had delivered on projects.
He expressed happiness for the invitation to commission the important Second Nkpogu Bridge , appreciating the people of the State for the support they gave him throughout his eight years involvement in national politics.
Chairman of Monier Construction Company, Senator John Mbata, said the company constructed the two bridges, which have linked Nkpogu to the business districts of the State capital.
Also, the Commissioner of Works, Mr Bathuel Harrison, said that the second Nkpogu Bridge would reduce the traffic challenge in the area.
It would be recalled that Governor Wike after, assuming office on May 29, 2015, constructed the first and second Nkpogu Bridges to link different parts of the state capital.