By Simeon Nwakaudu 

Wherever you go today in Nigeria, the story of the outstanding performance of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has become the trending item. For 22 months, this story kept on filtering into the ears of the immediate past President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan.

As has become the common practice of high profile Nigerians, the immediate past Nigerian President decided to come and see things for himself. He saw first hand,  the transformation taking place in Rivers State.

Governor Wike has added value to Rivers State. He has made the people proud. He has transformed the state into a huge construction site, empowering the people in the process. There is no other state in Nigeria where the governor is working in line with his campaign promises.

The beauty of Governor Wike’s performance is that it has lifted the state above negative propaganda, unproductive politics, reckless security agencies schemes and placed it on the platform of progress. The governor’s performance has a magnetic force that pulls all lovers of development towards Rivers State.

This time it was Former President Goodluck Jonathan that was attracted  to the state. As a Former President, Goodluck Jonathan  understands  the art and science of development and he appreciates strategic  development  efforts.

His views about the developmental progress made in Rivers State  under the leadership  of  Governor Wike  were quite insightful.  They  will  help other leaders seeking to make the desired impact in their areas of assignment. 

Former President Goodluck Jonathan after his visit to Government House, Port Harcourt on Saturday, March 18, 2017 declared  that Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has performed creditably well since assuming office 22 months ago, transforming the state in the process . 

The Former President  was led on a tour of projects in the Government House, Port Harcourt on Saturday.  The Governor led the Forner President  round projects such as the new amphitheatre, the Government House Chapel, Restored Brick House (Former Seat of Power in Rivers State), New Corridor of Power and Extended Landscape. 

The Former President  stated that Wike is a worthy representative of the PDP. 

He praised the governor for keeping the torch shinning by his exemplary  performance, which has justified  his election  by the people of Rivers State. 

Former President Goodluck Jonathan noted that Governor Wike’s  outstanding performance has become the common story across the country, pointing out that he has been hearing about the good works of the governor for sometime, pointing  out  that the governor  has lived up to his reputation. 

He noted that  since Governor Wike was sworn in, Saturday was his first time of driving  round Port Harcourt. He expressed  satisfaction  with the quality of transformation he witnessed  enroute the Government House, Port Harcourt. 

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He said: “I am part of Rivers State. I grew up in Rivers State and Bayelsa was carved out of Rivers State. Also, my wife is from Rivers State. Today, is my first day of visiting Rivers State since Wike assumed office as Governor. Twenty two months down the line, I am quite impressed with what I have seen.

“First, I heard so much, people have told me of the changes in Port Harcourt. I was told that I can’t even recognise the roads to where I used to live . As we drove into the city, I noticed that he has done very well in various areas.”

Former President Jonathan stated: “One thing I must commend Wike is that he has positive traits. I always believe that wherever you find yourself, add value. Governor Wike has added value in Rivers State. He has done weĺl to show his signature.

“Wike has taken us round. We have seen how he has ptransformed the Brick House and maintain that Brick House. We saw the changes he has made in some places in the Governmenr House, including building an amphitheatre, a new chapel for worship, relaxing places and general beautification.

“If you are the Chief Executive of an institution, you stay for two years and you add no value, then you have no vision. Wike is doing well and we commend him. He is a good representative of the PDP who is committed to developing his people.”

He thanked  Nigerians  for appreciating his contributions  to the development of the country, even after he left office.

Speaking while conducting the Former President round the projects at the  Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Wike  said his commitment  is to lift the state to higher heights. He noted that the Old Brick was restored  with certain  additions because of the need to preserve history of governance  in the state. The governor  noted that the New Amphitheatre being constructed  at the Government House would host high profile guests who visit  the state.

According to him, the New Government House, Port Harcourt Chapel which will host about 300 persons would provide a venue for interdenominational  Christian Worship.

He thanked the Former  President  for the visit , assuring  him that he will continue  to  live up to the expectations  of the people.

Before Former President Goodluck Jonathan came, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had testified. Former Senate President David Mark voiced his approval. Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu declared his respect for Governor Wike’s outstanding Performance and Senate Minority Leader Godswill Akpabio praised the governor’s excellent delivery of projects.

The  list of those who appreciate  the good works of Governor Wike is endless.  The market woman, the youth, the men,  the clerics, the civil servants, the professionals and the athletes.  In Rivers State, everyone  feels the impact of good governance.  That is why the state is off limits for election riggers. 

Performance is a beauty, which everyone appreciates. Performance is a force for security and stability, which Governor Wike has used to move Rivers State forward. The creation of New Rivers is on course. Everyone is enjoying the rhythm. As they insist across the state, this song will last till 2023.