Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared total faith on the willingness of the state’s electorate to stick with the agreement on candidates, including the preferred presidential candidate to vote for in the forthcoming February 25, 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections.
Speaking yesterday at Ogbo/Ukordu junction in Ahoada East local government area of the state, venue of the flag-off of phase two of Ahoada-Omoku Road, Wike said voters in Ahoada communities have already been instructed on what to do on Saturday.
The road project will connect communities in Ahoada East local government area to those in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni local government area of the state.
The governor urged the people to go and ensure that their permanent voters’ cards are handy, which they should use to “pepper” their political opponents.
Wike said, “I am sure you must have brought out your PVC and kept it very well so that nobody will say my PVC is missing. Go now and put it under your pillow.
“By 6:30 in the morning on Saturday make sure you’re in your various polling units and use your PVC and pepper them. Help us and use your PVC to pepper those wicked people.”
The governor explained that it will cost the state government N70billion to complete the phase two of Ahoada-Omoku Road and the Emohua Road to Abalama/Tema Junction projects.
He stated that money will not be a problem because the payment plan is structured to be an irrevocable monthly deductions of N4 billion from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), so that in 18 months, the projects are delivered.
Wike said he believes that Rivers people deserve the best, which is why his administration has not looked back on committing resources, while engaging the best construction firms to deliver those critical road projects.
The governor recalled that when the phase one of the Ahoada -Omoku Road was inaugurated, he promised to return and flag off the phase two of the road that has now been awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria PLC to handle. According to him, it is a promise fulfilled.
He said when the road project is completed, it will not only ease movement of farm produce from the rural area to the city, but also reduce travel time and encourage people to stay in their communities and go to work in Port Harcourt.
Wike stated that his administration will end in the next three months, but his successor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, which they have to vote into office, will continue and complete the projects.
Providing the description of the project, Rivers State commissioner for works, Dr George Kelly Dakorinima Alabo said the phase one of the Ahoada -Omoku Road is 6.2km, while the phase two is 25.4km long, making a total of 31.6km dual carriage way.
“If I’m not mistaken, I believe this will be one of the longest carriageways in Rivers State as it is. Your Excellency, this is not cheap. It comes with a lot of resources.
“It comes with a lot of finance, as it will be handled by Julius Berger, Nigeria PLC, and they are about the most expensive contractors to deliver very quality projects.”
Dr Alabo said the entire width of the road is 15.2 meters and will have 547 street light poles and the project will be delivered in 18 months.
In his address, the South-South regional manager of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Juergen Fischer said while they are grateful for the confidence in them to handle the project, delivering it in 18 months comes with enormous challenge.
He therefore, solicited co-operation from both the Ministry of Works and host communities to enable them deliver the project on schedule.
On his apart, the chairman of Ahoada East local government area, Ben Eke thanked governor Wike for the numerous projects delivered in the area.
He said the road being flagged off will further ease transportation of farm produce and provide employment for the youths while the project lasted.
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