By Valentine Amanze
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has stated that Ogoni clean up has become a political tool of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Federal Government rather than a strategic environmental project to improve the lives of the people.
During a special appearance on Silverbird Television Programme, News Hub, Governor Wike said that Ogoni clean up was only mentioned whenever election approaches.
His words: “The issue of Ogoni clean up comes up during every election. It is a political strategy to curry political favour.
“If they are serious, they should use funds from the excess crude the way they have done for insurgency. The environmental crisis in Ogoniland is a major challenge “.
The governor also criticised the recent bill sent to the National Assembly by the APC Federal Government, noting that it will further divide the country and enslave the people.
He pointed out that such a bill was not necessary “at this time when the country is suffering from challenges centred on sectional governance.”
The governor said that in Rivers State, people would always vote for the PDP because he has developed quality projects and programmes for them.
“In all local government areas, we have projects that have touched the lives of the people. Therefore, our projects will campaign for us.
“On the other hand, the APC Federal Government has no projects in Rivers State. There is nothing on ground for them to sell themselves to the people.
“Good governance endears you to the people. We have provided basic amenities and the people are happy with us. I am not an Abuja governor. I am a governor of the people. I am a governor of the people. I stay with my people and I know what my people want”, the governor said.
Wike said that the over 300 major projects executed by his administration created thousands of jobs for the people.
He noted that there was a digital revolution taking place in the state with the revival of the Information and Communication Technology centre where thousands of youths would be empowered through training and digital skills.
He said that credible local government elections would be conducted in the state by June 16, 2018.
Ahead of the Local Government Elections, he said that Rivers State PDP has made it a matter of policy to empower women with leadership positions as all 23 Vice Chairmanship Candidates are women.
On the soot challenge, Governor Wike noted that Rivers State Government will continue to take relevant steps to end the menace.
On the forthcoming Presidential polls, Governor Wike said that he was yet to decide on who to support. He said once he makes up his mind, it wont be a secret.
He explained that he was involved in pragmatic governance which abhors white elephant projects.
He said all projects started in his first term will be completed before he starts a second-term.
Wike added that the state government was developing a sage.
