Hope for the speedy completion of the dualisation of Ahoada-Omoku highway has been rekindled, following the intervention of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, in the face-off between Ula-Ehuda community and the Julius Berger.
Wike, who visited Ula-Ehuda on Friday to assess the progress of the ongoing construction work and to settle the disagreement between the community and Julius Berger, advised youths in the community to learn how to channel their problem appropriately to the government.
The governor, who was accompanied by the Rivers State Commissioner of Works, Dr. Dakorinama George-Kelly; former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudum Nwuche; Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ehie Ogerenye Edison; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard bearer in Rivers State, Mr. Siminalaye Fubara and others, said his administration takes exception to disruption of the construction work in any part of State.
He admonished community leaders in the State, that irrespective of their political leanings, never to politicise the issue of development, as this could be detrimental to the progress of their people.
“I tell people, don’t be a curse to yourself. And I’ve always told people too, don’t bring politics in the development of a place. If you bring politics, you’ll suffer it. None of you put pressure on us to say we must dualise this road.”
The governor explained that his administration took the decision to dualise the road in recognition of the fact that it will promote access to economic and social services, generate increased agricultural incomes and productive employment opportunities and reduce poverty in the State.
Governor Wike, who urged the community to support the State’s effort to improve infrastructure in the area, cautioned that government will henceforth not tolerate any disruption of the ongoing dualisation work.
“If you have problem, channel your problem appropriately. But don’t come and begin to use your young boys and young girls to stop the road construction.”
The governor assured the community that the concerns raised by them will be adequately addressed, adding that the government will not allow anyone or group of individuals to derail the progress of the area.
“We have come to open up your community to be like a city and you want to send your community backwards, it will not work. Support us to do what we are doing.”
Earlier, the chairman Ula-Ehuda Community Development Committee, Monday Princewill Evergreen, thanked governor Wike for the project and appealed for the inclusion of drainage in the Ula-Ehuda section of the Ahoada-Omoku highway.
“We are grateful that you brought this project to our community, not just our community, Ahoada East. For long we had envisaged that this road will be dualised and constructed. It was until you came that that dream was realised, and the community and the entire people of Ekpeye are eternally grateful to you.”
Kelvin Ebiri
Special Assistant on Media to the Rivers State governor.
30th September, 2022.
