Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike at Bodo City on thursday after he flagged off the construction of the abandoned Kpopie-Bodo road

By Okafor Ofiebor

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has flagged off the construction of the Kpopie-Bodo road in Gokana local government area of Ogoniland.

The road is said to be worth over N4 billion but was not completed by the immediate past administration in the state.

During the flag off in the presence of thousands of Ogoni people at Bodo City on Thursday , Governor Wike said he would not play politics with the development of the state.

He accused Senator Magnus Abe of benefitting from the contract to construct the road worth over N4 billion Naira but was abandoned.
However, Senator Abe has constantly denied the allegations claiming that the governor was only on a political witch hunt.

Governor Wike said that the state government would have dragged Abe to the EFCC, but pointed out that the EFCC and the police would not act because of political interference.

Senator Abe is a candidate of APC for Rivers South East,while Wike is rooting for Olaka Nwogu of PDP for the position.

Governor Wike said: “Any politician who can embezzle the funds meant for the execution of a road project in his local government area deserves our empathy. It is easier for him to insult me on radio, but my only reply is to complete the road he abandoned because I love Ogoni people.

“When we were completing several projects abandoned by the immediate past administration, instead of showing appreciation, they were insulting me on the radio. My commitment to Rivers people is unwavering. Insults cannot stop me from developing Rivers State, completing the projects that will improve the lives of the people “.
The governor stated that the Kpobie-Bodo road will be completed within three months with road finishing such as street lights and under-ground drainage.

“Nobody can force himself on his people. I am sad that Abe used the funds meant for a road that will benefit his people to serve himself. I am happy that I have the opportunity to construct this road”, Governor Wike said.

He said he will never play politics with development , because that is the covenant he entered with the people of the state.

In his address, Caretaker Chairman of Gokana Local Government Area, Mr Monday Dumiye berated Senator Abe for exposing the people to untold hardship by failing to construct the road awarded to him.

He commended Governor Wike for coming to the aid of the people by resolving to complete the road.

Technical Manager of Dantata and Sawoe, contractor for the Kpopie-Bodo road, assured the governor and people of the area that the road will be completed in record time.

Ogoni leaders such as Senator Olaka Nwogu, Chief Kenneth Kobani and Dr Fred Kpakol, traditional rulers, women groups and school children graced the occasion.

Already, Governor Wike is dualizing the Sakpwenwa-Bori road, the Birabi Memorial Grammar School, General Hospital, Bori and rebuilt the INEC office burnt down by political thugs of the opposition in the state.