Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has challenged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to showcase development projects they have delivered to the people in their various states to prove that they also mean well for the people.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Kelvin Ebiri, the governor gave the challenge at the inauguration of Tombia Road, Ndoni Street and Amaji Street in New GRA Phase 2, which was performed by the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Tuesday.
Like Wike, Ortom is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor said it was only PDP governors that were developing and delivering infrastructural projects in their various states.
According to him, these projects have continued to improve the well-being of the people to affirm that development is happening only in PDP-controlled states.
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“Some few weeks ago, I was invited by the Governor of Benue State to come and commission some projects. I went and I did commission not less than three road projects.
“They received us very well and I did say to him that the people of Rivers State will also like him to come and also commission projects in the state. So that Nigerians will know that the party in opposition is the party that means well for the development of this country.
“We challenge the ruling party to tell their states to roll out projects and invite people to come and commission them.”
Wike described his Benue State counterpart as a man who is committed to the development of his people, forthright, courageous and stands in defence of the well-being of Benue people.
He explained that when Ortom was being “persecuted and made to pass through intimidation”, he stood firm, and stayed with the people, which justified his (Wike’s) decision to associate with him.
Wike said his relationship with Ortom was designed to make Rivers and Benue States including PDP to move forward.
“One of the reasons why I invited the Governor of Benue State here is to let people know that there are people who are committed to the growth and development of this country. There are people who will never be intimidated because of their views. There are people who stand against injustice in this country.
“Governor Ortom is one of those governors that will stand firm in whatever he believes in. He does not care whether you’ll deny the people of Benue State what is due to them. He will still say the truth as it is. You all know what has happened in Benue State, what he has passed through, how they have tried to intimidate him but he has stood firm and said no.
“That’s the same thing we are doing here. No matter all the intimidation and what they are trying to do to us, we have stood firm to defend the interest of our state. And so for me, I will like to associate with people like this and that will make our state, our party and will make our country to move forward.”
On his part, Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom noted that God has destined him and Wike to work together as brothers and friends in speaking up for the voiceless and marginalised people in the country.
According to him, Nigeria has since 2015 ceased to be a country where equity, justice and fairness are promoted.
He asserted that until those virtues are embraced nationally, every citizen will remain entangled and never be free.
He said there is no security in Nigeria and the economy is also in bad shape because of the depreciation the naira has suffered under the leadership of the APC. He further lamented the growing unemployment rate in the country that gave impetus to youth restiveness tagged #EndSARS protest.
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