A source at the Rivers State Government House who spoke to SaharaReporters on Friday had said millions of Naira were paid to some officials of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, to facilitate the award.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has denied bribing top government officials in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to be conferred with “Distinguished Award in Infrastructure Delivery”.
A source at the Rivers State Government House who spoke to SaharaReporters on Friday had said millions of Naira were paid to some officials of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, to facilitate the award.
He added that there was presently mass mobilisation of Rivers State people to Abuja to attend what he described as the fake award.
“The so-called infrastructure award to Governor Wike was bought through the office of the SGF. The SGF capitalised on Buhari’s lack awareness of his environment to grant him the fake award,” the source had said.
“We have started mobilising many people from Rivers to attend the award. Millions of Naira exchanged hand between the governor and many people in the SGF office. Apart from Port Harcourt, Wike abandoned the rest of Rivers State.
“Forget all you read on pages of newspaper; they are all scam. He hasn’t paid teachers in months. Retirees are owed while the governor and his wanted accountant-general who he wants as successor stole billions of Naira.”
The award is expected to be presented to the governor at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja on October 21.
Reacting in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, Governor Wike said there has been steady, and sustained revolution in the delivery of critical infrastructure in Rivers State since he took over power on May 29, 2015.
“These are not tech encased 3-D effect. No. They are visible, tangible and people focused projects. They are delivered to enhance the living conditions of Rivers people and residents in the State. Governor Wike knows that without the right infrastructure in place, economic activities cannot thrive. That is why he has invested hugely in infrastructure development,” the statement read.
“With these infrastructure and other aspects of policies of government implemented, particularly in fiscal performance that has ranked Rivers as best in Nigeria, according to BudgIT, the state capital, Port Harcourt has been put back on the map of places that are reckoned as fast growing city with indices of modern development.
“What is now, and enduring too, considered as convincing ripples is the attraction it offers to investors who are coming in droves to do business. The projects are in quantum. They are of quality and the infrastructure spread across sectors. They are visible to the blind to see. The deaf also hears of them.
“During an interactive media chat in Port Harcourt on Friday, 14 October, 2022, Governor Wike said the award is most deserving and worthy to celebrate. He revealed how he got a letter of notification and invite as mail, from the presidency on the award in infrastructure. He was surprised at it. To the extent that, he was chosen by an All Progressives Congress (APC) federal government above the lot of APC governors.
“By that choice, President Muhammadu Buhari showed courageous leadership and should be applauded. For it is on a PDP governor that such award will be conferred. A party in opposition to APC. It is an acknowledgement of performance by all means.
“More frankly, no government, not even the federal government can start and finish 12 flyovers in four years. Governor Wike did it. He is doing it. He owns the record, unbeaten. It is novel. The infrastructural delivery of governor Wike is sterling and intimidating. It is delivered in the healthcare, education, agriculture, rural transformation, housing development, administration of justice, social welfare and Sports development.
“Specifically, Governor Wike has connected the ancient Opobo island to the rest of the State and country, by tarred road. Construction of phase one of the Trans-Kalabari road is nearing completion.
“Governor Wike has turned and transformed not less than 18 major single lane roads into dual carriage. They include Igwuruta – Chokocho road, Saapkenwa – Bori road, Tam David West Boulevard, Rumuokwurishi – Eneka – Igwuruta road, Rumuepirikom – Rumuolumeni road, Rebisi – Trans-Amadi – Oginigba road, Justice Iche Ndu road, Eagle Island – Illoabuchi road, Elelenwo – Akpajo road, Birabi road, Emeyal road, Tombia road, Forces Avenue, Olumeni road, Abacha road, and Harley street, Tombia Extension and the Ezimgbu road. They have street lights, pedestrian walkways and covered drains.
“Already, a lot of roads connecting and interconnecting several communities across the State have been completed and few are ongoing. They include the Bori – Kono dual carriage way, the dualization of Ahoada – Omoku, and Egbema- Omoku roads, the Eastern bypass – Ogbum-nu-Abali dual carriage way, the Woji – Aleto – Alesa road and the Wakama – Ogu – Bolo road.
“In the same vein, Elele-Alimini, Isiokpo, Rumuche, Okochiri, Amadi-Ama, Omoku, Odiokwu Bolo and some others now have a new lease of social and economic life. Internal roads to boost local socioeconomic activities have been provided in Ogbakiri, Omerelu, Okochiri phase 2, Omagwa, Mgbuitanwo, kilometre Rumuodogo 1 and Rumuodogo 2, Igwuruta, Odufor/Omuoyo, Umueze/Umogberi/Eberi among others.
“We boldly invite Sahara Reporters to visit the 132-bed Mother and Child specialist hospital in Rumumasi; as well as the five-star, Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Diagnostic and Treatment Centre in Rumuokuta.
“Owing to the burgeoning population and demand for land in the coastal areas of Rivers State, Governor Wike embarked on extensive reclamation of land with the primary intent to overcoming the problem of overcrowding in the future in places like Abalama, Bakana, Kula, Ogu, Abonnema/Obonnoma and Okrika.
“Indeed, Governor Wike is a master strategist. He has changed the narrative of governance from self seeking, to securing and promoting the good of the people using developmental agenda to set new records.”