The N78 billion spent by the Rivers State government to fix federal roads in its domain has been refunded, Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, confirmed Wednesday. Wike confirmed the receipt of the cash during the inauguration of the Isiokpo Internal Roads (Phase II) in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state by former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.

The governor assured the refunded money would be deployed in providing more critical projects across the state to enhance the socio-economic life of Rivers people. He said despite being in his second term, he would continue to work relentlessly, for the interest of the state, and improve its stakes.

He said: “Rivers people! The Federal Government has refunded us the money. I have not touched a dime from it. It is in the bank. I will use it for project execution. “I kept it to tell those who are making noise to know that I am going to work till the last day in office. I will continue to work for the interest of our people. I’m not resting. “They need to know that I will make sure what is supposed to be done for the people of Rivers State will be done. I will persist until we have improved and changed Rivers State and bring it back to what it’s supposed to be.”

Rating himself high, the governor it would be difficult for any other party to take state away from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with the record of his administration’s performance. He claimed to have laid a good foundation by completing all the projects that he inherited from his predecessor and would complete all the projects that he initiated so that his successor would have a smooth sail in governance.

He said: “No matter the tactics they deplore, no party can take Rivers State away from the PDP. They have to convince the people why they need their support. It is already known, they (other parties) have nothing to offer. “We have something to offer and we have offered it to the people. They are angry that we are commissioning projects. Our business as a party is to make the other people to have serious high blood pressure.

Wike recalled that he promised to change the narrative of neglect of Isiokpo people by the previous administration and had kept his promise by completing rehabilitation of all their internal roads. He spoke of plans to execute more projects in the area, listing the reconstruction of the Ogbodo -Isiodu link road and the rehabilitation of all internal roads in Omerelu community as parts of the programme.

He said only council chairmen who had so far demonstrated competence in office and evidence of projects would qualify for re-election.
Wike said: “Government is about what you can bring to your people. It is not what you will put in your pocket. People of Ikwerre Local Government and Isiopko, ask your people what they have brought back home for the good of the town.

Obi lamented that the Federal Government kept borrowing in the guise of using it for capital projects to mortgage the future of posterity. Obi said the access roads provided by Wike to the Isiopko people would raise their quality of life. He said: “Accountability in government is the most critical yardstick to determine good governance and to build the trust of the people. For recruitment into governance, competence capacity, and visible performance like we are seeing here today should be embraced.”