Abuja, Nigeria — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed optimism that the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State is nearing resolution following what he described as a decisive intervention by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja after inspecting ongoing projects in the FCT, Wike commended the President’s leadership role in addressing tensions between the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State. He described Tinubu as a unifying figure whose counsel carries weight.
“I believe that by the grace of God, this will be the last time the President will be bothered with this issue, and that this will be the last time the Rivers people will need to hear this kind of discord,” Wike said.
Emphasising the importance of unity and adherence to the President’s guidance, he added: “The President is the father of the nation and when a father speaks, his children must listen and do the needful to ensure peace and progress.”
Wike expressed confidence that both the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara would play their respective roles in sustaining peace.
“The House of Assembly will do what they are supposed to do, and I am confident that the governor will also carry out the acts required of him to ensure this peace is sustainable,” he stated.
He noted that stability and development remain the ultimate priority for the state, expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for his commitment to resolving the dispute.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has pledged to fulfill what he described as Wike’s long-standing vision by completing the over 50-kilometre Port Harcourt Ring Road project by October this year.
The governor made the commitment after inspecting the project, which spans at least five local government areas and is designed to decongest traffic within Port Harcourt metropolis and surrounding communities.
Fubara described the Ring Road as a strategic infrastructure initiative conceived by his predecessor, Wike, and a critical component of the state’s long-term urban and economic development plan.
“This project is very important considering the person who conceived it, my Oga, the minister. He had a very big vision,” Fubara said. “Notwithstanding whatever is happening, it is also my wish and my struggle to ensure that that wish comes through.”
The governor disclosed that the contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Limited, has reaffirmed its commitment to meeting the delivery timeline, provided funding remains consistent. He assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritise steady funding to ensure uninterrupted progress.
The Port Harcourt Ring Road project was flagged off at the beginning of Fubara’s administration, with an initial completion timeline of 36 months.
Comments