Wike Appeals to Federal Government: Forgive Us If We Have Done Any Wrong
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has appealed to the Federal Government to forgive the people of the state if they had done anything wrong, while expressing concern over what he described as continued federal neglect of Rivers State.
Wike spoke in Port Harcourt during the maiden delivery of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) facility in Bonny to downstream investor Stockgap Terminal.
The governor cited the Bodo-Bonny Highway as one of the projects he believed demonstrated the Federal Government’s inadequate attention to the state.
According to him, the Federal Government had not provided the expected funding for the N120 billion road project despite NLNG’s willingness to bear 50 per cent of the cost.
“Even if Rivers has done anything wrong, please, we are begging, forgive us, but I don’t think we have done anything wrong as Rivers people,” Wike said.
He maintained that Rivers remained an attractive destination for investment and said his administration would continue to support businesses willing to establish operations in the state.
Wike also criticised the condition of port infrastructure and waterways in Rivers, questioning why the state government should be expected to dredge channels while the Nigerian Ports Authority collected revenues from maritime operators.
He argued that while the Federal Government was developing new port infrastructure in Lagos, existing facilities in Rivers had not received comparable attention.
The governor said it would be inappropriate for the Rivers State Government to finance the dredging of waterways while the NPA continued to collect the associated levies and revenues.
Wike nevertheless pledged that his administration would improve the road leading to the Stockgap Terminal to facilitate easier movement of LPG and improve access for consumers in Rivers and neighbouring states.
He said the new facility could reduce dependence on transporting LPG from Lagos and help make supplies more accessible within the region.
The governor also urged the management of the company to maintain a good relationship with its host community, Rumuolumeni.
Wike stressed that his administration would welcome investors but would insist that host communities receive a fair share of employment opportunities.
He called on the company to recruit qualified residents and provide adequate training that would enable them to build careers and contribute effectively to the industry.
The governor said Rivers State would continue to encourage investment while demanding that businesses operating in the state contribute meaningfully to the economic development and welfare of local communities.
