Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has flagged off the construction of the Kpopie-Bodo Road said to have been abandoned by the senator, Magnus Abe, after allegedly collecting over N4 billion from the immediate past administration in the state.
Performing the flag off in the presence of thousands of Ogoni people at Bodo City on Thursday, Governor Wike said it was unfortunate that a privileged politician like Abe would swindle his people. The opposition has also pelted Wike of collecting funds to build schools and roads but failed to deliver.
The governor said the state government would have dragged Abe to the EFCC, but pointed out that the EFCC and the police would not act because of political interference.
He said: “Any politician who can embezzle the funds meant for the execution of a road project in his local government area deserves our empathy. It is easier for him to insult me on radio, but my only reply is to complete the road he abandoned because I love Ogoni people.
“When we were completing several projects abandoned by the immediate past administration, instead of showing appreciation, they were insulting me on the radio. My commitment to Rivers people is unwavering. Insults cannot stop me from developing Rivers State, completing the projects that will improve the lives of the people.”
The governor stated that the Kpobie-Bodo Road would be completed within three months with road finishing such as street lights and under-ground drainage.
He said he would never play politics with development because that was the covenant he entered with the people of the state.
Technical manager of Dantata and Sawoe, contractor for the Kpopie-Bodo Road, assured the governor and people of the area that the road would be completed in record time.
