How Gov. Chibuike Amaechi Transformed Rivers State in Seven Years

Several Communities in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State have taken stock of numerous people oriented projects embarked upon by the State Governor Chibuike Amaechi since he assumed office in 2007.
The communities showered encomiums on Amaechi during his ‘Meet the People’ tour of Obio/Akpor communities on Tuesday.
They include, Mgbuesilaru, Rumuodara, Eliowhani, Iriebe, Elelenwo, Rumuokwurusi and Atali towns. Others are, Woji, Rumurolu, Rumuogba, Rumuibekwe, Rumuomasi, and Rumuobiakani communities.
In almost all the communities, the people thanked Governor Amaechi for empowering the people of Obio/Akpor LGA through the Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Tony Okocha and the Caretaker Committee CTC Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Dr. Lawrence Chukwu in skills acquisition, provision of vehicles, payment of Sure-P, monetary assistance for business and trading purposes for widows and indigent persons in the communities.
Speaking on behalf of the people of Mgbuesilaru, Rumuodara, Eliowhani and Iriebe communities which make up Ward 2 of the LGA, Ward Leader, Chimenem Nnanta Weli, said the people were happy with the landmark achievement of Governor Amaechi in the area.
He said, “Your Excellency, first and foremost, we want to thank you immensely for constructing the road from First Artillery to Rumuodara junction. That road had been a major problem and indeed a nightmare to our people because of the flood that clustered at Artillery junction during rainy season. But the Government of Rivers State under your able leadership have put the road in good condition thereby alleviating the sufferings of our people. Secondly, we also want to commend His Excellency for constructing a model Primary school at Iriebe otherwise known as the community primary school. This school will go a long way in providing qualitative education to our children. This is a very huge improvement to what is obtainable in the past where children sit on the ground to learn, but, with the construction of this school our children can now learn under a conducive atmosphere. The construction of a Health centre at Iriebe is also indelible in our heart and we commend the Governor for this gesture.”
In Ward 3- Rumuokwurusi and Atali towns, the people pledged to continually support Governor Amaechi in his giant strides towards the transformation of the state.
A joint address by the Chairman, Rumuokwurusi Town Council, Kingsley Onuoma Ejekwu and Chairman, Atali Town Council, Chief Dareth Oparati read, “We wish to thank you for the various projects your administration sited in our Ward, which include; the ongoing dualization of Rumuokwurusi-Igwuruta road, two Model Primary schools in Rumuokwurusi, one in Atali, one Model Health centre, construction of two Electric Power Sub-stations, recognition and appointment of one of our sons, Sir Nelson Wali to the Board of Internal Revenue in the state, the secured, peaceful and enabling environment, construction of Atali Civic Centre and Empowerment of our women in various skills acquisition programmes, among others.”
The Elders and people of Ward 6 comprising Woji, Rumurolu, Rumuogba, Rumuibekwe and Oginigba communities, commended the proactive measures being adopted by the Rivers State Government in preventing and combating criminal activities, despite what they called ‘all the organized frustrations, provocations and sabotage.’
“Developmental strides shall continue to speak for you, even in 2015 and beyond. The network of roads, schools, hospitals and health care centres, human capacity developments, empowerment of Rivers people by the State and Local Government councils, all these communities are beneficiaries. Of particular Sir, is the jinx which you have broken by appointing our illustrious son, Chief (Dr) Lawrence Chijioke Chuku, (Ikeni of Evo Kingdom) as CTC Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA.
“Other laudable achievements which your leadership has recorded are; on-going construction of Woji-Akpajo-Eleme road-linking Dr Peter Odili road, completion of Oginigba-Rumuobiakani road, completion of Old Aba/Port Harcourt road, provision of functional model primary health care centres, model primary schools, completion of functional electricity power injection Sub-station, including the support and assistance in the burial of our King, HRM King Dr. Amb. Sir Frank Adele Eke, the Eze Gbakagbaka of Ikwerre land amongst others.”
Also speaking, the representative of non-indigenes in Ward 6, Usman Lamido commended Governor Amaechi for creating a conducive atmosphere for the people to enjoy the dividends of democracy in the current political dispensation.
In Rumuomasi Ward 8, Ward leader, Mrs. Beatrice Ogunta said, “Your Excellency, you are indeed a leader that knows what it takes to lead, hence, you on assumption of office tackled the issue of insecurity in the state and today Rivers State is the most livable state in our country, Nigeria. Everybody in our state today can attest to the fact that peace and security are the only panacea for accelerated development. Your Excellency, we are glad to be associated with your giant and development strides. On SURE-P, Your Excellency, the state SURE-P scheme has put smiles on our people, particularly our aged mothers who are no longer productive and our teeming unemployed youths, though there has been some complaints by some supposed beneficiaries over non-payment. We wish to thank you for the laudable projects sited in ward 8, like the Rumuomasi/Elekahia road, Old Aba road, Ken Saro-Wiwa road, G. U. Ake road, Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Information and Technology Centre, Model Primary Schools, including others.”
Also, representative of non-indigenes in Rumuomasi, Mr. Chris Omerulu said, “We have seen the development strides in Rivers State. What you have done in the state has compelled us to say we will support you anywhere you go. We will follow you anywhere you go.”
At Rumuobiakani, the people of Ward 4 which also comprise, Rumuodamaya and Rumuobochi communities, Prince Daniel on behalf of the Chiefs, Elders and people of the area confessed that the administration of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has brought enormous development to the communities and the state at large.
In Elelenwo Community, the Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers, Chiefs, Owhor holders and Elders, Chief Barr. M. Wodi said, the council and the people of the area will continue to support and work with Governor Amaechi to make the common goal his mission possible.
“We felicitate with you on your numerous achievements and developmental strides spanning across the state. There is no gain saying the fact that the change in infrastructure and social amenities our state is witnessing is the hallmark of your vision and hunger to emancipate Rivers State from the shackles of backwardness. It is a clear attestation of your dream for Rivers people,” Wodi said.
Responding to the accolades, Governor Chibuike Amaechi thanked the people at the various Communities and promised more development in areas needed while analyzing his efforts and projects so far in all the communities and Obio/Akpor LGA.
While addressing the people of Rumuomasi, Amaechi lamented the failure of Minister of State for Education, Barr. Nyesom Wike to provide 14 Model Primary Schools for the people of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
He appreciated the people for their support during the dualization of the Elekahia-Rumuomasi road and announced that his administration has commenced the construction of the Trans-Amadi road and flyover.
He explained his administration’s provision of the 20 per cent scholarship opportunities to non-indigenes in the State, noting that, non-indigenes who live and do business in Rivers State should be allowed to benefit from the scheme.
Amaechi also stated that his administration has spent at least N100 billion on power since assumption of office and N450 million to provide electricity to the people of Rumuomasi and its neighbouring communities.
In Rumuobiakani, Amaechi urged the chiefs and elders of the community to provide land space for more schools to be built to accommodate the rising population count in the area. “The benefit of having a school in your community is that we run a free and compulsory education policy, and not more than 30 children per class,” He said.
He promised to consult with the chiefs and elders of Rumuobiakani Community to discuss ways to upgrade and recognize chieftaincy stools in the area.
In Woji where the Amaechi administration is constructing the Trans-Woji road, the governor announced that the project and that of Akpajo bridge with the road linking the Dr. Peter Odili road will be completed before the expiration of his tenure.
He urged the people of Woji to provide a piece of land that would enable government build more model schools and stated that his administration will not politicize chieftaincy stool in the area until a new Eze Gbakagbaka of Evo Kingdom is chosen by the people.
At Elelenwo, Governor Amaechi promised to ensure the construction of the Elelenwo road linking Akpajo in 2015.
In Rumuokwurushi Community, the governor thanked the people for their support and declared that the construction of the Rumuokwurushi road with a bridge has been awarded at the cost of N16 billion, and promised that the road will be completed by 2015.
Addressing the people of Mgbuesilaru Community, where he upgraded and recognized the Nye-Weli Chieftaincy Stool of Eze Ejike Wali to second class chieftaincy stool, Amaechi explained the role he played in the political appointment of sons and daughters of Ikwerre land and notable politicians.
“I shunned ethnic politics in the Assembly when I was Speaker which paved way for the appointment of Justice Iche Ndu as Chief Judge. I also supported the move for the election of Hon. Austin Okpara as Deputy Speaker of Federal House of Representatives,” he said.
Amaechi called on eligible voters in every community he visited to participate in the upcoming voter registration exercise.