The Executive Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Prince Gerald Oforji (JP), has stated that Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is sure to restore the state to her Garden City status.
He stated this in a chat with newsmen over the weekend in Oyigbo, adding that all the governor’s policies and programmes since inception of the administration are geared towards the welfare and protection of Rivers people and residents.
He disclosed that Governor Wike remains the only governor throughout the federation who has supported the security agencies most to do their job, adding that what is required now is for all hands to be on deck to support the initiative which he noted, is a most laudable venture.
While accepting the fact that there is no society in the world that is 100% crime free, he made it clear that the governor’s initiative will go a long way in reducing crime in the state to its barest minimum. He also advised the security operatives to handle the vans and equipments, with care.
Hon. Oforji however called on youths who took to criminality for whatever reasons to retrace their steps and embrace peace in their own interest because according to him “the game is up”.
He used the opportunity to say Oyigbo remains a relatively most peaceful local government area in the state, adding that the governor’s initiatives has further strengthened the resolve of his colleagues to consolidate on their effort in this regard.
On the governor’s offer of olive branch to the opposition parties, Hon. Oforji said it is a welcome development which some IPAC members who love the state have grabbed with both hands, adding that it would not be surprising if some of them make the expected cabinet list.
According to him, “what is uppermost in the governor’s mind at all times is the projection and protection of Rivers interest”.
The council boss however regretted the activities of some political opponents whom he noted, are busy demarketing the State through their utterances and action, adding that the state belongs to everybody.
“What some of our brothers on the other side of the divide are doing is not encouraging but thank God for the type of governor we have. Gov Wike goes after whatever he thinks is to the best interest of the State and damn the consequences”, he stated.
On the sacking of the Rivers State University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Blessing Didia, Hon. Oforji said as long as the governor is concerned, his action must have been an outcome of an investigation. “The VC perhaps must have been indicted on the crisis rocking the institution. I know that the governor would not do anything that affects the Rivers State interest”, he noted.
On the Local Government Autonomy recently granted, Prince Oforji described it as a welcome development, saying that whatever covers the interest of the State and brings development to the grassroots is alright by him.
On the roads infrastructure in Oyigbo Local Government, the Council boss reaffirmed that the state governor’s promises would be fulfilled.
He however stated that the Mbano-Ireibe road which is dotted with potholes already is as a result of the heavy usage because of the construction work going on at the expressway but added that the rehabilitation work on the road is yet to be completed.
The councillor chairman used the opportunity to appeal to the expectant supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remain calm and steadfast. “We might not have met your expectations, but there is still time and hope. I personally don’t like making promises but springing surprises”, he stated.
