Jonathan: No Regrets Supporting Wike

•Governor condemns politicians castigating former president

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has declared that the excellent performance of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has justified the support he received from all political stakeholders for his election in 2015.

This is as Wike castigated governors from the South-south states who demean the former president, assuring him of the continued unwavering support of Rivers people, saying that he would never be abandoned.

Speaking during the inauguration of the second Nkpogu Bridge in Port Harcourt as part of the second year anniversary of the Wike administration, Jonathan said: “Wike has performed wonderfully well.”

He said: “I have no regrets that Wike is the governor of Rivers State. I am happy that the governor has opened up Rivers State through projects.
“Wike has shown so much commitment to infrastructural development. The whole of Rivers State is now a construction yard.”

The former president pointed out that the appreciation for the excellent performance of Wike goes beyond party lines. He recalled that Acting President Yemi Osinbajo after visiting the state also stated that the governor is delivering on projects.

While appreciating the people of Rivers State for the support they gave him throughout his eight year involvement in national politics, he expressed happiness for the invitation to inaugurate the important second Nkpogu Bridge.

In his address, Wike said Nigerians after the two years of APC have seen the difference between good governance and false promises.

He explained that the decision was taken for former President Jonathan to commission the second Nkpogu Bridge as a clear message to the nation that he will not be abandoned.

He said: “We are not politicians that when anything is wrong, they sing different song. Rivers State is a different place. When we believe in you, we believe in you. We are different from other Niger Delta states. We can say it with all authority.

“We cannot come out in the public and begin to castigate our own. Those of them who do that, should have a rethink. For us, it doesn’t matter the blackmail against Jonathan, we will continue to back him.”

Speaking further, Wike said: “Those who think that they have promises from those who think they own Nigeria should be careful. They will use you and dump you at the appropriate time.”

Chairman of Monier Construction Company, Senator John Mbata, said the company constructed the two bridges which have linked Nkpogu to the business districts of the state capital.

The Commissioner for Works, Mr. Bathuel Harrison, said the Second Nkpogu Bridge would resolve the traffic challenge in the area.
Wike after assuming office constructed the first and second Nkpogu Bridges to link different parts of the state capital.