In Cryptic Message, Fubara Insinuates Wike Frustrated Amaechi’s Effort to Develop Rivers

•Urges politicians to shun politics of bitterness, promote improved economy

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

In a cryptic message, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday, insinuated that his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, frustrated efforts by his own predecessor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to bring development to the state on account of politics.

He however, advised politicians not to be involved in politics of bitterness, but engage in activities that would promote peace and economy of the state and the nation at large.

Fubara gave the advice yesterday, when he received a delegation of the House of Representatives Committee on Ports and Harbours, led by its Chairman, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Port Harcourt.

The delegation was in Rivers State for oversight functions at the Port Harcourt, Onne Sea Ports, and Bonny channels, under their preview.

Fubara said the Sea Ports were essential facilities that would contribute to harvesting the rich gains of the blue economy, adding that those who delighted seeing them remain inactive and moribund did not mean well for the state and the country.

“About nine years ago, if you understand the calculation, somebody here was the senior Minister of Transport, nothing happened at our ports. Every progress that was supported to come to the Sea Ports here, because of bitter politics was stopped. That is why our ports are moribund today.

“Today, after another eight years, which this other person suffered, we have entered into another similar era. If you love this state, it is normal to support everything that will bring progress and development to this State.”

He emphasised that it was not about who governed the state but the interest of the State.

“If the state continues to go down, what is the interest? The only reason why we are struggling is because of the allocation.

“The only reason why we are struggling is to make sure that you have control of the treasury. But the treasury will also get fat if the sea ports are working. Revenue will increase. Your plan for expansion will also become large with internal revenue.

“So, I want everybody to understand that politics of bitterness will not take us anywhere. It is only a thing that will lead you to early grave because once joy is taken away from a man’s life, it is anger, and anger leads to destruction of souls.

“So, please, for those of you who took this bold decision to come to see us and to make this possible, we want to thank you and assure you that no matter what it takes, we will not take the path of bitter politics.”

The governor insisted that politics should be rightly situated as a game with a winner to emerge at any particular time, and those who may not be lucky with winning should not indulge in acts that will destroy the system.

Earlier, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Ports and Harbours, Nnolim Nnaji, said they were on familiarisation visit to the Government House and to conduct oversight functions of the Port Harcourt Ports, Onne Ports and the Bonny Channel.

“We also use the opportunity to encourage the State to support the programme of ports because we believe that new programme on Blue Economy will attract trillions of dollars when fully invested in,” he said.