A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has criticized FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for allegedly hindering efforts to transform Rivers State into a major economic hub.
Eze claims that Wike’s actions have led to the loss of over N2 trillion in public sector investments and hindered various development projects, including a World Bank water project and a monorail transport system.
Eze accused Wike of prioritizing political superiority over the welfare of Rivers State citizens, leading to abandoned projects and missed opportunities, according to Daily Post.
He also alleged that Wike’s actions have caused the state to resort to loan repayments instead of investing in meaningful ventures.
The statement highlighted various abandoned projects, including the Greater Port Harcourt City development and the monorail system, which Eze claimed were abandoned due to Wike’s interference.
Eze emphasized that Rivers State has the potential to be a modern and thriving city, but Wike’s actions have hindered progress.
According to Eze, “The state government has committed to rebuild the complex with a substantial amount of money, funds that could have been channeled to other meaningful ventures beneficial to the people had there been peace.”
In a statement made available to the press on Monday, Eze said economists have revealed through in-depth research that Rivers State has lost public sector investments worth over N2 trillion due to the endless political crisis.
He said, “During Amaechi’s tenure as governor, the state was entitled to a N375bn (or $250m) World Bank water project that was to transform Port Harcourt into a modern city. Everything was ready, but the office of the Minister of Finance, which was to sign off for its drawdown, was allegedly prevented from signing under Goodluck Jonathan on the prompting of the same Wike, who was then a minister.
“That young man is averse to the development of Rivers State. I can tell you for free. Today, Port Harcourt has remained a borehole city.”
“Port Harcourt, under Amaechi, was designed to be a modern city through the creation of the Greater Port Harcourt City by expanding to eight local councils with modern facilities. The project was to consume N100bn per year for 10 years (N1 trillion), but under Wike, the project suffered what looks like half-hearted status or what many call drain pipes to settle political backers.”
