MAGNUS ABE EMBEZZLED FUNDS MEANT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF OGONI LAND SAYS GOVERNOR WIKE
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has berated Senator Magnus Abe for embezzling funds meant for the construction of critical roads and primary schools in Ogoni land, declaring that he will complete the Kpopie-Bodo City Road deliberately abandoned by the Former Secretary to the Rivers State Government.
Addressing hundreds of Ogoni people at Bodo City on Wednesday, Governor Wike also announced that he will rehabilitate the Saint Pius Secondary in the area to create access to quality education for the people.
He added that his administration is also upgrading facilities and equipment at the Bori Zonal General Hospital which was also neglected by the immediate past APC government in the state.
The governor said that his projects in Ogoni land are targeted at empowering the people and keeping his campaign pledges, unlike the immediate past administration that denied the people development projects even after releasing funds for same.
He said contrary to the falsehood being peddled by Senator Magnus Abe, the Sakpenwa-Bori Road is being constructed by CCECC, an internationally recognised company that executed the Abuja-Kaduna Light Rail project.
The governor explained that CCECC won the bid to construct the road, adding that his administration works with first grade road construction companies like Julius Berger, Setraco, CGC and CCECC to deliver development to the people.
He said: "The former administration gave Senator Magnus Abe a contract of over N4billion to construct this Kpopie-Bodo City Road and he embezzled the money. I am here to physically inspect this road. I hereby direct the State Ministry of Works to complete the road,
"It is unfortunate that he abandoned the Bodo section of the road because of his dislike for Bodo people. I have also directed that the road be fitted with street lights for beautification "
He added that the former Federal Lawmaker wasted for years in the Senate without attracting development to his people, noting that he will never get the votes of the people because of his anti-people politics.
"I have disgraced the immediate past administration of APC in Rivers State by working where they failed to work. I have reached out to Ogoni people through projects that is why they are pained by the acceptance we enjoy. I will continue to develop Ogoni land and ensure that the people enjoy the benefits of good governance denied them by the immediate past APC administration where Senator Magnus Abe played a prominent role in defrauding Rivers State ", the governor said.
He stressed: "Just like I love Ikwerre people, that is how I love Ogoni people. While I was a Minister, I attracted projects to Ikwerre land and also attracted N500m grant to Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori. As governor, I am committed to development projects across the state and the proofs are everywhere ".
The governor said steps will be taken to address the issue of embezzlement of state funds by the Rivers State APC leaders.
In his remarks, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Architect Harrison Iheanyichukwu said his ministry will start the reconstruction of the 6.9 kilometre road in the course of the week.
An indigene of the area and Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Chief Kenneth Kobani said the people are appreciative of Governor Wike’s commitment to their development.
Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media
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