Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that he will never take the support of Rivers people for granted, saying that he will continue to work to improve their lives.
He said this at an interaction between him and Rivers people which climaxed with Market Women extending gifts to him in a show of love and appreciation.
He said: “I will never relent in what we are doing for the people. We will never take the support of Rivers people for granted. I will continue to work towards improving the lives of the people “.
He spoke on Saturday when he visited project sites in the state capital and interacted directly with Rivers people for the first time since his re-election for a second term.
Governor Wike said that he is happy with the outpouring of love and support from across Rivers State, noting that he is motivated to work harder for the people of the State.
“The people gave us the mandate to offer service. I am happy with the outpouring of love from the people of Rivers State. Their love motivates me to offer greater service.
“We will continue to execute projects that will touch the lives of the less privileged “, he said.
Governor Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality of project delivery at the Real Madrid Football Academy, Judges Quarters, Mile One Market and the Fruit Garden Market.
Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa said the celebration of Governor Wike by Rivers people is democracy in action.
He said: “You can see how happy I am. This is democracy in action. I don’t think there is a better way to appreciate the people than to do projects that will touch their lives.
“You can see the outpouring of love, genuine love. You can see along the road, people came out, market women, taxi drivers, children applauding and appreciating the governor for the good job he is doing.
“This shows that Rivers State is in God’s hands and in safe hands. I can say categorically that Rivers people are happy.”
Meanwhile, Governor Wike has declared that his second term is another opportunity to further serve Rivers people and intensify development across the state.
He declared that the governance structure in the state would be reviewed and energised to serve the people and check inefficiency of public officials.
Speaking during a congratulatory visit by the Forum of Permanent Secretaries at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Saturday, Governor Wike urged government officials to use their experience to enhance development in the state.
He said that the State Government is likely to merge ministries for greater efficiency, pointing out that the number of existing ministries is no longer sustainable.
He thanked God for ensuring that he emerged victorious despite all odds.
He said: “We will review so many things, so that we protect our State. I urge you to sit up because it will no longer be business as usual.
“Use this opportunity for the betterment of our people. We will work to see that things continue to improve in the state”.
Governor Wike noted that Rivers people should expect the next strata of development, which will improve the living condition of the people.
“We are working hard to take the people to next level of development. When I mean next level, it is not like the other people. I am talking about real practical growth for the good of our people”.
On the collapsed 7-Storey building, Governor Wike said all those indicted by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry will face the full weight of the law.
He noted that the building collapsed because of the inefficiency of officials of the State Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning, who failed to carry out their assigned roles.
“It is because of negligence that they allowed the man to take a four storey building to 7-Storey “, he said.
Head of Service of Rivers State, Rufus Godwins said that the visit was in solidarity with the Governor over his historic victory at the poll.
Chairman of the Rivers State Forum of Permanent Secretaries, Dr George Nwaeke described the victory as well deserved and the will of Rivers people.
He said: “We are here to say a big thank you to God for a victory well deserved. Your victory is a lesson to all that power resides with God. Your victory is from God and the masses.
“God said that Rivers people must laugh again. When the situation switched, we were uncontrollably happy”, he said.
Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of a congratulatory card to the Rivers State Governor by the Permanent Secretaries.
