Bonny: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has praised President Bola Tinubu for ending decades of hazardous river crossings and costly air travel to Bonny Island in Rivers State. During a ‘thank you’ visit to Bonny Local Government Area, Wike expressed gratitude for the completion of the 37.8 km Bodo-Bonny Road project, which now allows vehicular movement and provides the first-ever land connection to Bonny Island, a significant oil and gas hub.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the road is expected to become a catalyst for economic development in the Niger Delta region. It is anticipated to boost commerce, reduce logistics costs for oil and gas companies, and create numerous opportunities for local communities. Wike highlighted that the road had been a political promise for decades with many unfulfilled pledges by previous administrations until the Tinubu administration took decisive action to complete it.
Wike also expressed appreciation for Minister of Works, David Umahi, for playing a pivotal role in realizing Tinubu’s vision. He reminisced about the past challenges of traveling to Bonny and noted the improved ease and safety of travel. Wike urged the people of Bonny to continue supporting President Tinubu, emphasizing that the time for Bonny to reap benefits from the administration had arrived.
The minister advised the Bonny community to remain focused despite the ongoing political crisis in the state, underscoring the importance of unity in politics. He encouraged leaders to work collaboratively to bring more benefits to the people of Bonny.
Earlier in the visit, Cyril Heart, representing the Degema-Bonny Federal Constituency, lauded Wike for promoting women’s inclusion in governance. Heart recalled Wike’s insistence on appointing women as vice chairmen of local government councils in Rivers, a move seen as an ‘unspoken legacy.’ Heart noted that the National Assembly is working on a bill to institutionalize women’s inclusion in governance nationwide.
Additionally, Abinye Pepple, Chairman of Bonny Local Government Council, praised Wike as a dependable and cheerful leader. Pepple highlighted Wike’s numerous projects during his tenure as governor, including offering the Ijaw people their first chance to govern the state. He celebrated the historic achievement of being able to drive from Bonny to Port Harcourt, an experience previous generations did not have. Pepple pledged support to deliver Bonny to President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.