Toba Owojaiye Reporting
During the inauguration ceremony of the construction of the 50.15km Portharcourt Dual Carriage Ring Road, former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, made a statement regarding Governor Fubara’s achievements.
Wike revealed that Governor Fubara had awarded a contract worth N195 billion and successfully disbursed N150 billion within just one month of assuming office.
According to Wike, no other governor in the present time can claim to have the audacity and capability to grant contracts to a reputable company like Julius Berger.
Wike further expressed his confidence in Governor Fubara’s ability to effectively govern the state, citing this as the reason he entrusted him with the position of governor.
In comparison, Wike recalled an instance during his tenure as Chief of Staff in 2008 when N100 billion was allocated for the Ring Road project, but the project was never executed.
Wike stated, “During 2007 and 2008, there was a period where we received N100 billion in a single month, and at that time, I was the Chief of Staff. We had planned to construct the Ring Road and deposited the N100 billion in a dedicated account. However, to this day, the Ring Road remains unfinished.
“Ken Chikere served as the Attorney General during that time. But today, we have a leader who, within a month in office, has awarded a contract worth N195 billion and has already paid N150 billion. This is not something I am merely promising; it is something I am accomplishing. I challenge any state or governor in this country to demonstrate the boldness and capability to award contracts to a reputable company like Julius Berger.”