KEY POINTS

• Wike applauds Tinubu and Umahi for opening the East West Road linking Bonny in Rivers State
• He says the project fulfils a long standing promise abandoned by past administrations
• Bonny leaders pledge continued political support ahead of the 2027 elections

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, praised President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Works Dave Umahi for temporarily opening the East West Road. He said it was a big step forward for communities in Rivers State.

Wike said during a visit to Bonny to say thank you that the road project had been part of Tinubu’s plan long before he became president. He said the work was good and that the opening was a turning point for people who had to deal with years of bad travel.

“I want to thank my friend and colleague, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for turning the President’s dream into reality,” Wike said. “This shows that support given during critical moments is not forgotten.”

Support During 2023 Elections Remembered

Wike said that the visit was also meant to thank the people of Bonny for supporting Tinubu during the 2023 general elections, even though he knew it was a risky move politically at the time.

He said there was no official agreement with Tinubu, just a promise that their help would not be in vain. He said that the completion of the Bonny axis of the East West Road is now proof of that promise.

Wike said that the road was a political project that each government promised to finish but never did, until the current government took over without any public pressure.

The former governor of Rivers told people to pay more attention to real progress than political propaganda. He said that usable infrastructure was more important than campaign rhetoric.

He praised the Bonny leaders for staying united even though they disagreed on politics, saying that unity was important for attracting development. He also told local leaders to keep working together for the good of the people.