Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has berated the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr. Clement Agba for exhibiting a lack of understanding on how governors plan development projects in their various States.
Governor Wike took the swipe at the minister when he spoke at the inauguration of the 13.86km long Rumuodogo 1 and 2 Road in Oluua – Rumuodogo community in Emohua Local Government Area on Thursday.
The Rivers State governor said Mr. Agba was wrong when he said that governors are the causes of poverty because they focused on building flyovers, airports and other projects in the state capitals, while neglecting to invest in rural communities to directly uplift the living standard of the people.
“He said governors are the problem, they don’t do rural roads, and I ask him where and where have you been. You just sit there (Abuja), you’ve not been to anywhere to go and check whether rural roads are being done or not.”
Governor Wike pointed out that the development plan of his administration is holistic with critical infrastructure delivered not only in the State capital, but across the 23 Local Government Areas.
He has therefore, advised the minister to take time out, leave Abuja and visit States, particularly, Rivers State. Governor Wike emphasised that there are quantum of projects in rural communities with the Rumuodogo road inclusive, which have improved the socioeconomic status of rural communities.
“Come to Rivers State and see whether we are doing roads that will cause agricultural produce to be brought out to the cities or not before you open your mouth. We are not doing roads in the city alone. We are doing roads in all local government area of the State.”
