Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has commended President Bola Tinubu for ending decades of risky river crossing and expensive air travel to Bonny Island in Rivers State.
Wike gave the commendation during his “thank you” visit to Bonny Local Government Area of the state on Thursday.
The 37.8 km Bodo-Bonny Road project, which has been partially opened to vehicular movement, provides the first-ever land connection to Bonny Island, a major oil and gas hub in Rivers.
The minister said the road had remained a political promise for decades, with successive administrations failing to complete it, until the Tinubu administration took the bold step to deliver the project.
He also thanked the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for ensuring that President Tinubu’s vision became a reality.
Wike recalled the dangers previously associated with travelling to Bonny, noting that even helicopter journeys were filled with fear due to the vast ocean.
He urged the people of Bonny to continue supporting President Tinubu, stressing that the completion of the road marked a turning point for the area.
The minister advised residents not to be distracted by the ongoing political crisis in Rivers, explaining that disagreement is a normal part of politics, but unity is essential for development.
Earlier, Cyril Heart, representing Degema-Bonny Federal Constituency, praised Wike for championing women’s inclusion in governance in Rivers and across the country.
He described the policy as an “unspoken legacy” of the minister, recalling Wike’s insistence that women must serve as vice chairmen of local government councils in Rivers.
Also read: Wike must resign as Minister, says APC National Secretary
Heart said the National Assembly was working to replicate the initiative nationwide through a bill aimed at institutionalising women’s inclusion in governance.
Also speaking, Chairman of Bonny Local Government Council, Abinye Pepple, described Wike as a dependable and reliable leader in Rivers politics.
Pepple commended the minister for executing several projects in the area during his tenure as governor and for giving the Ijaw people the opportunity to produce a governor in the state.
He noted that for the first time in history, residents could drive from Bonny to Port Harcourt, describing the experience as overwhelming.
Pepple added that the completion of the road project would strengthen support for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
NAN
