Restates commitment to Tinubu’s re-election
By Clifford Ndujihe
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Governing Board of the South-South Development Commission, SSDC, Prince Chibudom Nwuche, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his recent engagement with the leadership and stakeholders of Uzugbani Ekpeye, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ekpeye people in Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
Nwuche also criticised the administration of former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, over what he described as policies and decisions that negatively affected the development of the state.
The former lawmaker spoke while commenting on Wike’s recent interactive meeting with the executive and leadership of Uzugbani Ekpeye in Ahoada as part of consultations and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nwuche described the meeting with traditional rulers, chiefs, community leaders, women and youths as significant, particularly because it provided an opportunity for the leadership of the Ekpeye socio-cultural body to engage directly with a serving government official.
He commended Uzugbani Ekpeye President-General, Dr Alabo Ihuowo, for his presentation at the meeting, which highlighted projects, appointments and empowerment initiatives attributed to Wike’s administration during his tenure as governor of Rivers State.
Nwuche also commended the chairmen of Ahoada East and Ahoada West local government areas, as well as traditional rulers, chiefs, women, youths and other stakeholders, for their participation in the meeting.
Describing Wike as a “dear in-law” of the Ekpeye people, Nwuche said the reception accorded the FCT minister reflected the relationship between him and the people.
According to him, Wike, as governor, implemented more than 22 projects in Ekpeyeland, including roads, bridges, healthcare facilities, schools and other infrastructure.
He also said Wike upgraded seven traditional stools in Ekpeye Kingdom to First Class status, while several Ekpeye indigenes were appointed into government positions or benefited from contracts and other economic opportunities.
Nwuche, however, said the people of Ekpeye had not received the level of development he believed they deserved under previous administrations.
He particularly criticised the administrations of former governors Peter Odili and Amaechi, alleging that political rivalry, insecurity and what he described as poor development choices affected the state.
Speaking about the period under Odili, Nwuche alleged that political divisions and communal violence contributed to the spread of cultism in some parts of Rivers State.
“My Federal Constituency of Ahoada East and Abua/Odual was one of the epicentres of sponsored cult violence, where several young people were killed,” he said.
Nwuche also recalled the killings of prominent Rivers politicians, including Chief Marshall Harry and Chief A.K. Dikibo, during the period.
He argued that the insecurity had economic consequences, saying some companies left the state and had yet to return.
On the Amaechi administration, Nwuche criticised what he described as the handling of some state assets, including the sale of gas turbines and Olympia Hotel.
He also alleged that the administration frustrated efforts by Aliko Dangote to establish a refinery project in Rivers State, claiming that the project was subsequently relocated to Lagos.
Nwuche said such an investment would, in his view, have created significant economic opportunities for Rivers State.
He further alleged that he personally suffered what he described as vindictive actions during Amaechi’s tenure, including disputes over contracts.
Nwuche cited the cancellation of a 10-year Calabar Port towage contract awarded by the Goodluck Jonathan administration to Global Spectrum Energy Services Plc and another sea-time training contract.
He maintained that the Calabar Port contract had gone through relevant statutory processes and approvals before it was cancelled.
According to him, Global Spectrum subsequently instituted a legal action at the Federal High Court in Calabar over the contract dispute.
Nwuche said he believed the emergence of Wike as governor in 2015 marked a turning point in the governance of Rivers State.
He said Wike’s administration focused on infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth and women empowerment and economic development.
“Wike constructed roads and bridges and implemented numerous other projects across Rivers State. Ekpeyeland was a major beneficiary, with more than 22 projects, including internal roads and other critical infrastructure,” he said.
“These projects brought economic activity, employment opportunities, and peace to our communities.”
Nwuche also said Wike’s support for indigenous businesses and professionals had benefited Rivers people, including Ekpeye indigenes, beyond the state.
He described Wike as a politician who “keeps his word and stands by people he believes in”, saying the people of Ekpeye would continue to support him.
2027 support for Tinubu
On the 2027 elections, Nwuche said the political position of the Ekpeye people was already established.
“Other political parties should not waste their time campaigning in Ekpeye land. Ekpeye people have made their decision. We will give 100 per cent support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hon. O. K. Chinda, the APC gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State, and other candidates at various levels under the Rainbow Coalition, led by our leader, Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike,” he said.
Nwuche also reiterated his support for Tinubu’s re-election, urging Nigerians across political, religious and ethnic divides to support the president for a second term.
He said the administration had, in his assessment, taken steps to reposition the economy and lay the foundation for stronger growth and improved welfare.
The former deputy speaker also urged people in Rivers State, the South-South and the wider Niger Delta region to support Tinubu, citing federal projects and initiatives in the six South-South states.
He said the establishment of the SSDC would complement the work of the Niger Delta Development Commission and provide another institutional framework for development in the region.
Nwuche also highlighted the Federal Government’s approval for the modernisation and upgrade of the Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports, describing the initiative as important to expanding Nigeria’s maritime capacity and strengthening economic connectivity.
He said he would embark on visits to communities, markets, women and youth groups and town unions to interact with residents and thank them for their support for Wike and the Rainbow Coalition.
Nwuche commended Uzugbani Ekpeye, traditional rulers, community and political leaders, local government chairmen, security agencies and other stakeholders for their efforts toward promoting peace, unity and development in Ekpeyeland and Rivers State.
He urged them to sustain the spirit of unity and cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections.
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