Rivers State Governor, Nyesom  Wike, has declared that his administration has surmounted  political  and economic challenges  to deliver  quality pro-people projects and  improve  the living standard of the  people of the state, adding that his commitment to development and democracy is irrevocable.

The governor stressed that the  state  would  attain greater  mileage  in terms of development  if it is not made to  face endless rerun  elections  and politically-induced security  challenges.

He spoke on Saturday  during  a  breakfast meeting with the National Executive Council of the  Nigerian Guild of Editors led by  its President  , Mrs  Funke Egbemode.

The governor  also led the executives of the Nigerian Guild of Editors on a project inspection  around Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.

Projects visited include: NBA Law Centre,  Woji -Akpajo road with bridge,  Government Girls Secondary School,  Rumuokwuta, Remodeling of Port Harcourt Civic Centre and the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park.

Governor Wike maintained  that  he remained  focused because of his commitment to the development of Rivers State and his love for the state.

The governor  stated  that  he combined  infrastructural  development  and workers welfare within his first year in office, because  that was the way to revive the state’s economy  which was battered by the immediate past administration.

He said  despite the propaganda  being sponsored  by the opposition,  Rivers State is safe for investments and development.

He said : “It is important for everyone  to know that Rivers State  is safe and is witnessing massive development.  In the next two months, we are hosting  many national events. We have already hosted several national events  in the last two months.

“For me as a governor,  this is a privilege to  serve my people and I will  give it my best shot. I am ready to lay down my  life for the state. My commitment  to  the  development of Rivers State is total. I will forever defend it.”

The governor  said  those planning to rig elections  in the state will not succeed because the people  are ever vigilant  to stop them.

He said : “Stealing the mandate of the people  is a serious  crime and it is worse than armed robbery. In this case,  those involved  plot to use arms to steal the mandate of Rivers people. That will never succeed. They came to rig the March 19 rerun  elections  and the people resisted.”

The governor  charged  the  media to work  towards  informing  the world on the true situation  in Rivers State,  pointing  out  that  majority  of  the  information in the public  domain are concocted  by the opposition.

“For our democracy to continue to succeed,  the media  has a major  role to play. It was publicity that led to the failure of the Turkish coup”, he said.

In an interview  with journalists, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Funke Egbemode, said the leaders of the guild  have been in the state for days and they can confirm  that  the  state is safe.

She also commended  the  governor  for his judicious application of scarce resources for development.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors will be holding its Annual National Conference in Port Harcourt from August 3-7^th. Theme of conference is Economic Diversification: Agriculture as Option for a Prosperous Nigeria.

Photo caption:

L-R: Publicity Secretary of Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr Ken Ugbechie, President of Nigerian Guild of Editors, Funke Egbemode, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and Architect Akor Adokpoyi  inspecting the NBA Law Centre in Port Harcourt on Saturday.