By Sarah NEGEDU
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that residents of Bonny Local Government Area in Rivers State will deliver President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections, following the construction of the 37.8-kilometre Bodo-Bonny Road.
Wike who made the statement during a “thank you” visit to Bonny on Thursday, described the road as a historic achievement that ends decades of risky river crossings and expensive air travel to the oil and gas hub.
The minister noted that the road, which was partially open to vehicular movement, was a long-promised project that many previous administrations had failed to deliver. He commended the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for ensuring that Tinubu’s vision became a reality.
“Before, each time we want to come to Bonny for a campaign, we would look at ourselves and say, ‘how is the tide?’ Even in a helicopter, I will see the ocean and say God, let me come back today. But today, as we are coming here I say God, may you be glorified and with this tell me why Bonny people will not support Mr President? Bonny people, God’s time is the best and God’s time has come. You will continue to benefit from Tinubu’s administration,” Wike said.
He urged residents not to be distracted by political disagreements, stressing that “in politics, there is always disagreement. What is important is to disagree and agree. When a place is united you will see the benefits that would accrue to the people. As leaders, continue to work together so you will continue to bring more things for the people of Bonny.”
Earlier, Mr Cyril Heart, representing Degema-Bonny Federal Constituency, praised Wike for championing women’s inclusion in governance.
He described it as an “unspoken legacy,” recalling how Wike insisted that women serve as vice chairpersons of local government councils in Rivers State, pointing that the National Assembly is now working to replicate the move through a bill to institutionalise women’s inclusion across the country.
Also speaking, Chairman of Bonny Local Government Council, Mr Abinye Pepple, described Wike as the most “dependable, reliable and cheerful leader” in Rivers politics. He commended the minister for numerous projects executed in the area and for being the first to give Ijaw people the opportunity to serve as governor in the state.
“Also, for the first time in history, our people can drive from Bonny to Port Harcourt. This is an overwhelming experience. My father and mother didn’t experience that, but through you, Mr President has completed that project and now you can come to Bonny through land, through water and through air. For this and many others, we will deliver Bonny to Tinubu in 2027,” Pepple said.
