The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has declared that the completion of the Port Harcourt–Bonny Road is clear proof that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu keeps his promises.
Speaking during a thank-you visit to Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike said the road has ended decades of political excuses and rewarded the loyalty of the people.
“This is why we are here—to say thank you. In 2023, it was not easy when we decided to support President Tinubu, but today, we thank God that it was the right decision,” Wike said.
He noted that there was no written agreement with the President, stressing that the only assurance was that the people’s support would not be in vain.
“The Bodo–Bonny Road was promised by every government. Year after year, nothing happened. I prayed that in our time, we would drive on this road—and today, we have,” he said.
Wike praised the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, for turning the President’s vision into reality, adding that he deliberately avoided putting pressure on the Presidency.
“I didn’t want explanations. I just wanted to drive on the road,” he said.
Recalling past visits, Wike said Bonny was once a difficult destination, accessible mainly by helicopter.
“Before now, we only saw Bonny from the air. Today, we came by road. God be glorified,” he declared.
Describing the project as more than infrastructure, Wike said the road is a lifeline that connects people, creates jobs and unlocks economic opportunities.
“This road alone speaks louder than politics. It is not just a road; it is a workplace and a symbol that God’s time has come,” he said.
The former Rivers governor questioned why the people of Bonny would not support President Tinubu, saying the project had silenced all arguments.
“No one can come here to tell you stories again. What you can see is better than any promise,” he said.
Wike commended the unity of Bonny leaders and urged them to sustain cooperation for more development.
“Unity brings development. I will carry your message to Mr. President. What you will see in 2027 will explain why today matters,” he added, pledging not to disappoint the people who stood by him.
Earlier, Mr Cyril Heart, Representing Degema-Bonny Federal Constituency, commended Wike for championing women inclusion in governance in Rivers State and the country at large.
Describing the move as an “unspoken legacy” of the minister, the lawmaker recalled how Wike insisted that women must be vice chairman of local government councils in Rivers State.
He said that the National Assembly was making efforts to replicate what the minister did in Rivers State, through a bill that would institutionalise women inclusion in governance across the country.
Also, Chairman of Bonny Local Government Council, Mr Abinye Pepple, described Wike as the most “dependable, reliable and cheerful leader” of Rivers politics.
Pepple commended the minister for the numerous projects he executed in the area during his tenure as the governor.
He equally commended the minister for being the first to give Ijaw people the opportunity to be governor in Rivers 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,” he said.
