Wike to minister: You’re ignorant of states’ developmental projects

Rivers State governor, NyesomWike, has berated the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr Clement Agba, for accusing governors of abandoning rural areas in developmental agenda but building needless flyovers and airports in the cities.

The minister at a press briefing in Abuja said the governors by their actions were increasing the poverty in the country.

But, Wike who spoke at the inauguration of the 13.86km long Rumuodogo 1 and 2 Road in Oluua- umuodogo community in Emohua Local Government Area on Thursday said the minister only exhibited a lack of understanding on how governors operate.

The governor said, “He said governors are the problem, they don’t do rural roads, and I ask him where and where have you been. You just sit there (Abuja), you’ve not been anywhere, go and check whether rural roads are being done or not.”

Wike pointed out that the development plan of his administration was holistic with critical infrastructure delivered not only in the state capital but across the 23 local government areas.

He advised the minister to visit states, particularly, Rivers to see the quantum of projects in rural communities, which according to him, have improved the socioeconomic status of rural communities.

Wike also challenged some South South state governors criticising him because he thanked President MuhammaduBuhari for releasing the 13% derivation arrears from 1999 to date to come out to confront him.

“Some people have been sending their people to insult me. I laugh. I hear some people, they call them AkwaIbom professionals; they were insulting me. Tell the man who sent you to come out. You are just small kids. I am waiting for the big masquerade. Some people said they are Ijaw professionals. You that is sending them, come out. It is you I am looking for; I am not looking for these small fries,” he added.

(Daily Trust)