Wike Blasts Minister over Comment on Airports, Flyovers

Governor Nyesom Wike has taken a swipe at the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr. Clement Agba, saying that he the minister lacks understanding on how governors plan projects in their various states.

Governor Wike was responding to the comment credited to the Agba, advising the governors to tackle poverty, stop building airports and flyovers in various states.The Rivers State governor spoke yesterday at the inauguration of the 13.86km long Rumuodogo 1 and 2 road in

Oluua - Rumuodogo community in Emohua Local Government Area.

He said Agba was wrong when he said that governors were the causes of poverty because they focused on building flyovers, airports and other projects in the state capitals, while neglecting to invest in rural communities to directly uplift the living standard of the people.

“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 to anywhere to check whether rural roads are being done or not.”

Governor Wike pointed out that the development plan of his administration is holistic with critical infrastructure delivered not only in the state capital, but across the 23 Local Government Areas.

He therefore, advised the minister to take time out, leave Abuja and visit States, particularly, Rivers State, emphasising that there are quantum of projects in rural communities with the Rumuodogo road inclusive, which have improved the socioeconomic status of rural communities.