Wike hails Tinubu for ending decades of risky Bonny travel

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike during a “thank you” tour of Bonny Local Government Area has praised President Bola Tinubu for delivering the long-awaited Bodo-Bonny Road, eliminating decades of hazardous river crossings and costly flights to Bonny Island in Rivers State. Wike said the 37.8 km road, now partially open to vehicles, marks the island’s first land link—a vital boost for this key oil and gas hub.

He described the project as a “political road” plagued by unkept promises from past governments, crediting the Tinubu administration’s resolve to finish it. Wike also thanked Works Minister Dave Umahi for turning the president’s vision into 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,” Wike recalled.

“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,” he added.

Wike urged residents to ignore the ongoing state political tensions, noting 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, Cyril Heart, representing Degema-Bonny Federal Constituency, lauded Wike’s push for women’s inclusion in governance as an “unspoken legacy.” He highlighted Wike’s mandate for women to serve as local government vice chairmen in Rivers State and noted the National Assembly’s bill to extend this nationwide.

Bonny Local Government Chairman Abinye Pepple called Wike the most “dependable, reliable and cheerful leader” in Rivers politics, praising his projects as governor and his historic support for an Ijaw governor.

“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 declared.