Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has declared that for over three years, the All Progressives Congress, APC, Federal Government has done nothing to advance the ideals of independence.
According to him, rather, the government had shown failures, given excuses, promoted intimidation, insecurity, stealing of elections and weakening of democratic institutions.
Addressing Rivers people during the 58th Independence Day anniversary at the Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt on Monday, Wike said that the Federal Government had deliberately damaged the National Assembly, the Judiciary, and the security agencies.
He said: “After over three years in power, the Federal Government has done nothing to advance the promise of independence except failures, excuses, intimidation, insecurity, stealing of elections and weakening of democratic institutions, including the National Assembly, the Judiciary, and the security agencies.
“These are difficult times and our nation is on the edge. Democracy is at the crossroads and good governance in abeyance. “
He regretted that the poor governance style of the APC Federal Government had led to the destruction of the nation’s economy and the impoverishment of Nigerians.
“The economy has remained comatose and is reported to be receding yet again, with associated economic consequences and hardship on ordinary Nigerians. Never in our history have Nigerians been subjected to untold sufferings as a result of the direct, erratic and ill-conceived economic policies and decisions of the Federal Government.
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“Under their watch, our beloved country is now certified as the world headquarters of abject poverty with over 87 million people living below 2 dollars per day,” he said.
Governor Wike urged Nigerians to use the forthcoming 2019 General Election to vote in a leadership that would drive the Federal Government in the right direction.
He added: “We need leaders that would not interfere with our collective rights to live as free citizens and pursue our goals and dreams in peace, security and happiness.
“As 2019 beckons with promise, I hope Nigerians will all rise up to the challenge of leadership and vote for the candidate that would restore our faith in the promise of independence.”
In Rivers State, Governor Wike stated that his administration had translated the New Rivers Development Blueprint into reality through meaningful projects and programmes.
He said: “Today, we are delivering on all our core priorities: our economy is stronger, creating jobs and attracting new investments; our schools are getting better for our children; our healthcare system is delivering better services and our communities are safer.
“Indeed, everyday brings home the progress we have collectively made, the transformational projects we have delivered, the changes in our rural areas and above all, the fact that our state is steadily moving towards the promise of a new Rivers State with boundless opportunities for all.”
