Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, Senator representing Rivers South East
Senatorial District, has assured that the district will enjoy the
commencement of work at Bodo-Bonny road project, Ogoni Clean-up
project, Andoni/Oyigbo Power project, Water Projects and East-West
road project in this year’s budget.
Speaking while appearing as a guest on Today’s 95.1 FM Port Harcourt,
news and current affairs programme; ‘Insight’, Abe said he was
liaising with various committees and ministries to ensure that the
projects are appropriately appropriated in the budget.
“You will recall that the last time the Honourable Minister of Works
was in Rivers State, he publicly asked the people to thank me for the
commitment I have shown to the takeoff of the Bodo-Bonny road
project.”Abe said the project would be of immense benefit to the
entire Rivers State and the nation in general.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Works for the prioritization
given to the project and said he would double his effort until the
project is realized. Furthermore, Abe said the chances of the project
being executed is boosted by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG),
which has agreed to part fund the project.
On the Ogoni clean-up project, Abe said a sum of 190 million dollars
have been earmarked for the exercise.“I was talking with some friends
the other day about the Ogoni clean-up. We have worked on that and we
are still working on it. In this year’s budget, a total provision of
over 190 million dollars have been made. It is supposed to be 200
million dollars and we are still pushing for it to be made 200 million
dollars for the takeoff of the programmes of the clean-up project for
the year.
That is part of what SHELL is to contribute for the clean-up exercise
for the year.”The Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Road
Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said that plans are underway to expand
power projects at Andoni and Oyigbo Local Government areas of the
district.“I am also working with the Senate Committee on Power to try
to create impact of the Power project in the senatorial district
particularly in Oyigbo LGA. We are also trying to expand the power
project in Andoni LGA as part of our constituency project this
year.”The former Secretary To Rivers State Government, said he had
worked on water projects for Rivers South East Senatorial district in
the budget.“We are also trying to do some water projects across the
senatorial district within the budget this year.On completion of the
East-West road project, Abe said he was working with the Ministry of
Niger Delta Affairs to see to its completion.“We are also working with
the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to see that reasonable budgetary
provision for the East-West road is made. The Minister has been
committed and wonderful. He has been running around. But,
unfortunately, I don’t see the appropriate appropriation based on what
I have discussed with the company handling the project. I have not
been convinced that the appropriation the way it is now, they will
actually go back and be bold to deliver. The provision that is made
this year, the company is telling me that it will not be enough for
them to go back to site. They said if they have a minimum amount, they
are even ready to bring in some of their own funds and be bold to make
sure that the project is completed.”
Abe assured the people of the district that he will do all within his
ambit to ensure that his choice as a Senator is not regretted.“But you
know at the federal level, the competition for funds is so intense.
Nigerians do not understand how difficult it is to get the federal
government to execute projects because everybody is pulling from every
side. Just as I am pulling for this side, people are pulling for the
other sides and the money is not just enough. So, by the time they say
let them take one million here, take 20 million there, before you
know, it will not be enough to achieve anything meaningful. That is
why you see projects span years and years.”Senator Abe who used the
opportunity to clear the air on the relationship between him and the
Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as well
as the Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety
Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, stated that all was
cordial and the so-called misunderstanding among them was based on
people’s speculation and imagination.