Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has praised President Bola Tinubu for completing the Bodo-Bonny Road, a project he said has ended decades of dangerous river travel and costly air transport to Bonny Island in Rivers State.
Wike spoke on Thursday during a thank-you visit to Bonny Local Government Area, following the opening of the 37.8-kilometre road, which now provides the first land access to the island, a major hub for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
According to the minister, the Bodo-Bonny Road had remained a long-standing political promise abandoned by successive administrations until President Tinubu took decisive steps to see it completed.
He also commended the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for ensuring the successful delivery of the project.
Wike recalled the difficulties previously associated with travelling to Bonny, noting that both river crossings and helicopter trips were often risky.
“Anytime we planned a visit to Bonny in the past, the first question was always about the tide. Even while flying, fear was inevitable,” he said.
He added that the road project would strengthen support for the Tinubu administration in the area, describing its completion as timely and impactful.
The minister urged residents and leaders of Bonny not to allow the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State to divide them, stressing that unity remains key to attracting development.
“In politics, disagreements are inevitable, but progress comes when people agree to work together. Unity will continue to bring development to Bonny,” he said.
Earlier, the lawmaker representing Degema-Bonny Federal Constituency, Cyril Hart, praised Wike for promoting women’s participation in governance, describing it as one of his enduring contributions to Rivers State.
Hart recalled that Wike introduced a policy mandating the appointment of women as vice chairmen in local government councils, adding that the National Assembly was working on legislation to adopt similar measures nationwide.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Abinye Pepple, described Wike as a dependable and committed political leader, crediting him with several development projects executed during his tenure as governor.
Pepple also acknowledged Wike’s role in supporting inclusive leadership in Rivers State and expressed gratitude over the completion of the Bodo-Bonny Road, noting that it was the first time residents could travel by road from Bonny to Port Harcourt.
“For the first time in our history, Bonny is connected by land. Our parents never witnessed this, but today it is a reality,” he said.
He assured that the people of Bonny would continue to support President Tinubu, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
