Wike Tells Untold Story Of Why He Demolished Bayelsa Property

Governor Nyesom Wike has revealed why he demolished the property of Bayelsa state in Rivers state.

He also insists “nothing has strained the relationship” between the two states.

Wike, who has started the construction of seven units of 5-bedroom edifices for judges at the site of the demolished property on Akasa Street, old GRA Port Harcourt, disclosed that his administration took over the place because Bayelsa state abandoned it.

The Rivers Governor revealed that he wrote to his counterpart in Bayelsa State, Governor Duoye Diri in 2021 that the property had become dilapidated and den for people of unverifiable identities and requested that the latter come and put the property in proper shape.

“Even when we attended our governors’ meeting, I called his attention to it, saying there is no way we can allow this kind of property to be here.

“It is either you renovate it, which will not cost more than two or three hundred million or you sell it to the Rivers State government to be able to rebuild the place, so that we know those who are staying here. In 2022, I reminded him again.” Wike disclosed at the foundation laying for the new buildings.

The Governor disclosed that his administration was “compelled to acquire the property under public policy” when continuous engagement with the Bayelsa state government failed to achieve desired results.

Wike flagged off the construction of the new homes for Judges in Rivers state Judiciary at the site on Monday, May 22, 2023, and will hand over to a new Governor, Siminalayi Fubara on May 29, 2023.

The move by the outgoing Governor is part of his government’s urban renewal plan.