A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has expressed concerns over the current state of affairs in Rivers State.

Eze claims that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is hindering development efforts that could transform the state.

According to Eze, while other states are implementing measures to ensure growth, Rivers State is caught in a needless power struggle instigated by Wike.

“The state government has committed to rebuilding the complex with a substantial amount of money, funds that could have been channeled to other meaningful ventures beneficial to the people had there been peace,” he said.

In a statement released on Monday, Eze highlighted that economists have revealed through in-depth research that Rivers State has lost over N2 trillion in public sector investments due to ongoing political crises.

This figure does not include the cumulative impact of missed opportunities and the positive effects these projects could have had on the local economy and state GDP.

Eze pointed out that while Lagos State is issuing bonds to fund development, Rivers State is burdened with loan repayments from commercial banks, a legacy of the previous administration. He added that there is nothing to show for the borrowed money.

He recalled that during Amaechi's tenure as governor, the state was entitled to a N375bn (or $250m) World Bank water project aimed at transforming Port Harcourt into a modern city.

However, the project was allegedly stalled by the office of the Minister of Finance under Goodluck Jonathan, influenced by Wike, who was then a minister.

"That young man is averse to the development of Rivers State. I can tell you for free. Today, Port Harcourt has remained a borehole city," Eze stated.

Eze further noted that under Amaechi, Port Harcourt was designed to be a modern city through the creation of the Greater Port Harcourt City, expanding to eight local councils with modern facilities.

The project was to cost N100bn per year for 10 years (N1 trillion), but under Wike, it has suffered from what many describe as half-hearted efforts or drain pipes to settle political backers.

“During Amaechi’s tenure as governor, the state was entitled to a N375bn (or $250m) World Bank water project that was to transform Port Harcourt into a modern city. Everything was ready, but the office of the Minister of Finance, which was to sign off for its drawdown, was allegedly prevented from signing under Goodluck Jonathan on the prompting of the same Wike, who was then a minister.

“That young man is averse to the development of Rivers State. I can tell you for free. Today, Port Harcourt has remained a borehole city.”

“Port Harcourt, under Amaechi, was designed to be a modern city through the creation of the Greater Port Harcourt City by expanding to eight local councils with modern facilities. The project was to consume N100bn per year for 10 years (N1 trillion), but under Wike, the project suffered what looks like half-hearted status or what many call drain pipes to settle political backers.”