DELGA Chairman A True Replica Of Governor Wike–Rivers Deputy Governor
•••Commissions Chief Pedro Memorial Hall
•••Says "Only PDP Council Chairmen Are Performing"

The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs Ipalibo Harry Banigo, has eulogized the Executive Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Michael John Williams, describing him as a true replica of Governor Nyesom Wike.

She stated that the Council Chairman had by his performance within the last 100 days in office, shown that he is a good fellower of the footsteps of Gov Wike in the delivery of quality and people-oriented projects.

Dr. Banigo, who spoke, Saturday, during the official Commissioning Ceremony of the Chief Amabibi Don Pedro Memorial Hall in Bakana, apprised that only Council Chairmen under the control of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), were Performing, despite the harsh economy of the country.

"Today, only Council chairmen sponsored by our party, PDP, are the ones performing, particularly the Degema Local Government Chairman, even though we hear there is no money in the country.

"He is working and following the footsteps of our workaholic Governor, the Mr. Quality Projects; Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike, that is why we call him 'Wike's Son Number One.'

She expressed optimism that if the Council Chairman could perform this much in just 100 days in office, his administration would do much more for the people of the LGA as it continues on the saddle.

The Deputy Governor stated that the people of DELGA were fortunate to have a Council Chairman who loves his people and is working tirelessly to unite the party and the communities in the LGA.

"Today, we are still celebrating his first 100 Days in office with so many projects littered across the LGA, imagine what he would do as he continues.

"We are grateful to God for giving us a Chairman, who loves his people and is doing everything to unite the party and the various communities," she added.

Dr. Banigo thanked party and community leaders in Bakana for maintaining peace in the area, stressing that only a peaceful community would attract development.

She emphasized that politics should bring about, unity, peace and development, warning that any political party that fails to promote the above ideals should not be entrusted with the people's mandate.

Commenting on the newly built edifice, the deputy governor noted that it was first of its kind, as it was very unique and iconic.

She stated that the Wike-led administration meant well for the Kalabari people, that was why it commenced the historic Trans-Kalabari Road Project, which would be completed within next year, as well as embarking on several other projects in Kalabari land, including the soon-to-be commissioned Ultramodern Secondary School in Bakana.

The first female deputy governor in Rivers State, while drumming support for the administration of the Council Chairman, urged the people to remain resolute in their support for the PDP, as that was the only party that would deliver without excuses.

Earlier, a Second Republic politician and Chief in Pedro's Compound, Chief Hon. Levy Braide, disclosed that he and others recently ditched their former party; the APC for the PDP, owing to the superlative performances of the Council Chairman at the LGA and Governor Wike at the State levels, adding; "now we have what to campaign with."

Chief Levy Braide, who represented Degema Constituency in the State Assembly and later became Commissioner for Works in the Chief Melford Okilo administration, expressed joy that what he had planned to do for the compound over 40 years ago, but failed to achieve, had been accomplished by Hon. Michael John Williams–a proud son of the compound, in just about three months of his administration.

He added; "the projects we are seeing everywhere across Degema today is a clear statement that Michael John Williams is the David that God ordained to give Bakana and the entire Degema LGA a facelift."

While thanking the governor for commencing the first phase of the Trans-Kalabari Road, Chief Levy Braide, appealed to the governor to kindly consider Bakana and Ogurama communities in the second phase, as according to him, the people were experiencing great difficulty accessing their communities, especially as they have to spend several hours struggling with tankers along the Abonnema Wharf road at a great risk to their lives.

He added that in the alternative, a pontoon system could be established by the State Government with internal roads, to address the avoidable losses of lives due to boat mishaps.

Also speaking, Chairman of the PDP in the LGA, Hon. Peter Abbey stated that the historic project was an attestation that PDP made the right choice in fielding Michael John Williams.

Peter Abbey, who is also the Chairman of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI) in DELGA, stated that Bakana and the entire LGA were not regretting in voting for Hon. Williams, adding that the PDP leadership, both in the LGA and State levels were proud of the sterling performance of the DELGA Council Boss.

He said the deputy governor honoured the invitation to come and commission the project because she knew that her son had delivered, assuring that; "what you are seeing here today is just a tip of the iceberg, more is on the way."

In his speech, the LGA Chief Executive stated that during the campaigns, he assured the people of the LGA that the PDP administration under Governor Nyesom Wike would not put them to shame.

He disclosed that when his administration commenced the project, naysayers expressed doubts about its completion, but to the glory of God it was completed within the first 100 Days of the administration

Hon. Williams eulogized the deputy governor for her motherly role in his life and political career, assuring that his administration would not let her and the people of Degema down, but would continue to do more to better the LGA.

Highpoint of the day was presentation of a portrait to the Council Chairman by youths of the Amabibi Don Pedro Compound, in appreciation of his kind gesture.

There were cultural displays from Iria Dance group and others to entertain guests.

The occasion was attended by dignitaries across the State including the Special Guest of Honour; the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Mrs Ipalibo Harry Banigo, the DELGA Council Chairman, Hon. Michael John Williams and his Vice, Hon. Mrs. Maureen Harry, Chairman of Asari-Toru LGA, Hon. Onengiyeofori George and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Roland Obed-Whyte.

Others include; PDP Chairman in DELGA, Hon. Peter Abbey, his predecessors; Hon. Elias Davies and Hon. Tonye Tyger, former Caretaker Committee Chairman of DELGA, Hon. Mrs. Okorite Adiele and former Commissioner for Special Duties in Rivers State, Dr. Emily Solomon.

Others were; Leader of the Degema Legislative Assembly, Hon. Johnson Eugene Johnson, Councillors across the 17 Wards of the LGA, Chiefs, top functionaries and other appointees of the Council, PDP Chairmen across the 17 wards of the LGA, party chieftains, amongst others.

Daerefa-a Christopher Braide
Chief Press Secretary,
Degema Local Government Council

November 20, 2021

Underground 2023 campaign don start,
From local government chairman, to governor,
we dey watch!!