Banana plantation: Amaechi’s loyalists reply Wike
Busolami Idowu
The Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike and former Senator Lee Maeba have come under series of criticism over the threat to attack the multi-billion 
Naira Banana Plantation Project in River State.The criticism of Chief Wike and Senator Lee came from several quarters including the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, David Iyofor, member representing Tai-Oyigbo-Eleme Federal Constituency and Honourable Barinada Mpigi.
The criticisms came after the comments credited to Wike and his associates during a programme organized by the Grassroots Development Initiative, GDI, questioning the rationale of the State Government for citing a Banana farm in Tai, Ogoni while other significant projects of the State are cited in other communities.
David Iyofor, and others spoke at a press conference held at the Rivers State Government House where he said “That Banana Farm in Tai Local Government Area employs over 250 indigenes of Tai and millions of Naira were paid monthly to this people. It is one of the biggest employer of labour in that area. Its economic benefits to the Tai people and the state are enormous”.
Barinada Mpigi warned Wike to concentrate on his duties as Education Minister noting that the people of Kpite had resolved to follow Gov. Amaechi.
According to him, “Now, they are talking about Banana Farm, and many of our sons and daughters, including men and women that are engaged will be rendered useless.
“But let me assure them that the people of Kpite community in Tai Local Government Area have resolved that they are ready to follow Governor Amaechi”, Mpigi concluded.
