The Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Grand Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, DSSRS, JP, Edward I, Perekule XI, has applauded President Bola Tinubu for funding the cost variation that enabled the completion of the Bonny-Bodo Road.
He also acknowledged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike’s role in securing approval for the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny.
The monarch, who made the remarks on Saturday, October 24, 2026, while receiving Wike at the Bonny Consulate Building, expressed gratitude for the road’s completion
He, however, urged urgent government attention to Bonny’s outstanding development needs, specifically shore protection, a well-equipped and functional hospital, housing and improved security, alongside other essential social infrastructure.
King Edward recalled that construction of the strategic road had stalled following a significant increase in project costs linked to foreign exchange fluctuations, raising concerns over its future.
He credited Tinubu’s approval and payment of the variation sum with enabling the contractor to return to the site and complete the project.
The monarch said Bonny Kingdom would remain grateful to the President, describing the road’s completion as a major milestone for the area.
He also commended Wike for his relationship with the Kingdom and his role, while serving as Coordinating Minister of Education, in facilitating approval for the take-off of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny.
“It is not everything that we come out to say all the time. But I must thank the FCT Minister for his contributions in ensuring that approval was given for the Bonny Polytechnic to take off,” the monarch said.
Highlighting Bonny’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy, King Edward said the Kingdom had maintained a peaceful environment for federal projects and multinational companies operating within its territory.
He maintained that no project in Bonny had been abandoned because of riots or protests, adding that the Kingdom’s role in hosting energy infrastructure made it an important link in converting the nation’s natural gas resources into economic value.
Despite the Kingdom’s contribution to national economic activities, the Amanyanabo expressed concern over persistent infrastructure gaps, identifying shore protection, a well-equipped and functional hospital, housing and improved security among its pressing needs.
He called for greater attention to these challenges, stressing that the Kingdom required essential social infrastructure commensurate with its strategic economic importance.
The monarch also urged Nigerians to continue praying for Tinubu and other national leaders, saying leadership required wisdom and divine guidance.
“Rulership is not an easy task; that is why we need to pray for our rulers to make good decisions and rule us well,” he said.
Earlier, Wike said his visit was to participate in an interactive session with the people of Bonny Kingdom, aimed at keeping them informed ahead of the general elections scheduled for next year.
At the town hall meeting held at Ibanise Hall, the Chairman of the Bonny Chiefs’ Council, Se-Alabo Dagogo Souala Claude-Wilcox, presented an address outlining the Kingdom’s developmental priorities and pressing infrastructure challenges.
Traditional rulers, titled citizens, members of Bonny Kingdom Ogbobiri Asawo, the Women’s Forum and the Youth Federation attended the engagement.
The statement was signed by Adolf Ransom Pepple, Press Secretary to the King Perekule Royal Palace, on October 24, 2026.
