Tag: wike

PDP Stakeholders Will Decide My Successor, Not Me – Wike

 

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says Peoples Democratic Party stakeholders in the State will meet at the appropriate time and decide his successor.

He stated that no one single person has the monopoly to decide where the Governorship position of the party will be zoned to.

Governor Wike made the assertion during the grand finale of the PDP local government campaign for the 17 April council election that held at State School 1, Bori, Khana LGA on Saturday.

“I don’t want to talk about politics of who is from here and who is not from there. At the appropriate time the PDP family will sit down, the leaders of the party will sit down and look at everything together and then make a decision, not one man and even me as a Governor can say this is where we are zoning it to.

You cannot say that. It is not your father’s property. So nobody should panic. It is not for one man who thinks he owns Rivers State. Somebody said he is going to give governorship slot to the Kalabaris, now it’s no longer to the Kalabaris, but to the riverine area.”

He used the occasion to reiterate that the All Progressives Congress, APC-led federal government has failed Nigerians by not keeping to its social contract with the people of the country.

Accordingly, he has called on Nigerians not to listen any longer to empty promises of APC politicians who made promises of ensuring that the Naira and the Dollar are equivalent, create jobs for the youths and contain insurgency, but failed to live up to their promises.

“Time has come when you make a promise to the people you must fulfill the promise. Time has come that we can no longer listen to empty promises of politicians like what the ruling party is doing today.

“When they came in 2015 they told Nigerians that the Naira and Dollar will be equal. N1 to 1dollar. Today what is the equivalent, N500 to 1Dollar. They said they will create jobs, today Nigeria has the highest unemployment rate in Africa 33 percent. While would there not be a crisis. They said when they come they will make sure insurgency is stopped, see what we are passing through today in this country. Everyday, killing upon killing. So, they have failed us.”

The Governor who noted that PDP is the party to reckon with as it always kept to its promises with the people, pointed out that there is no Local Government Area in the state that his administration has not impacted.

Governor Wike explained that when he was campaigning for the office of Governor of Rivers State, he promised to dualize the Saakpenwa-Bori road.
He stated that he has not only kept the promise, but his administration has also further awarded the contract for the second phase of the road which starts from Bori to Kono.

“I have told you again that we are going to dualize from Bori to Kono. That has been awarded and it is not just to award it, the money is there. Every month, 1Billion Naira will be given to the contractor. So the contractor has no business to say that there is no money. And it must be completed in 14 months.”

“So, PDP can go to any Local Government and we can identify one thing or two that we have done for the people. There is no Local Government in this state that can say that PDP has not made an impact.”

The Governor urged the people of Khana to remain focus steadfast and shun those bragging to use security to manipulate the 2023 elections in the state.

He further continued: “All these bragging of using security, Nigeria is quite aware now. With the consciousness of Nigerians, it will be difficult now for you to use security agencies to manipulate election. Now SARS is no more. Is SARS not gone. You think the Army will come again, after all, what they have seen.”

He urged the PDP Chairmanship candidate of Khana Local Government Area, Dr. Bariere Thomas to ensure that he deliver democratic dividends to the people of the area as well as ensure that he resides at the Council to govern the people.

The Governor also advised him not to balkanize the party with his position, but rather to ensure the unity of the party. He called on the people to come out enmasse and vote for all PDP candidates on the 17th of April.

“It is not the people of Port Harcourt that will vote for you. It is the people of Khana. Stay in your local government and govern the people. We want to decongest Port Harcourt and part of the way for us to do that is for you to stay in Bori and govern the people that voted for you.

“Again, now that you are going to be Chairman, don’t split the political family. Allow the political family to be together. I don’t want anybody to divide the political family in any of the local governments.”

In his goodwill message, Senator Lee Maeba noted the developmental strides of Governor Wike in Ogoniland, saying he needs promotion and also urged the PDP chairmanship candidate to unify the party.

The Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, Senator Barry Mpigi said the people of Ogoni are satisfied with the development put in place by Governor Wike in Khana and the entire Ogoni.

Also speaking, the House of Representatives member, representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, Dumnamene Dekor said he is a living testimony of the developmental strides of the Governor in Khana.

In his remarks, the PDP Chairmanship candidate for Khana Local Government Area, Dr. Bariere Thomas promised to tackle the issue of insecurity, cultism, and establishment of ICT centres in the 19 wards of the LGA.

A high point of the campaign was the defection of former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Dr. Befii Charles Nwile, and his supporters from the APC to PDP. They were received by the State Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Desmond Akawor.

APC Should Emulate PDP In Fulfilling Social Contract To Nigerians – Wike

 

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) have continued to demonstrate that governance is about solving socioeconomic problems and improving the lives of the people.

This, he said, has distinguished PDP from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its failings because of their lack of capacity in serving Nigerians and fulfilling the party’s social contract with Nigerians.

Governor Wike made the assertion while inaugurating the 2.5 kilometers Isaac Shaahu Road in Gboko Town, on Thursday that was constructed by Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom.

The Rivers State Governor stated that he had repeatedly told all political parties to acknowledge the social contract their elected officers have with the people and ensure that they dutifully fulfill them like it is been done in the PDP-controlled States.

READ ALSO: Rivers Govt Bans Meeting Of Igbo Group In Oyigbo

 

Governor Wike expressed the delight of PDP with the performance of Governor Ortom who is not been deterred in providing dividends of democracy to his people and also naming the three road projects after prominent sons of Benue State to immortalise them.

“About two months ago, you invited me to come and commission road projects. Like I have said before, we are very happy with what you’ve been able to do for the people of Benue State.

“I am very sure that you’re fulfilling the social contract you have with the people. I have told all political parties to fulfill their social contract.

“PDP as a party, we are fulfilling the social contract we have with the people of Nigeria. Other parties should do the same, by providing dividends of democracy.”

Commissioning the 1.6 kilometers Aper Aku Road in Gboko Town, Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, harped on the need for leaders to continue to build bridges of friendship, and promote coexistence among the citizenry.

“You can see what Governor Ortom has done. It is a great honour for me and people of Sokoto to do this commissioning. I commend you, Governor Ortom for this and for other good works you’re doing for Benue people.

“We pray almighty God to continue to guide our leaders and our country. We must continue to build bridges of democracy.

 

The third road project, the 1 kilometer Prof. Martin Dent Road, was inaugurated by the Governor of Nassarawa State, Engr. Abdullah Sule, and it was performed by his commissioner of works.

Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, who led the governors to the three road projects, also inaugurated the ultramodern Tor Tiv Palace, which he constructed saying the projects are part of an effort of his administration to enhance the quality of life of the people.

At the venue of the inauguration of the Ultramodern Tor Tiv Palace, Governor Wike was conferred with the chieftaincy title of the Eagle of Tiv Nation, and his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike was conferred with the Nest of the Eagle of Tiv Nation chieftaincy title.

On the entourage of Governor Wike were Senator George Thompson Sekibo, Senator Barinada Mpegi, Senator Lee Mieba, Senator Olaka Nwogu, Senator Mao Ohuabunwo, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, Bro. Felix Obuah and Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

Wike Charges APC, Other Parties To Emulate PDP’s Commitment To Project Delivery

 

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties should emulate the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the delivery of democratic dividends to the citizens.

He said the PDP has done well in the State by fulfilling the promises it made to people of the State and they now know the difference.

Governor Wike stated this at the inauguration of the Okoro-Nu-Odo Flyover, which was performed by the former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, on Monday.

The Rivers State Governor challenged the APC to come out bold to tell Rivers people what they will do differently or had done already to convince the people to believe in them.

Governor Wike pointed out that like every other project, the Okoro-Nu-Odo Flyover is among the best projects his administration has delivered because Rivers people deserve the best always.

“I want to thank everybody for your support. Our party is not a party of excuses. When we say something, we do it. Let other parties emulate us. They should not be promising Nigerians and be giving excuses.

“We have promised and we have fulfilled. When they (APC) make a promise they should fulfill it. PDP has done all its campaigns in this state. Let the other parties come to tell us what they will do differently or had done while in office. Time is already gone for them.”

READ ALSO: We Will See Better Security In Nigeria, Presidency Assures Nigerians

Speaking further, Governor Wike said skeptics thought the three flyover projects he started in 2019 will not be completed within a record time of 16 months. But with Rebisi and Okoro-Nu-Odo flyovers completed and commissioned, he said his administration has further demonstrated commitment to enhancing infrastructure in the State.

The governor warned community leaders who encourage street traders around the area to desist from the act because trading activities will not be tolerated around the Okoro-Nu-Odo Flyover.

“To the paramount rulers of Rumuokoro Community and Rumuodumaya Community, tell your youths and CDCs, who are always collecting money here, I will not tolerate anybody who will covert this flyover as a trading place.

“We cannot spend this money here and you turn this place into a market. I will not accept that. We have built a market and motor park for you. Go and use them for your business activities.

“I have told the GOC of the 6 Division and the Garrison commander to tell all their men to stop what they’re doing on this road. They collect money and allow people to sell on the road. We won’t tolerate it again.

“Leave our road; this is not market, nobody should trade here. Allow the people to enjoy the road.”

Governor Wike described former Governor of Cross River, Donald Duke, as a role model who inspired him to perform in office.

“I invited you because I know when you were governor, you performed very well. I will not bring anybody who did not perform in office to come and commission my projects.

“You’re our role model. We monitored you while you were in office and to see how you took Cross River from nothing to somewhere.

“Today, people talk of Cross River and carnival, who’s the originator? You’re the one who did everything to put Cross River on the world map. People should not forget history. Today, you are here to see the little thing we are doing, having emulated what you did.”

Inaugurating the Okoro-Nu-Odo Flyover Bridge, former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke said Governor Wike is a trailblazer who has demonstrated leadership and spent state resources prudently for the good of Rivers people.

Duke urged the benefiting communities of the project to cherish and protect the project as their own contribution to ensuring that the resource used to build the bridge does not amount to waste.

“I want to congratulate you the people for being steadfast with your son. You gave him support and he has delivered. Leadership is not about winning an election. Leadership is about taking people to a destination.

You may not always agree with Governor Wike at the onset. Later on, you’ll understand the wisdom of his stance. But you are never in doubt where he stands on any issues and that’s leadership.

“Today, we are celebrating many things he has done; the development of a community, the prosperity that will be brought into the community, leaving the community better than he met it and of course, we are saying thank you that we have a leader which is very rare to find in our country, that is people who say what they mean and mean what they say.”

Providing the description of the project, the Rivers State Commissioner of Works, Elloka Tasie-Amadi said the Okoro-Nu-Odo Flyover is one of three flyover projects sited strategically to ease travel time for commuters in the state.

“The Okoro-Nu-Odo flyover measures 642.75 m from ramp to ramp, 360m of that being the suspended section. The transition area from the 4 lane East-West Road to the 8 lanes of the bridge project measures 236m. 8 lanes because we have 4 lanes on the bridge and 4 lanes on the ground for both service lanes on either side of the bridge, both of which measure 1,760m long and 8.3m wide.

“You are seated in one of the transition zones. This flyover which is a wonderful sight to behold at night is lit with 68 streetlight poles 26 of those are single-arm while 42 are double arm giving you 110 nos of 250w luminares, not forgetting the 2 bulkhead luminares under the bridge. All of these are powered by a dedicated substation complete with a transformer and backup generator.”

The Commissioner said the Flyover will contribute towards ease of travel along the East-West Road, and traffic decongestion around the area.

Former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Onueze .C. J Okocha (SAN) lauded Governor Wike for his developmental stride and warned the people of the area against converting the flyover to a trading post.

Wike Accuses NDDC Of Spending N10bn To Remove Him As Rivers Governor

 

Nyesom Wike has accused the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) of plotting to oust him from his position as Rivers State Governor. 

While addressing the Senate Committee on Niger Delta when they visited him in Port Harcourt, Wike said it is sad that the NDDC has been hijacked by political actors using the commission for their selfish interest.

He said the Commission is failing to perform because they have placed politics above the interest of the people.

“What NDDC does through the supervision of their party is to make sure they vote out some money to ensure certain governors do not return.

“You can imagine NDDC wasting ten billion to remove me here, is the money not wasted now?….. NDDC wasted ten billion naira to remove just one governor,” Wike stated.

The governor further alleged that the NDDC is poorly performing because the presidency and the National Assembly will not allow the commission to carry out its duties judiciously.

He also noted that people from the Southsouth have not helped in making the NDDC do the work for which it was created, in that the Niger Delta people have become enemies to themselves.

As at the time of publishing this report, the NDDC had not responded to Wike’s accusation.

READ ALSO: Abdulrasheed Bawa Promises To Represent Youths As EFCC Boss

A file photo of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

 

In a similar vein, the Rivers State governor said the Senate has disappointed Nigerians by confirming the immediate past service chiefs as ambassadors.

The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the nomination of the immediate past service chiefs as non-career ambassadors, despite criticisms in some quarters.

Those confirmed include former Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; the former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai; and the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.

Others are former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, and the former Chief of Defence Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Usman.

Reacting to the development, Governor Wike said Nigerians are not happy that the same lawmakers, who called for the sack of the former service chiefs following their handling of security, confirmed their nomination due to party sentiments and bias.

He urged the legislators to always carry out their duties bearing in mind that their service is not to their parties but to Nigerians.

Senate Disappointed Nigerians By Confirming Ex-Service Chiefs As Ambassadors – Wike

 

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike says the Senate has disappointed Nigerians by confirming the immediate past service chiefs as ambassadors.

The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the nomination of the immediate past service chiefs as non-career ambassadors, despite criticisms in some quarters.

Those confirmed include former Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; the former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai; and the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.

Others are former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, and the former Chief of Defence Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Usman.

READ ALSO: Senate Confirms Abdulrasheed Bawa As New EFCC Boss

Reacting to the development, Governor Wike said Nigerians are not happy that the same lawmakers, who called for the sack of the former service chiefs following their handling of security, confirmed their nomination due to party sentiments and bias.

Wike aired his opinion on the matter, when the Senate Committee on Niger Delta, led by its chairman, Peter Nwaoboshi visited him at the government house in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

He urged the legislators to always carry out their duties bearing in mind that their service is not to their parties but to Nigerians.

Wike Challenges IGP To Implement Report Indicting Disbanded SARS Officers

 

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has received the report from the Judicial Commission of Inquiry that Investigated Human Rights Abuses, Police Brutality and Extrajudicial Killings by the disbanded notorious police unit, named Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the state.

The report was submitted to him by the chairman of the commission, Justice Chukwunenye Uriri (rtd) at Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday.
Governor Wike said the State government has done its bit by setting up the commission and will also produce the White Paper at the next meeting of the State Executive Council.

The governor challenged the Inspector General of Police (IG) and the new Commissioner of Police (CP) to implement the white paper as a proof that the Federal Government was serious about ending such police brutality in the country.

READ ALSO: Don’t Use COVID-19 As Pretext Not To Provide Basic Infrastructure – Wike

“The truth of the matter is I am not sure the present Inspector General (IG) is out to fight insecurity. Now, he has appointed a new Police Commissioner for political patronage.

“If at the end of the day, we come out with the White Paper and the Attorney General sends it to the police to implement or to prosecute as the case maybe, will it be implemented?

“That is why I am challenging the IG and the new CP to make sure that they justify that the Federal Government is serious about telling states to set up Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the brutality of the police and the security agencies.”

Justice Chukwunenye Uriri said the commission received 190 petitions, struck out 82 for lack of due diligence or jurisdiction, and eventually considered 108 of them.

He stated that the figure depicts the highest level of recklessness, abuse of law and order in the country. According to him, the policemen who committed the crime against Rivers people, especially Mr. Akin Fakorede and his other cohorts do not have any affinity with the State.

“It is noteworthy that our commission has the highest number of petitions in the federation. Lagos has 210 petitions while we have 190 petitions. Lagos is still there but by the grace of God, we are here presenting this report to you.

“It is our opinion that this figure represents the highest degree of total disregard of law and order by law enforcement agencies in the State.”

Governor Wike has meanwhile named five members of the State Executive Council who will study the report and determine the content of the White Paper.
The members are the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor; Head of Service, Mr. Rufus Godwins, Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Inime Chinwenwo- Aguma, Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kaniye Ebeku, and Commissioner for Energy Dr. Peter Medee.

Don’t Use COVID-19 As Pretext Not To Provide Basic Infrastructure – Wike

File photo of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

 

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, says no government should use COVID-19 as an excuse not to invest in infrastructural development that can foster economic development and prosperity.

Governor Wike made this assertion during a facility tour of the ultramodern Government House hospital and Administrative building in Port Harcourt by the Senate Chief Whip and former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

He said Rivers State will not join the league of States that hide under the guise of COVID-19 pandemic to deny their people basic infrastructure like roads which is universally acknowledged as a major contributor to higher economic productivity, growth, and trade.

“Covid-19 cannot be an excuse to any government. COVID -19 is a bad thing, but it has come. It will go whether we like it or not. But people will also be alive. Infrastructure must be provided, so you can’t say because of COVID 19 nothing will be done. At the time COVID 19 ends, what will the people be facing? Lack of basic infrastructure. So, because of COVID19, I am not going to be doing anything? I am not a party to that. I will continue to work whether there is COVID-19 or not.”

Governor Wike explained his administration has conscientiously been investing in high-quality infrastructure that has positive economic value that can stimulate job creation, boost foreign direct investment in the State.

He stated that in the midst of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, the State government on Wednesday approved two additional flyovers at the cost of N 12.4 billion to Julius Berger.

According to him, investment in these projects have been made possible because of the government’s judicious application of State resources to meet the pressing needs of the people.

“You manage whatever you have for the interest of the people. Infrastructure brings investments. Part of the problem we have in this country today is the decay of infrastructure. We don’t have it and that also affects investment inflow.

“So, when these roads are there, you will see people will come in. You don’t expect a private investor to begin to do road for you. It is not possible.

“You want to do agriculture, there is no road. How can we do agriculture when there is no road. How will the product be brought to the city, to the market? So, you must provide this basic infrastructure for investment inflow and that is what we are doing.”

READ ALSO: Incompetence Worsening Insecurity, Says Wike

Governor Wike applauded Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for visiting Rivers State to assess what his administration is doing to improve the quality of life of the people.

He said such bipartisan collaboration is required for the country to move forward.

Senator Kalu after inspection of the Government House hospital and Administrative Building, said Governor Wike’s deliberate investment in crucial infrastructural is commendable.

“All the facilities I have seen here are first class. This is what I can’t even see in Europe. The hospital I have seen, the doctors’ room, the conference centre is something else. I must commend Governor Wike. You see I am a bipartisan person. We need to commend anybody who has done a good job. He is PDP, I am APC.”

The Senate Chief Whip implored the Federal, State, and Local authorities to urgently consider it worthwhile to emulate the Rivers State government by investing in ultramodern hospitals like the one built by the Wike’s administration. According to him, this will help to curtail the huge foreign exchange expended on medical tourism.

“I advise every other State governor or the local authorities and national authorities to build hospitals like this. If you know how much we spend on medical tourism, you will pity this country.”

He further added: “We are not talking about the party, I am talking about conscience and what I have seen. This is fantastic. I have never seen any private hospital in Nigeria or government-owned hospital as I have seen in Government House.”

Wike Releases N400m For Resettlement Of Ekporo Community

 

The Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike, CON has released the sum of N400 million for members of the Ekporo community in Eleme Local Government to rebuild the Ekporo community and compensate families who were fatally affected by the inter-communal clashes eight years ago.

Governor Wike said that the money is for the development and resettlement of the Ekporo people who have suffered as refugees in other communities as their own community was rendered uninhabitable.

Speaking to Elders and Stakeholders of Eleme community during a meeting today in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo noted that it is the desire of the NEW administration to ensure that communities remain peaceful and enjoy the infrastructural prosperity of the state.

He said that Government will continue to foster inter-communal coexistence and peace in order to build a safe and secure state for all.

READ ALSO: Incompetence Worsening Insecurity, Says Wike

“It is unfortunate that members of the Ekporo community were sacked from their community for about 8 years now as a result of the inter-communal wars”.
“We expect you to work with the Government on beneficial plans to utilize this funds in terms of primary infrastructure and resettlement of the people back into their community”, he said.

He urged indigenes of the state to continue to toe the line of peace as conflict and war will only brew devastation and under-development.

In his remarks, the former Senator representing Rivers South-East, Senator Olaka Nwogu, thanked the Governor for his magnanimity, and for remembering to resettle the people of Ekporo back into their community.

“It is with profound gratitude we are here to thank His Excellency for what he has done. It is historic and important because it touches each and every one of us that it is in our time, we lost one of our most vibrant communities, and also in our time that this community is being recovered. The entire people of Eleme are grateful”, he said.

The King of Eleme, His Majesty King (Dr) Philip Osaro Obele, Oneh-eh Eleme XI, affirmed that what the Governor has done is very historic because the people of Ekporo can be peacefully settled back into their homes after years of living as refugees.

“We lost one of our communities for over seven years and today we are bringing back that community. Members of the Ekporo community have been refugees in other areas despite the situation that there is no war now. What has happened today is very historic.

“I use the opportunity to congratulate the Eleme political class that you have added another cap to your feathers as you did not allow one of your communities to be extinct for life.

The Meeting was also attended by the State House of Assembly member representing Eleme Constituency, Hon. Igwe Aforji, the former Commissioner of Culture, Mr. Marcus Nle-Ejii, a Former Eleme LGA Chairman Chief Ejoor N. Ejoor; the Paramount Ruler of Ekporo, His Royal Highness, Emere Samuel Obe, and other stakeholders.

Wike Congratulates Okonjo-Iweala As WTO Director-General

Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala poses at her home in Potomac, Maryland, near Washington DC, minutes before she was confirmed as the first woman and first African leader of the beleaguered World Trade Organization,on February 15, 2021. Eric BARADAT / AFP
Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala poses at her home in Potomac, Maryland, near Washington DC, minutes before she was confirmed as the first woman and first African leader of the beleaguered World Trade Organization, on February 15, 2021. Eric BARADAT / AFP

 

Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, says the world has entered a new epoch with the appointment of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Governor Wike, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, said the appointment of Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, a one-time Minister of Finance and Chairman of President Goodluck Jonathan Economic Team to lead the WTO, is a beacon of hope for Nigeria.

The Rivers State governor said he is confident that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, who has distinguished herself as a renowned economist and contributed to the economic successes of many nations, will usher in a new era in the WTO.

He stated the new Director-General of the WTO throughout her career both at the World Bank and as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, had consistently demonstrated an exceptional taste for transparency, and passion for equity.

“Having served in the Federal Executive Council with Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, I am confident that she will remain committed to her principles of transparency, accountability, and equity, which the world is yearning for.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State, I also take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt congratulations to you as a beacon of hope for our dear nation.

Governors Still Sidelined In The Affairs Of NDDC, Says Wike

 

 

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, says despite the inauguration of the advisory council of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), oil-producing state governors are still sidelined in the affairs of the intervention agency.

The governor noted that because the governing party dictates what happens in the NDDC, the commission now acts as a state on its own and refusing to interface with the Governors of the oil-producing States to strategically develop the Niger Delta region.

He stated this when members of the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC led by its chairman, Hon (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Governor Wike explained that contrary to the assumption that governors of the Niger Delta are critical stakeholders in the affairs of the NDDC, they are not in the true sense of it.

READ ALSO: Wike Releases N16.6bn To Upgrade RSU Facilities, Establish Three New Campuses

According to him, since the inauguration of the NDDC advisory council last year, the present federal government has ensured that the governors are sidelined in the affairs of the commission.

“Even when we are inaugurated, we were not involved in anything that happens in NDDC. Which is most unfortunate.”

He further continued: “NDDC is like a state on its own without working with the State government and why is it so. It is so because the states of NDDC are controlled by the opposition party therefore there is no need to consult with them.”

The governor explained that in a bid to ensure NDDC does not embark on indiscriminate execution of projects that often distort the state developmental agenda, the Rivers State government recently obtained a court order that prohibits the commission from carrying out projects without the consent of the state government.

Governor Wike urged the National Assembly to be resolute in its oversight function by ensuring that the NDDC stops frittering the resources meant for the development of the Niger Delta region on building roads in Army barracks, police stations, and spending Billions of Naira to ensure he did not win the election.

The governor stated that NDDC and the Rivers State had once agreed to collaborate on a legacy project, but the commission ended up defrauding the State government.

“NDDC fraudulently duped us over the Mother and Child hospital. They duped us. They had an agreement with the State government to build a regional hospital called Mother and Child hospital. They agreed that it will be N1.7 Billion Naira.

State government to bring N800million, they will bring N900 million.

The state government at that time paid their N800million. NDDC mobilised the contractor with N400 million of the N800 million we brought and then abandoned the contractor and the contractor left the site. And when we came on board, we said okay, we don’t want to partner with you again, give us back our N400 million, it became a problem. Politics came in. ”

The governor said he will continually speak out for the interest of the people of Rivers state. According to him, within one year, he has awarded contracts for the construction of eight flyovers and on Wednesday approved over N16 billion for the development of critical infrastructure in the Rivers State University.

“I want the best for my people. They have given me everything in life, so I owe them. It is not what I will make, they have already made me. So what do I offer back.”

He urged the National Assembly to ensure that the planned amendment of the Electoral Act will usher in a new era of free and fair elections.

He insisted that “there cannot be development without good governance. There cannot be good governance without the rule of law. Good governance without the rule of cannot work.”

Leaders of the delegation and chairman of the committee, Dr. Tunji- Ojo explained that the purpose of the visit is predicated on the fact that Governor Wike is a principal stakeholder in the affairs of NDDC.

Beat Enyimba FC And Get N20m, Wike Promises Rivers United

 

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has promised a reward of N20 million to Rivers United if they beat Enyimba FC in their CAF Confederation Cup play-off billed for Sunday.

Governor Wike says the Rivers State Government also said the male and the female clubs will get a N10 million match bonus for any match won away.

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In addition, Governor Wike says the state will reward the players handsomely if the male team returns with the CAF trophy and the female team makes her first appearance in the female CAF competition.

Governor wike made the promises while presenting buses for the clubs and two Hilux vans for the coaches.

Wike also approved the immediate release of two ambulances for the clubs with a promise to purchase a costa bus for the supporters club.

Wike Releases N16.6bn To Upgrade RSU Facilities, Establish Three New Campuses

File photo of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike speaking at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

 

Announcing the release to journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim said N9 billion of that sum will serve as take-off grant for the establishment of new campuses of Rivers State University (RSU) in Ahoada, Emohua, and Etche Local Government Areas.

According to him, N3 billion will be devoted to each of the new campuses for the construction of faculty buildings, hostels, offices, Libraries, auditoriums, lecture halls, and address other needs required for the campuses to operate maximally.
“This is a landmark development in the history of the institution which has maintained one campus since its establishment in October 1980.

“With the establishment of the three campuses, the communities where they are sited will be opened up for consequential development and economic activities. It will reduce the rate of unemployment in the state.”

The Information and Communications Commissioner also said N7. 6 billion has been released to enable the College of Medical Sciences of RSU to establish the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, and Pathology Building.

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With the release, Nsirim said, the college will be enabled to fully commence its programme leading to the award of Bachelor of Medicine, and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).

According to him, the gesture will also strengthen the accredited department and the accreditation at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).

Mr. Nsirim also announced that the State Government has established a scholarship scheme for Rivers indigenes studying at PAMO University of Medical Sciences.

This, he said, will provide Rivers children and other Nigerians access to medical education in the state.

“We are glad to share this good news with you at a time when governance has been grounded in most parts of the world because of covid-19.

“This development will assist to reduce the gaps in the doctor-to-patient ratio in the state and country.

“The Rivers State government under the visionary leadership of Governor Wike, as a responsive governor, is determined to contribute to reducing this gap thus the massive investment in the training of doctors.

“We are confident that in the next few years, Rivers State will play a major role producing medical manpower in the country. ”

Also addressing the journalists, Rivers State Commissioners for Health, Prof. Princewill Chike said with the release of the fund, the College of Medical Sciences can operate as a full-fledged college with all its required programmes running.

According to him, accreditation of departments and programmes will be easy to secure because of the enhanced capacity of the college that already has requisite personnel engaged.

On his part, the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kaniye Ebeku said skeptics who thought that Governor Wike was making a mere political statement when he promised to establish three new campuses for the Rivers State University will see that he is walking the talk.

According to him, with the money released and contractors soon to commence construction of Classrooms, hostels, auditoriums, and offices at the three Local Government Areas, there is an assured expansion of RSU to benefit the entire state.

Prof. Ebeku said this will increase access to education because admission spaces will be opened for more intakes, and those communities hosting the new campuses will enjoy increasing commercial activities and attendant development.