wike – Channels Television

We Will Channel FG Refund To More Projects For Rivers People – Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, says the Federal Government has refunded to the State Government the N78 billion it spent on Federal Projects.

Governor Wike stated this during the inauguration of the Isiopko Internal Roads Phase 2 in Ikwerre Local Government Area, performed by the 2019 Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi on Wednesday.

The governor said the refunded money will be deployed in providing more critical projects across the state to further drive the efforts at enhancing the socioeconomic life of Rivers people.

According to him, even if it were his second tenure, he will continue to work relentlessly, for the interest of the state, and improve its stakes until it becomes what it should be.

“Rivers people, the Federal Government has refunded us the money. I have not touched a dim yet and it is in the bank. I will use it for project execution.

“I kept it to tell those who are making noise to know that I am going to work till the last day in office. I will continue to work for the interest of our people. I’m not resting.

“They need to know that I will make sure what is supposed to be done for the people of Rivers State is done. I will persist until we have improved and changed Rivers State and bring it back to what it’s supposed to be,” he said.

The governor noted that with his level of performance in office, it will be difficult for any other party to take Rivers State away from the PDP because the people know that such a party can offer nothing to them.

Governor Wike said he has conducted affairs of governance without discrimination or being vindictive. According to him, this has been demonstrated by his inclusive policy in project distribution.

The governor stated that he has laid a good foundation of leadership by completing all the projects that he inherited from his predecessor and will complete all the projects that he initiated so that his successor will have a smooth sail in governance to initiate his projects and pursue them.

“No matter the tactics they deplore, no party can take Rivers State away from PDP. They have to convince the people why they need the support of Rivers people. It is already known, they have nothing to offer.

“We have something to offer and we have offered it to the people. They are angry that we are commissioning projects. Our business as a party is to make the other people have serious high blood pressure.

“Anywhere they are now they are crying that we are in every local government inaugurating projects. We are not vindictive. We are a government that carries everybody along,” he stated.

Speaking further, Governor Wike said he promised to change the narrative of neglect of Isiopko people by the previous administration and has completed the rehabilitation of all their internal roads.

To further open up the place, the governor announced the award of contract for the reconstruction of the link road from Ogbodo to Isiodu.

Governor Wike also announced that his administration will rehabilitate all internal roads in Omerelu Community and the money to execute the work is already set aside.

The governor also stated only local government Council chairmen who have demonstrated competence in office and have evidence of projects they have provided will qualify for re-election.

“Government is about what you can bring to your people. It is not what you will put in your pocket. People of Ikwerre Local Government and Isiopko, ask your people what they have brought back home for the good of the town.

“Some people came and said they’ll make Isiopko Azumba, I told them you can’t make it so. Today, you have all the roads within Isiopko community rehabilitated. All their plans have failed, and I am telling you now, from Ogbodo Town, I will link you to Isiodu Town in Emohua Local Government.

“I am moving now to Omerelu Community. I will do all the Internal Roads in that community. I have the money already set aside, and I will complete it. I am also not owing to any contractor, handling any of our projects,” he emphasised.

Dr. Peter Obi who inaugurated the road project lamented that the Federal Government keeps borrowing in the guise of using it for capital projects to mortgage the future of posterity.

He challenged them to show the capital projects that such borrowed money has been expended on so that everybody will know such projects.

Obi said access roads as provided by Governor Wike to the Isiopko people will increase the quality of life they live, enhance property value, and reduce poverty.

“Accountability in government is the most critical yardstick to determine good governance and to build the trust of the people. For recruitment into governance, competence capacity, and visible performance like we are seeing here today should be embraced.

“The reason why Nigeria is not working today is that people have been recruited based on sentiment and that has to stop because the country is collapsing.

“Every day you hear Nigeria is borrowing money, and when you ask they say it is being used for capital projects. Please, we want to commission those capital projects. Let them invite us to accompany them for the commissioning. So that when our children ask us about the borrowed money, we can point to the projects to answer them,” he said.

Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Elloka Tasie-Amadi said the road project started off as a 22.5 kilometer project but the governor approved that it should be expanded to become a total length of 26.9kilometer with 26kilometers of drains.

“Having previously commissioned Isiopko internal roads phase 1, today, we are commissioning phase 2 of the projects.

“The Phase 2 of the project accounts for 17. 7km of the road network. All of which are 7.3meters wide with 9.78 kilometre of drains,” he said.

Wike Warns Against Criminal Activities Around Bonny-Bille-Nembe Jetty

Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has threatened to shut down the Bonny-Bille-Nembe Jetty in Port Harcourt if there are reported cases of criminality or physical violence in the area.

The governor said the zeal to provide an enabling environment for sea travellers and boost the marine economy of the state, spurred his administration to remodel the once dilapidated jetty first built in the 1950s.

He stated this at the commissioning of the remodelled Bonny-Bille-Nembe Jetty by the Governor of Sokoto State, Rt Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Saturday.

Governor Wike, said he decided to remodel the once filthy and disused jetty because he firmly believes that the people of the State deserve the best infrastructure required to boost economic activities and enhance the well-being of the people.

The governor noted that while the government will not relent in providing the infrastructure needed to create an enabling environment for business to thrive, it will not tolerate criminal activities around the remodelled jetty.

“Those of you too who will use this place, don’t turn it to a place of criminality. If you do that I will shut it down. I have no room for criminality and I want to tell anybody who cares.”

Governor Wike stated that he will not hesitate to shut down the jetty if any passenger travelling to and fro Bonny, Nembe or Bille is reportedly kidnapped around the jetty.

“Don’t come here and kill people. Don’t come here and kidnap people. Don’t come here to act like thugs and criminals.”

The governor ordered the contractor to erect a concrete wall around the jetty in order to make it inaccessible for non-travellers. He also directed the Commissioner for Transport to ensure the departure and arrival hall at the jetty is furnished within the next two weeks.

Governor Wike reiterated that the hope for a better and prosperous Nigeria depends on the return of the Peoples Democratic Party to power in 2023 and urged the people to continue to support the party.

He further declared that the sterling accomplishments of his administration have silenced the All Progressives Congress in the State.

Governor of Sokoto State, Rt Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, commended Governor for the judiciously applying the resources of State to address pressing needs of the people.

“It is not just about earning revenues, be it revenues from FAAC or from IGR. It is about having the grace of God in applying those revenues to the needs of the people. That is what I see here happening in Rivers State.”

Governor Tambuwal said he has seen roads being constructed, hospitals being built and several other infrastructural developments going on across the State. To this end, he said Governor Wike has justified the confidence repose on him by people of Rivers State.

He described the jetty as a very critical project that will go a long way to further make transportation easy and indeed easier for the people of the riverine communities of the State.

According to him, the movement of goods and services will be made easier, and businesses, communicate and safety of people will be improved.

“You have done a lot in the area of human capital development. You have done a lot in the infrastructural development of the state and importantly bringing back security and safety of life in Rivers State. That is very key and that is very fundamental.”

On his part, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus advised the federal government to emulate Governor Wike in the provision of basic amenities for Nigerians.

He described as preposterous the decision of the federal government to borrow money from bank accounts that have been dormant in the past three years.

“It means that the country has gone to the lowest level if we can go to borrow money from unclaimed dividends and accounts that have not been used for three years. Maybe due to litigation, maybe for one reason or the other, the accounts are not touched by the families. These are monies the federal government is ready now to borrow.

“They borrowed from China, they have borrowed from everywhere, Brazil. Now, I don’t think they are ready to give them more money. They have returned to poor people to borrow their money.

Now they should cease to borrow this money. The money is for the poor masses of this country. We in PDP we are against it. Don’t touch the monies of the people. The accounts are individual accounts. ”

Rivers State Commissioner of Transport, Mr Osima Ginah, lauded Governor Wike for completion of the project which further boosts economic activities in the riverine communities of the State.

He said the arrival and departure hall at the jetty can comfortably seat 100 passengers and has a security post and restaurant.

Be Courageous To Handover Power In 2023, Wike Tells APC

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says Nigerians are earnestly waiting for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to take over power at the federal level in order to enshrine good governance.

Governor Wike made the assertion at the inauguration of the 11.53 kilometers Agbonchai-Afam road, connecting Eleme and Oyigbo Local Government Areas, and performed by the former Senate Majority leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume on Wednesday.

The governor said Nigerians have increased their yearnings for good governance, improved economy, and developmental projects that PDP has continued to provide in the states that it controls.

He stated that the hope of Nigeria depends on the Peoples Democratic Party.
“Eleme people, I want to sincerely thank you for the support that you’ve given to me and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Do not relent. Continue because the hope of this country depends on PDP.

He declared that the PDP is working in Rivers State and in other states that are controlled by PDP. He urged Senator Ndume and the APC to respect the wishes of Nigerians who are determined to return the PDP to power in 2023 to provide the dividends of democracy.

“To our special Guest of Honour (Ndume), he should not be angry because we are taking over from them. When they came, we didn’t fight, they took over. Now, that Nigerians have decided to change them, let them also handover to us as quickly as possible without any fight.”

The governor said he is satisfied to have fulfilled the campaign promise he made to Eleme people that he will reconstruct the once deplorable Eleme-Afam road. He said the completed road now serves as an alternative route to neighbouring states.

Governor Wike, also stated that his administration has completely rebuilt the Government Secondary School in Onne Town with the one in Eteo reaching the finishing level.

“Today, we are in Eleme commissioning Agbonchia (in Eleme)-Afam in Oyigbo Local Government Road. This road traverses two Local Government Areas. Nobody will say that we have not come to Rivers East Senatorial District to do anything.

“As I speak to you now, by the end of this month, we are coming back to Alesa Secondary School and Ascension High School. Those schools will be rebuilt completely.

“And because you gave me a good, reliable and trusted person who is my Commissioner of Finance, there is this other road here that needs attention, I will reconstruct it.”

Meanwhile, former Senate majority leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who inaugurated the 11.53 kilometers long Eleme-Afam Road said he felt truly humbled to perform the task and be part of what Governor Wike is doing in his state.

Senator Ndume described governor Wike as a true nationalist who is an important voice in national affairs across parties, and always stands out as one who speaks the truth to power courageously.

“Governor Wike is my very good friend, a trusted leader, a very honest person. One thing we have in common is that, as a leader, you must stand out and speak the truth even if you’re alone and Wike is known for that.

“There is new hope for the state and he is Wike. Now, Rivers is not only becoming a Garden City again but it is becoming a Golden City. May God continue to give you (Wike) the strength.

“And from today, know that you’re a leader in this country. If you’re not a friend and a nationalist, I will not be here, Fayemi will not be here and many other APC Governors.

“You’re one of the true Nigerians that I ever know. And if we have people like you that speak the truth to power, Nigeria would have been better off for all of us.”
Speaking further, Senator Ndume commended Governor Wike for his feat in the fight against insecurity in Rivers State that has given the people the liberty to come out to participate in such an event without fear.

“You don’t know what you have until you lose it. What you’re doing here, we will never try it in Borno State. You can’t invite people like this and everybody, comfortably, listening to somebody speaking without looking around. So, we have to thank God.

“Honestly, let me say here that Nigeria is lucky to have not only Rivers State but Rivers people. South-South, particularly the Rivers people are the great people of Nigeria. What you’re giving to this country; if Rivers is not there, Nigeria will not be there.”

Rivers State Commissioner of Works, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, said prior to this time the road was a nightmare replete with all the negatives that derive from such a situation. But, today it is something that brings joy and with it, the obvious tangible and psychological benefits that come with any good transportation access to any location or locality.

“This is an 11.53km long road project, 8.5m wide with 7km of drainage. It connects Eleme in Eleme LGA to Afam in Oyigbo LGA, a very good and useful road in the movement of farm produce and pursuit of local trade.”

Wike Is A Nationalist – Senator Ali Ndume

Former leader of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Muhammad Ali Ndume has described Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State as a nationalist and friend that attracts people across political divides.

Senator Ndume who said this on Wednesday while commissioning the 11.5kms Alesa Agbonchia-Oyigbo road which connects Eleme and Oyigbo Local Government Areas in Rivers State said Governor Wike is a true Nigerian, adding that it was this attribute of the governor that has attracted him and other APC Governors to the State.

He described Gov Wike as a true Nigerian and a trusted leader as he said Wike typifies a model leader that has the boldness to stand out for the truth even when he has to stand alone.

He said, “If we had people like you that speak the truth to power Nigeria would have been better off for all of us.”

Ndume explained that he has been conversant with the state right from his Secondary School days in Port Harcourt and with the infrastructural development going on in the state Governor Wike is restoring the garden city status of Port Harcourt.

The lawmaker went on to commend the peace and security being enjoyed in Rivers State as he said that wasn’t the case in parts of the country.

He urged the host communities of the road project to contribute their quota by protecting and maintaining the infrastructure.

Gov Wike Says Ogoni Clean Up Is Deceptive, Politically Motivated

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says the federal government has been playing politics with the Ogoni environment remediation programme recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

He noted that Ogoni having played a pivotal role in the economic development of Rivers State and the country deserves more than what is currently being offered to the area.

Governor Wike stated this during the commissioning of the 16.06 kilometers dual carriage Sakpenwa-Bori Highway by the Governor of Enugu State Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Lawrence Ugwuanyi in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday.

The governor urged Ogoni people to stop believing those who use Ogoni clean-up exercise at the turn of an election year to deceive them and wondered why clean-up never happens when elections are over.

“I am not like the Federal Government. They promised you they will do the Ogoni clean-up. Has it been cleaned? I promised you road, have I done it? So you can see the difference between our party and their own party. The difference is clear.

“When the election comes in 2023, they will start another cleanup. You people don’t even ask questions. Why is it a year to the election that Ogoni clean up will always commence? Now that there is no election are they doing the clean up now? Watch from next year they will start to clean up.”

Governor Wike said it has remained undisputed that only the governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are delivering development projects to their people.

The governor challenged those who feel uncomfortable with his public declarations to also showcase their projects and invite persons of repute to commission them as he has done since December.

He stated that because of the existing mutual trust between his leadership team and the people, sufficient progress has been achieved in Ogoni land and in the entire state in terms of project delivery.

Governor Wike announced the commencement of phase two of the newly commissioned road, which will now be from Bori to Kono and it will be awarded to the same construction firm, CCECC.

“Let me tell you, I will dualise from here, Bori to Kono. It will be handled by the same contractor to maintain the same standard.

“So, when I finish and go, I will tell Ogoni people that it was in my tenure that you got road; dualised road, from Saakpenwa to Kono with street lights.

“This is what we call development. You can leave Port Harcourt and come back home any day, any time. This is what makes a city.

“When I say Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors are doing well, people are angry. If they are doing well, let them call us. Is it hidden?

“PDP Governors, we are challenging others, tell us what you’re doing. It is not to take money to go and buy one governor. That’s not it. We are talking about governors that are interested in the development of their people. We are commissioning projects.”

Governor Wike said he promised and within the specified period, he had delivered to them what he promised to demonstrate that his party is different from the other that is associated with failed promises.

The governor has meanwhile directed the chairman of Khana Local government area to ensure that the installed street lights are switched on every night to improve the security situation in the area.

Governor of Enugu State. Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Lawrence Ugwuanyi acknowledged that many projects have been inaugurated by Governor Wike, including the Saakpenwa -Bori road which was a campaign promise that has been fulfilled.

“Today’s event is significant as it epitomises the desirable fellowship among colleague governors while providing opportunity for experience sharing and other discourses on service delivery.

“I congratulate your Excellency, Governor Wike on the accomplishment of this infrastructural milestone among many others which will undoubtedly make life more meaningful for the people of Ogoni land.

“I understand that this strategic road project was a campaign promise that has been truthfully fulfilled. Expectedly, it gladdens the hearts of Ogoni people and reinforces their faith in our constitutional democracy.

“I enjoin the good people of Ogoni land and entire Rivers State to continue to support Governor Wike with their prayers and wise counsel as he takes Rivers State to the next level.”

In their goodwill message, former President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Ledum Mitee said several governors used the road as point of political campaigns, but all failed to fulfill such promises.

He said if the money wasted on the abandoned monorail by the immediate past administration was properly channelled, more flyovers and roads would have been achieved in the State.

Similarly, the president of Kagote, Hon Emma Deeyaah said governor Wike has wiped sway their tears and solved the nightmare situation that the road caused the people.

President of Gbokabari, Senator Ben Birabi noted that such quality of roads are hardly delivered in Ogoni land and said Governor Wike has re-energised the spirit of freedom in the state and has performed above expectations despite the lean financial resources.

Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Elloka Tasie-Amadi, said again, the Wike administration has demonstrated commitment in delivering long-term service projects that will enhance the socio-economic life of the people.

“This project is a 16.06 km DUAL carriage highway, with a 2m wide concrete median, an overall road width of 22.3m, drainage network of 12.02 Km, 480 double arm streetlight poles complete with transformers and generators to power the streetlights.

“It used to be a deplorable 7.3m wide road but what we have today is 3 times wider than it was then. If we were to stretch this road into a single carriageway it would stretch from here all the way to Kono a distance of about 36 km from Sapkenwa. This is excluding the added mileage we would achieve by converting the concrete median and street lighting to asphalt pavement.”

Rivers Government To Begin Ban On Trading And Illegal Motor Parks

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

The Rivers State Government says it is ready to begin enforcement of the ban on trading, illegal motor parks, taxi ranks, and mechanic workplaces.

According to a communique by Paulinus Nsirim the Commissioner for Information and Communications, the enforcement exercise will commence on Monday, January 4, 2021.

In the statement on Saturday, the Commissioner advised all those involved in these illegal activities along the streets and other public places to desist forthwith or face the full wrath of the law.

He stated that law enforcement agencies and relevant government bodies have been directed to arrest and prosecute defaulters.

Wike Says 2021 Development Agenda Will Address Citizens Wellbeing

File: Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, addressing residents in a state-wide broadcast.

Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has pledged the resolve of his administration to create a more robust business environment that will stimulate economic growth, empowerment and create tangible jobs for Rivers people in 2021.

In his new year broadcast to Rivers people, Governor Wike said having laid the development foundation for the state, efforts shall be concerted in 2021 in building Rivers State into the desired dream.

According to the governor, his administration’s agenda for the State has been clear from the beginning, with a pragmatic approach adopted in addressing the critical concerns of the people.

Such concerns, he said, had included the sustenance of peace and security, education, affordable healthcare, fixing the infrastructural deficit and driving better economic growth, and social progress for the State.

“Today, we express our gratitude to God and our people not only for the opportunity to serve but also for the achievements we have recorded, which now forms the foundations for our drive towards greater levels of development, economic growth, better life, and secured future for our people.

“But, we also concede to the fact that there’s much more to be done to realize the Rivers State of our dreams: a progressive State with fabulous infrastructures, quality education, affordable healthcare, and boundless economic opportunities for all who live in it.

“We will therefore continue in 2021 to focus on the fundamental task of creating a new Rivers State through prudent, efficient, and transparent management of available resources.

“Essentially, we shall continue to upgrade and expand educational infrastructure and services across all levels of the education system.

“There is no better guarantee for the future progress of our State and the nation than to ensure that every child has the realistic access to the transformational light of education and skills acquisition.

“We shall also continue to prioritize healthcare delivery and ensure that everyone has access to affordable primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services.”

The governor noted that 2020 was a challenging year, made worse by a mismanaged national economy in recession, coronavirus pandemic, escalated insecurity, corruption, and socio-political tensions.

He said these made life horrible for millions of struggling families and ordinary Nigerians in the face of dwindling revenues, rising inflation, poverty, and unemployment.

Nevertheless, he said the state reasonably advanced her development agenda and efforts at building a financially responsible and socially equitable State.

“Accordingly, 2020 also proved to be a very busy and eventful year for our State, especially in project execution and delivery of social services to our people.

“As customary, we initiated and completed a record number of development projects with tremendous socioeconomic impact while several others, including the multi-billion Naira flyovers, received reasonable funding and construction attention in 2020.”

Governor Wike also announced the line up of some completed projects billed for inauguration beginning from the 4th of January 2021, which include the Mother and Child hospital, the Real Madrid Academy new buildings, and the Okoro-Nu-Odo flyover.

Others, according to him, are the Sakpewa – Bori dual carriageway, the Abonnema ring road, the 10-kilometer Bolo internal roads, and the Eteo – Sime – Nowan – Kira.

“We also wish to restate our commitment to recruiting 5000 youths into the State’s public service in 2021 to reduce the unemployment rate and give the beneficiaries a new ease of life.”

The governor noted that there is a second wave of the Coronavirus experienced in the state and issued a warning to those who continue to disregard adherence to COVID-19 protocols of the danger they cause other law-abiding residents.

“It is necessary to remind everyone of our responsibility to adhere strictly to the existing protocols on compulsory wearing of face masks, maintenance of social distancing, avoiding large gatherings and the regular use of hand sanitizers so that we can reasonably prevent the rate of transmission and avoid needless deaths from the disease.

The governor expressed the government’s dismay with the continuing flouting of the ban on trading, the creation of illegal motor parks, taxi ranks, and mechanic workplaces as well as the erection of illegal kiosks along the streets and other public spaces.

“Apart from constituting a public nuisance, these activities and structures obstruct traffic flow and pose serious threats to public safety and security to the extent no responsible government can tolerate.

“With the grace period over, therefore, we have no other option than to order immediate clampdown and put a final stop to these illegal operations from the 4th of January 2021.”

2021 Avails Us An Opportunity To Reflect And Make Progress, Says Wike

A file photo of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State says 2021 avails Nigerians the opportunity to reflect on the last twelve months and look forward to the challenges and opportunities of the New Year with renewed faith and optimism.

In his message to the people of Rivers State, Governor Wike said a mismanaged national economy in recession made worse by a brutal coronavirus pandemic, escalated insecurity, corruption, and socio-political tensions in 2020 and made life truly horrible for millions of struggling families and ordinary Nigerians.

The governor further stated that the poor state of the nation’s economy and its aftershocks of dwindling revenues, rising inflation, poverty, and unemployment also affected Rivers as a State.

He however noted that his government strove and reasonably advanced its development agenda and efforts at building a financially responsible and socially equitable State.

Accordingly, 2020 also proved to be a very busy and eventful year for our State, especially in project execution and delivery of social services to our people.

“As customary, we initiated and completed a record number of development projects with tremendous socioeconomic impact while several others, including the multi-billion naira flyovers, received reasonable funding and construction attention in 2020.

“As you know, some of the completed projects were inaugurated earlier this month while several more completed projects, including the Mother and Child hospital, the Real Madrid Academy new buildings, the Okoro-Nu-Odo flyover, the Sakpewa – Bori dual carriageway, the Abonnema ring road, the 10-kilometer Bolo internal roads, and the Eteo – Sime – Nowan – Kira road are due for inauguration from the 4th of January 2021.

“Our agenda for the State has been clear from the very beginning, and far from the misguided views of some of our critics, we are not reworking old recipes in our development efforts.

“Rather, we are surely and pragmatically addressing the critical concerns of our people, including the sustenance of peace and security, education and affordable healthcare, fixing our infrastructural deficit, and driving better economic growth and social progress for our State than is generally acknowledged.

“Today, we express our gratitude to God and our people not only for the opportunity to serve but also for the achievements we have recorded which now forms the foundations for our drive towards greater levels of development, economic growth, better life, and secured future for our people,” Wike’s statement partly read.

The governor conceded that there’s much more to be done to realize a Rivers State which the people dream of, one with fabulous infrastructures, quality education, affordable healthcare, and boundless economic opportunities for all who live in it.

He promised his government will continue in 2021 to focus on the fundamental task of creating a new Rivers State through prudent, efficient, and transparent management of available resources.

“Essentially, we shall continue to upgrade and expand educational infrastructures and services across all levels of the education system.

“There is no better guarantee for the future progress of our State and the nation than to ensure that every child has realistic access to the transformational light of education and skills acquisition.

“We shall also continue to prioritize healthcare delivery and ensure that everyone has access to affordable primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services.

“We, therefore, commit to completing all ongoing and new healthcare infrastructures, including the five zonal tertiary hospitals and the proposed specialist hospital for the treatment of cancer, kidney, and cardiovascular diseases.

“In the same vein, we shall continue to give focused attention to the State’s physical and economic infrastructure and ensure that we deliver fabulous roads, bridges, and flyovers to connect all parts of our State to ease the movement of goods and services, enhance economic growth and accelerate the development of the State.

“Along with quality education, affordable health care, and transport infrastructures, we shall also focus on creating a more robust business environment to stimulate economic growth, empowerment and create tangible jobs for our people.

“We also wish to restate our commitment to recruiting 5000 youths into the State’s public service in 2021 to reduce the unemployment rate and give the beneficiaries a new ease of life,” Governor Wike stated.

He warned citizens of the state regarding the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Rivers.

According to the governor, this makes it necessary to remind everyone of their responsibility to adhere strictly to the existing protocols on compulsory wearing of face masks, maintenance of social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, and the regular use of hand sanitizers so that we can reasonably prevent the rate of transmission and avoid needless deaths from the disease.

Governor Wike further expressed dismay over the continued flouting of the ban on trading, the creation of illegal motor parks, taxi ranks, and mechanic workplaces as well as the erection of illegal kiosks along our streets and other public spaces.

With the grace period, the governor noted that there will be no other option than to order an immediate clampdown and put a final stop to the illegal operations from the 4th of January 2021.

Governor Wike urged citizens of Rivers Stater to eschew recriminations, “turn a new page on the hatred that has kept the state divided, forgive one another and together, work towards making our dear State the best place on earth to live, do business and bring up our children”.

According to Wike, the challenge before Rivers State on this New Year’s remains how the people can work together to overcome the roadblocks to progress and to build a State that holds the concrete promise of hope for the present and future generations.

He urged the people to start a new chapter of cooperation, togetherness, and solidarity and in one accord unleash their potentials on the development of the State and better the lots of the people, adding that there is no goal Rivers State cannot achieve if her people remain united.

Wike thanked all leaders, traditional rulers, elder statesmen, religious leaders, party chieftains, opinion leaders, men, women, youths, and the press for their continued support, prayers, and understanding and reassured all of his government’s commitment to serving then people, as collectively the future desired for Rivers State is built.

While wishing everyone a prosperous, blessed, and happy New Year, the governor encouraged all Riverians to recommit themselves to the new Rivers Vision by working together under God’s guidance to make 2021 truly remarkable and fulfilling for Rivers State.

Reps Invitation: Buhari’s Integrity Is Now At Stake, Says Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says President Muhammadu Buhari’s reputation is on the line following his failure to honour the recent summon by the House of Representatives.

The governor’s position was contained in a statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Governor, Mr Kelvin Ebiri.

In the communique, Governor Wike said the level of insecurity leading to deaths, particularly in Borno State and other parts of the country ought to have compelled President Buhari to keep his promise of honouring the invitation by the House of Representatives.

He pointed out that it was APC members who control a majority in the National Assembly that moved the motion to invite the President to address them on what measures are being taken to tackle and end the spate of violent killings, to which he consented.

Reps Invite: Malami Was Wrong To Turn Buhari’s Summon Into Legal Issue – Wike

Do Not Sow The Seed Of Discord Among Governors, Wike Cautions PDP NWC

The governor said it was wrong for the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation to turn around to subject the invitation to legal interpretation, instead of protecting the integrity of the President which is now at stake.

“There is insecurity. People are dying. You don’t go by a legal approach to solve that problem. If Mr. President had given the assurance, saying my integrity is at stake, therefore I will go, that decision was not taken without talking first to his inner cabinet.

“It’s not a question and answers session. You go with a brief to address the congress. To say, see where it was when we came, see where we are today. Yes, we have not achieved what we thought, but what we require from everyone is cooperation.

“For me, I think this is not the period to be legalistic. This is the period every Nigerian should be concerned about what is happening. Just this morning (Friday), I heard that 16 people were killed on Abuja-Kaduna road yesterday. Look at the loss of life in Borno State. Senate has said look, Mr President, relief all Service Chiefs, which means they are concerned about the security situation in the country.”

He further stated that if he were the Attorney General of the federation, he would have advised the President privately and urge him to write a letter to the House of Representatives that he would come at a later day because of the exigency of his office.

To end the spate of violent crime in the country, Governor Wike recommended the creation of employment opportunities for youths and drastic change to the operational system of policing in the country.

He insisted that States must also be allowed to be involved in Community policing.

Reps Invite: Malami Was Wrong To Turn Buhari’s Summon Into Legal Issue – Wike

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State says it was wrong for the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation to turn President Muhammadu Buhari’s National Assembly invitation into a legal issue.

Following the deteriorating state of security across the nation, the National Assembly resolved to invite President Buhari, an invitation that the Commander-In-Chief accepted.

But the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami in a statement on Wednesday argued that the National Assembly has no constitutional power to summon the President.

The Attorney General of the Federation in a communique titled ‘Buhari’s Summon: NASS Operates Outside Constitutional bounds,’ stated that the “National Assembly has no constitutional power to envisage or contemplate a situation where the president would be summoned by the national assembly on the operational use of the armed forces.”

He also noted that the right of the President to engage the National Assembly and appear before it is “inherently discretionary in the President and not at the behest of the National Assembly.”

Reacting to Malami’s position on the matter, Governor Wike said rather than protect Buhari’s integrity, the Justice Minister’s statements put the President’s reputation on the line.

Wike further stated that the level of insecurity leading to deaths, particularly in Borno State and other parts of the country ought to have compelled President Buhari to keep his promise of honouring the invitation by the House of Representatives.

The governor pointed out that it was APC members who control a majority in the National Assembly that moved the motion to invite the President to address them on what measures are being taken to tackle and end the spate of violent killings, to which he consented.

“For me, I think this is not the period to be legalistic. This is the period every Nigerian should be concerned about what is happening. Just this morning (Friday), I heard that 16 people were killed on Abuja-Kaduna road yesterday. Look at the loss of life in Borno State. Senate has said look, Mr. President, relief all Service Chiefs, which means they are concerned about the security situation in the country.”

He insisted that States must be allowed to be involved in community policing.

Wike Signs 2021 Budget, Pledges Implementation To Improve Status Of Life In Rivers

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has signed into law the 2021 Appropriation Bill and promised that it will be implemented in providing basic infrastructure for the good of the State.

Signing the 2021 Budget at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday, Governor Wike said his administration is working assiduously to sustain the tempo of development that has continued to stand the state out in the federation.

He assured those who have wondered why the on-going projects in their local government areas were not mentioned when he presented the budget to the State Assembly that such projects are already captured as special projects and will be completed.

“So many people have asked why there are no projects in their area. We could not have, in our budget speech, named all the projects. But within the budget, there are many projects and those that cannot be named, we have to put them under special projects.

“Everybody should be rest assured that no local government will be left out as long as the implementation of this budget is concerned. What is important is that we will do all we can to make sure that this Appropriation Law is fully implemented, particularly as regards basic infrastructure that we are supposed to provide for our people.”

Governor Wike said the infrastructural revolution in the state is already appreciated across party divide particularly with comments from the chairman of Senate Committee On Work, Senator Adamu Aliero.

“Today, when we went for the 26th meeting of National Council on Works. Senator Adamu Aliero said he wants to tell other states to emulate what’s going on in Rivers state.

“He said that as they were coming, they were so satisfied with what they have seen and Babatunde Fashola, who is the Minister of Works and Housing, said he does not want to talk about the development in the state so that I will not play politics with it. People are seeing the good works we are doing.”

The governor commended members of the State Assembly for the expeditious passage of the bill into law, which indicates their love for the continued development of the state.

“It is not easy to pass these bills into laws in such a short time and I want to commend your efforts. If you’re not interested in the development of the state it will not have been possible.

“We have always said that it is not only for the Executive to see that the state moves forward, it is also for the Legislature and Judiciary. We are lucky that our in-state that the arms of government are working very closely, and doing their own work.

“People should talk about how Rivers State will move forward. I’ve told anybody to challenge us and tell me one local government where there is no state government project. Let us work together and you’ll see our state will be a different state.”

In presenting the bill for signing, the leader of the House, Hon. Martins Amaewhule said the Assembly gave speedy attention to the bills because they will further make life better for Rivers people when implemented.

Speaker of the house, Right Honourable Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani assured that the Assembly will continue to perform its function to complement the efforts of the Executive in providing a secure state for the people.

The bills signed into law include:

Rivers State Appropriation law
No. 25 of 2020.
Rivers State Dehumanising and Harmful Traditional Practices (Abortion) (Amendment) law
No. 11 of 2019
Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (Amendment) law
No. 24 of 2020
Rivers State Security Trust Fund Law
No. 6 of 2020
The Port Harcourt Polytechnic (Amendment) Law
No. 13 of 2019
Rivers State Audit Law
No. 2 of 2020 Rivers State Violence
No 4 of 2020 Rivers State Female Circumcision (Abolition) (Amendment)
No 9 of 2019

Ortom Defended Benue During Herdsmen Invasion – Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has lauded his Benue state counterpart, Governor Samuel Ortom, for standing firmly to defend his people against terrorist herdsmen and dismiss claims he was leaving the Peoples Democratic Party.

Governor Wike maintained that nothing depicts failure of governance than the inability of any government saddled with responsibility of protecting life and property to do so.

He stated this during the commissioning of some the road projects constructed by Governor Ortom in Makurdi and Guma Local Government Areas of Benue State on Tuesday.

Governor Wike, said he was not surprised that Governor Ortom was fulfilling his pledge to provide dividends of democracy like the 41 kilometer road linking Makurdi and Guma LGAs, to the people of Benue State despite efforts by terrorists plot to destabilise the State.

“We must fight against injustice in the country. Ortom is not one of those Governors who will shy away from standing for the truth. Ortom, stood firm when his people were being killed. The major cardinal of governance is protection of life and property. If you cannot protect life of your people and property, governance is zero.”

Governor Wike stated that because Ortom stood firm to speak against abandonment of his people by the federal government, he was bullied and intimidated by his former party, the All Progressives Congress.

The Rivers State governor used the occasion to dismiss insinuation that Ortom was on the verge of defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC.

“Today, in this country there is total insecurity and then people are telling you Ortom is moving. To where he nearly died? Who digs his grave? Does any man dig his grave? God brought him out of the wilderness. When he was longing, seeking for shelter and water to drink and God provided him a platform. And after he had suffered and brought his people back from the wilderness, then some people are coming to say he is coming backing. Coming back to where ?”
Governor Wike described Ortom as a man of character who had passed through difficulties in his political career in a bid to defend and protect his people, which is the essence of governance.

“I knew what happened, and you stood firm to show that this is the type of leadership we need in this country and that is why your people can come back today to start rebuilding where the terrorists came to destroy. My coming here to support you is not only because we are friends, but because I cannot stand injustice. Whether anybody likes it or not, I will continue in my life to fight injustice because nobody is a third class citizen of this county. All of us have equal rights in this country, so let nobody be deceived that there are people who are born to be first-class and there are people who were born to be third class.”

On his part, Governor Ortom explained at a very critical moment in Benue history, Governor Wike demonstrated friendship by speaking out against the neglect of the State and donated N200 million to support internally displaced persons.

“When we were attacked by terrorist herdsmen and militia groups coming to invade our land and to take over in the name of cattle rearing, and we saw it and stood up against it. Governor Wike was with us. He spoke out when others shied away from speaking the truth and speaking against the injustice that was being meted out against us. Governor Wike stood against the injustice.

“When eventually we have IDPS and were crying everyday, looking for food to give them, looking for shelter, looking for medication and other needs, Governor Wike stood up. He could have sent someone, but he came here, in Benue state, and donated the sum of N200 million. For him to spare N200 million to support IDPs in Benue state in distress, it a thing we will never forget.”

The governor said all those who share in the same aspiration of fighting against injustice; fighting for equity, transparency, and fairness must come together to save the country.

“Security is a challenge, the economy is a problem to every one of us and we are all affected. Politically, nothing is defined in such a way that we can sleep with our two eyes closed and trust each other. It is unfortunate that we have gotten ourselves to where we are. But, God will not come from heaven and turn around things. It is we, Nigerians that must find a way of solving the problems we have and that is why some of us will continue to say that there is need for a kind of dialogue.

“There is a need for Nigerians to sit together and look at where we are and see what can be done to correct the imbalance that we have today in our economy, in our security and Political. Something is wrong. There is no doubt about that and we must find a way of correcting that.”

Governor Ortom lauded Wike for coming to his rescue when he was in distress in the APC. He explained that the Rivers State governor stood by him and persuaded the stakeholders in Benue PDP to accommodate him.

“When I was in distress in my former political party, I did not what to do and I went to him he stood with me and rose up and spoke to the stakeholders to say look this young man must not be abandoned because he stood for his people. Wike came here himself with leaders of PDP, discussed with stakeholders of the party in Benue state and brought me into the PDP and today I am a governor.”