GOVERNOR WIKE MONITORS LOCKDOWN, COMMENDS RIVERS PEOPLE FOR COMPLIANCE

Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has commended Rivers people for complying with the lockdown declared by the State Government to check the spread of coronavirus.

In an interview after monitoring the level of compliance  on Thursday,  Governor Wike said that the level of compliance is up to 95percent.

He said: "I want to commend Rivers people for the level of support they have shown. The level of compliance is quite satisfactory.  It is more than 95 percent within the two Local Government Areas ."

He regretted that the Deputy Commissioner of Police,  Rivers State Police Command moved to sabotage the lockdown by issuing illegal letters to companies.

"It is unfortunate to see the level of sabotage that we get from the police. Particularly,  the Deputy Commissioner of Police,  Operations,  Rivers State Police Command.

"The Deputy Commissioner of Police will sign approvals for companies because he wants to collect money. I am the Governor of this state and there cannot be two governors," he said.

He said the approvals issued by the police or any other authorities,  outside the office of the Rivers State Governor are illegal.

He said: "The Deputy Commissioner of Police has no powers to issue approvals when the State Government has locked down the state. After the State Security Council met and agreed on the lockdown,  the Deputy Commissioner of Police went ahead to issue illegal letters to companies to operate.  I have never seen that in my life".

The Governor said that all those who were arrested violating the lockdown will be prosecuted by the State Government.

He said: "All these violators must be prosecuted at the mobile court set for this purpose. What we are doing is not for any particular individual, it is for the interest of the state".

Governor Wike assured Rivers people that the lockdown will be lifted as soon as the objective is achieved.

He said: "Our people are suffering,  I agree. But this is something we must do. When we examine the level of compliance and it is reasonable, of course,  we will unlock the two Local Government Areas.

"It is not in our own interest that people shouldn't come out or go to the markets. But we are talking about lives and how to protect our people.

"Look at what is happening in other parts of the country,  the Deputy Commissioner of Police,  Operations wants us to suffer".

Governor Wike said that the State Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on the illegal activities of the Deputy Commissioner of Police,  Operations.

He said: "I have called for an emergency security Council meeting by 3pm today. This is complete sabotage by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Rivers State Police Command. We will deal with that accordingly.

"I, however,  thank the Army,  the Navy and others on what they are doing to enforce the lockdown.

"For the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) to sabotage us, that will not be accepted. I arrested those people and he had the guts to tell them to release those I arrested on the road because he is collecting money from companies.  That is unacceptable".

Governor Wike insisted that the impounded vehicles would be auctioned.

"The defaulters will be tried by the Mobile Courts and I have told the Attorney General,  all the impounded vehicles must be auctioned. By tomorrow,  the Honourable Attorney General would have advertised those vehicles and we will auction them.

"Some people don't believe that Coronavirus is in existence.  Until you make them understand that we are serious,  they will not believe it. We will auction the impounded vehicles

"Those arrested will face the wrath of the law. Nobody is above the law. We will not allow anyone to sabotage our efforts to protect our people," he said.

In the course of monitoring the level of compliance,  Governor Wike arrested several violators and impounded cars.

Governor Wike also arrested some very important persons (VIPS), who were not on essential duties,  but were moving around with their police escorts.

But he allowed a pregnant woman who violated the lockdown order, on compassionate grounds.

At the Elekahia Isolation Centre,  over 200 persons have been arrested and over 20 vehicles impounded by different teams enforcing the lockdown.  They are to face the full weight of the law

No apology for rejecting cattle colony in Rivers – Wike

Rosemary Nwisi

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has reiterated the stand of the state against the creation of cattle colony in the state.

Wike who spoke at a solidarity rally in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Tuesday by Rivers East senatorial zone, said he has no regrets for his stand saying that he will not apologise to anyone for rejecting cattle colony in the state.

He said: ‘I am a proper Rivers man in all ramifications, therefore I owe no one apology for rejecting cattle colony in Rivers State.”

“I will stand by that, whether you are in Abuja or wherever you may be hear me well, I do not owe any body any apology.”

Wike however, accused his predecessor of selling off state assets worth $308 million and expending N50 billion on the Rivers Monorail, a project he said Rivers people do not need.

He added “I will not let the people of Rivers South-East senatorial district and the entire Rivers people down; PDP is the only hope for this country come 2019, Buhari led APC has failed in all its promises.”

“All they are doing is to kill the economy of Nigeria but by the grace of God they will not succeed.”

Meanwhile, former Governor Celestine Omehia has apologized to the people of the state on behalf of the minister for transportation and the for governor of Rivers state Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

Omehia who apologized to Rivers East senatorial district on behalf of former Governor Amaechi, whom he called his younger brother, alleged that the problems faced in the area was caused by Amaechi.

He said “I am sorry that the problem Rivers East is facing is led by a person from the zone, I am in a position to say sorry for what my younger brother is causing for the senatorial district and am advising him to stop now for if the people of the Rivers East senatorial district decide to cook for him (Amaechi) to eat, he cannot be able to eat it.”

culled from www.nationaonlineng.net

Rivers Governor says 2017 budget records 74% performance

Governor Nyesom Wike has said that the state’s 2017 Budget recorded 74 per cent performance, representing significant improvement on that of 2016.

The governor disclosed this in Port Harcourt while presenting the 2018 Appropriation Bill to the legislature.

The governor announced that the state witnessed a 31 per cent shortfall in its targeted revenue for 2017.

Wike said that aggregate revenue receipts as at December 31, 2017 stood at N278.2 billion, representing only 69 per cent of total projected revenue.

“This left us with a shortfall of over N192 billion in spite of the sharp shortfalls in revenue receipts.

“We resisted the temptations of funding the budget through borrowing.

“This is because it will make no economic sense to spend more than what we earned and plunge the state into unnecessary debts,’’ he said.

He said the government spent N64 billion on payment of salaries; N12.5 billion on overhead and N10 billion on pensions.

According to him, N155 billion, representing 63 per cent of actual receipts, has been spent on capital projects.

Wike said his administration had been able to efficiently utilise available resources to successfully deliver on verifiable projects.

The governor projected N510 billion for the 2018 fiscal year, recording an increase of N40 billion against 2017 budget of N470 billion.

http://www.pulse.ng

Elelenwo-Akpajo Road to be ready May —Wike

Rivers State governor, Mr Nyesom Wike, has said that his administration will complete the dualization of Elelenwo-Akpajo Road before its third anniversary.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike Speaking during the End of Year/Elelenwo Day of thanksgiving at Saint Mark Anglican Church, Elelenwo, yesterday, Governor Wike said the road will be commissioned as part of the administration’s third anniversary celebrations.

He said the refusal of the immediate past governor of Rivers State to construct the all-important road presented him with the opportunity to ensure the construction of the road by a first class contractor.

He said: “Thank God, the previous administration failed to construct this important road. Their failure has given us the privilege to dualise the road. God’s time is always the best

“The road will be completed before our third year anniversary. This road will be fitted with street lights to enhance the security of the area at night.” He assured the people of Elelenwo that the Rivers State Government will continue to execute projects in the area.

While thanking them for their support for his administration, the governor wished them a prosperous 2018.

 

In his sermon, Anglican Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt Reverend Innocent Ordu thanked the Rivers State Governor for his good works for the people of the state.

 

He prayed God to protect and sustain the Rivers State Governor to continue his service to the state. Governor Wike later commissioned the New Palace of the Nyeweli Elelenwo, Eze Sunny Weli Chuku. Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of an award of excellence to the Rivers State Governor by the Anglican Youth Fellowship, AYF of Saint Mark Anglican Church, Elelenwo.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/01/elelenwo-akpajo-road-ready-may-wike/

The essence of Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road

Simeon Nwakaudu

One of the key commitments that Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike made during his campaigns ahead of the 2015 General Election is the completion of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road which links the riverine communities to the mainland.

Governor Wike stated that what the former Commissioner of Works, Mr Dakuku Peterside, an indigene of Opobo Town, failed to do for his people, will be achieved in the course of his first term.

On November 16, 2016, Governor Wike made good his promise. He flagged off the completion of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road.

The road, which was initiated by former Governor Peter Odili, was abandoned by immediate past Governor Rotimi Amaechi .

Flagging off the completion of the Ogoni Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road , Governor Wike assured the people of Andoni and Opobo-Nkoro that before the end of his first term, they will be driving home to their respective communities .

He regretted that the immediate past Amaechi administration despite getting N20billion to N25billion monthly from the Federation Account , failed to embark on meaningful developmental projects .

He assured that the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road will be consistently funded because his administration remains committed to the economic development of the riverine communities .

He said: “This road is a major economic intervention for the riverine communities of Opobo and Andoni Local Government Areas. It also cuts across Khana Local Government Area.

“This project is a major empowerment scheme for the people of these three local government areas. Our people in the riverine communities can now drive home.

“I am happy that the 2015 APC Governorship candidate who was a Works Commissioner, but refused to construct the road to his home local government area, will now drive home”.

This project has become one of the major highpoints of the Wike administration. The contractor, Raffoul Nigeria Limited is working round the clock to ensure the actualization of the governor’s pledge.

Funding has been consistent. So far, rural dwellers have been empowered through regular sub-contracts, direct and indirect employment by the contractor.

On the Opobo axis at the Nkoro Junction, the contractors have laid asphalt up to Bridge Number 7, which is approximately four kilometres. Work has been completed along this section.

After bridge 7, the contractors are heading towards bridge 8 . The span of bridge 8 is 1600metres long. Work has reached 300 metres away from the position of bridge 8.

Bush clearing work towards bridge 8 has reached advanced stage and it will be completed in two weeks. For now, bush clearing has reached the creek crossing into Opobo Town.

From the bridge to Kalaibiama, the contractor is embarking on extensive earthworks and piling with sharp sand.

With the consistency of work and the delivery of culverts, roads and asphalts, the contractors will enter into Opobo town between June and July, 2018.

For the Andoni axis, from the Nkoro Junction, asphalting has gone beyond five kilometres up to Bridge 3. The contractors have done quality stone base.

The road is expected to reach Ngo town, the headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area between June and July, 2018.

Governor Wike remains committed to state-wide development, carrying every ethnic nationality along in the growth process.

For the people of Opobo-Nkoro and Andoni Local Government Areas, the Unity Road remains a vital source of economic opportunities. The roads will kick-start multiple economic activities, especially small and medium scale enterprises.

The fact that the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road links the all-important Sakpenwa-Bori Road makes access to Port Harcourt easier for businesses in the two local government areas.

For Governor Wike, the main goal is to improve the living condition of Rivers people, enhance their security and transform their environment.

Nwakaudu is Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike’s Special Assistant (Broadcast).

www.thenationonlineng.net

Wike Inaugurates Committee For African Wrestling Championship

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 2018 African Wrestling Championship, which will hold in Port Harcourt in February 2018.

Inaugurating the committee at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Governor Wike asked all members to organise a world-class event.

“This competition is important to Rivers State – give it all it takes. I urge you to start working immediately,” he said.

“Make sure that all the requirements are put in place for the championship. I will personally work to ensure that we have other sponsors for the event”.

The governor said the African Wrestling Championship would be given top priority in the coming four months, adding that it would effectively showcase the state and Nigeria.

He asked the committee, chaired by the Rivers State Commissioner of Sports, Mr Boma Iyaye, to work directly with security agencies to prevent any form of security breach during the championship.

Wike specifically challenged the Vice Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Mr Daniel Igali, to bring his experience and expertise to the table for the success of the event.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Iyaye assured the governor that the committee would deliver on its mandate by conducting a hitch-free championship.

Members of the Committee include Mr Stephen Adue, Mr Emma Okah, Professor Princewill Chike, Mrs Tonye Onyide and Mr Honour Sirawoo.

Other are Boma Iyaye, Daniel Igali, Representative of Federal Minister of Sports, Commissioner of Police/Rep member, Jackson Bidei, J.J Kio – Member, Ambassador Koko – Chief of Protocol/Senior special assistant and Falilat Ogunkoya,

Wike To FG: Revisit Recruitment Regime Of Security Agencies

BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA

Rivers State Governor, Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, has called on the Federal Government to take a critical look at the recruitment processes of security agencies to mitigate alleged issues of human rights abuses by security operatives.

Wike made the call on Tuesday when the Presidential Investigating Panel to Review Compliance of the Armed Forces with Human Rights Obligation and Rules of Engagement, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, expressed the hope that the panel will fashion out a sustainable mechanism to deal with issues of human rights abuses by security agencies.

He stated that it is unfortunate that across the country there have been alleged cases of brutality and human rights abuses by security agencies because of the activities of a few bad eggs, noting that in Rivers State the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) has terrorised the citizenry to such an extent that the people are more afraid of SARS than armed robbers and kidnappers.

The governor further stated that the electoral rights of the Rivers people were undermined by security agents during the last election and expressed the hope that indicted persons will be made to face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent.

He said, “You will get memoranda from us about the undermining of the electoral act by security Agencies. There is an urgent need to look at the recruitment processes, are they qualified? Are they patriotic? Do they have professional ethics? These are questions that are begging for answers.”

The governor said he believes so much in the unity of this country and will not support any secessionist agenda because God in his infinite wisdom has put Nigeria together as one and will continue to remain so.

He stated that the state is very peaceful because his administration has empowered the security agencies with the necessary logistics support to ensure the safety of the citizenry, noting that the State Boundary Commission and the relevant ministries and parastatals are also working round the clock to promote peaceful coexistence in the State.

Earlier, Chairman of the Presidential Investigating Panel to Review Compliance of the Armed Forces with Human rights Obligation and Rules of Engagement, Hon. Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill, had informed the governor that they have received memoranda from various stake holders and are now in Port Harcourt for the public sitting of the South South Zone.

Georgewill stated that the panel after successfully sitting in Abuja for the North Central and Maiduguri in the North East will sit between the 25th and 28th of September, 2017 and called on the people of the South South States to avail themselves the opportunity to make presentations.

Culled from www.leadership.ng