Wike gets approval to borrow N20bn

Okafor Ofiebor

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state, has gotten approval of from the House of Assembly to obtain the sum of N20 billion LOAN from Access BANK Plc.

The lawmakers gave the approval barely three weeks after a similar loan of N10 billion from Zenith BANK Plc was approved by the House for the state governor to execute “vital projects”.

Wike had written to the House through the Speaker, Ikuinyi Ibani, requesting for an approval to take the loan, which would be serviced through the state Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR).

The state chief executive posited that the loan would be used to fund ongoing road projects awarded by the former governor Chibuike Amaechi-led administration and new ones.

Twenty-nine out of 32 lawmakers voted in favour of the approval, after giving their reasons for supporting the decision.

The lawmakers admitted that most of the roads in state were impassable due to ABANDONMENT of the projects, which had caused challenges to members of the public.

The Rivers lawmakers noted that the ongoing projects were commercial roads, adding that, when COMPLETED, they would accelerate economic dividends of the state.

Speaker Ibani, while ruling on the matter, said that no president or governor could fulfill his electioneering promises without FUNDS.

“The 8th Assembly will only give approval for projects we know. We must know the reason for any loan facility the government is requesting even now, or later”.

Taking a cue from Governor Wike’s recognition of Celestine Omehia as former governor of the state last week the House of Assembly has also given recognition Sir Celestine Omehia as a former governor of the state.

His recognition by a motion moved by the leader of the House, Martin Amaewhule, representing Obio/Akpor Constituency 1, commending Governor Wike for restoring Omehia his rights and privileges as governor.

He argued that as governor, Omehia proclaimed the 6th Assembly of the state in 2007, adding that: “It is only okay to right the wrong; to remove impediments and ensure there was smooth governance”.

The Speaker clarified that the House did not intend to challenge the decision of the Supreme Court on Omehia, but are trying to look back, if there was a vacuum created.

He said the House would recognise him from the period he was sworn-in and sacked by the Supreme Court, adding that, his portrait should be at Government House Port Harcourt, as Governor Wike had done already.

Culled from www.pmnewsnigeria.com 

Kano result is for Nyesom Wike

Godbless Asamoah scored the first goal for Dolphins

Dolphins Football Club on Sunday became the first club in the Nigerian league to draw in Kano this season and players/ officials of the club have dedicated the point to Governor Nyesom Wike.

After going two goals down, Dolphins rallied round to end the encounter 2-2 and Media Manager, China Acheru says it was the payments made to players just three days before the game that geared them up.

“I have always said that a well paid players does not guarantee success, but one thing you are sure of is that they will be focused on their immediate assignment,” Acheru said.

“For eight months the team had lacked focus as players and officials were either running from creditors, their landlords or not able to pay school fees for their kids.

“However, with what happened in Port Harcourt last week and all debts seemingly paid, the boys can stay focused and we are happy we did the near impossible on Sunday in Kano,” Acheru said.

Victor Ezuruike, who came on in the last fifteen minutes of the game added that the boys have solved some of their problems and are now focused on the task ahead.

“Honestly, it was that payment that “gingered” us to perform and that is because that money we received at least helped us solve some problems around us and we just want to thank the governor,” Ezuruike said.

Coach of the side, Stanley Eguma thanked the governor for his swiftness in responding to their welfare.

“By the time we left Port Harcourt I sensed we were going to get a result because the players all wore bright faces.

“We just thank the governor for the gesture and believe he will continue to handle our matters with this kind of speed,” Eguma said.

Dolphins have remained in Kano since their draw on Sunday and will depart for Katsina on Tuesday for a league game against Elkanemi at the Karkarda Stadium on Wednesday.

The last time Kano Pillars drew a home match in the League was April 30, 2014 against Heartland. The encounter ended 1-1

Wike pays unscheduled visit to hospitals, laments their terrible state

The Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, paid unscheduled visits to two general hospitals in Rivers State on Saturday and promised to rehabilitate them after seeing the sorry state of the hospitals.

The governor who ever since his assumption of office as governor has visited some projects’ sites and facilities lamented the INTERNAL state of the hospitals.

At the Bori General Hospital, the patients who were obviously elated to see the governor, narrated the dearth of basic facilities to save lives-disclosing that their patronage of the hospital is planked on lack of choice as they cannot afford the MONEY to visit better clinics else where else they would have done so.

Uncomfortable with the state of the hospital the governor ORDERED the permanent secretary of the ministry of health, Dr. Somieari Isaac Harry, and the chairman of the Rivers State MANAGEMENT Board, Dr Okikere Iragunima to submit- within two weeks-a proposal/budget that will give the. Hospital a facelift.

This, the governor said, must include both equipment and the building. The visit of the governor coincided with the delivery Of a baby boy named after him. The parents of the baby were filled with joy when the governor stopped over to see the baby.

Dr Iragunima who also lamented the poor state of the hospital, disclosed that the hospital receives about THREE thousand patients monthly even in it’s terrible state as it serves five local government areas, namely: Khana, Gokana, Tai,Andoni and Opobo/Nkoro. He ruled that the hospital which was built by the colonial government has been ignored by governments in the past.

Straight from the Ward, Governor Wike visited the official residential quarters of the doctors and nurses. Not pleased with the state in which they are, he ordered that a budget on a befitting quarters be submitted to him within two weeks.

His words: “the doctors and the nurses do not need to live outside so that they can attend to patients promptly “The quarters, he insists, must be fenced.

Wike also visited the Emohua General. Moved to tears by the sight of the abandoned hospital over grown with bushes , Gov Wike said in Emohua, the life threatening buildings put up before independence and is now derelict must be demolished and new ones built . Not a single patient was seen in that hospital as dangerous reptiles and rodents inhabited the old and collapsing buildings. He further DIRECTED that access road and security must be provided.

It is pertinent to state that the roads leading to the hospitals are near impassable.

Culled from www.pmnewsnigeria.com

Wike Commissions South African Visa Application Centre

By Victor Edozie

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has COMMISSIONED the South Africa visa application centre in Port Harcourt.

Inaugurating the centre, Wike said by ESTABLISHING the centre in the state, the South African government has sent a "clear message that Rivers is safe for business".

He added that the state government has taken measures to ensure that businesses operate in a secure ENVIRONMENT.

"I wish to commend the South African Government for letting the world know that Rivers State is safe for local and INTERNATIONAL businesses. We will continue to work with the South African government and other investors to ensure that the business environment improves. We will also continue to improve on the security of the state to attract more investors," he said.

He urged the South African government to WORK towards ensuring that its Airways plies the Port Harcourt route.

In his remarks, South African High Commissioner to NIGERIA, Mr Lulu Mnguni, called for the development of tourism ties between NIGERIA and South Africa. He said such ties would improve relationship between the TWO countries.

He said the visa application centre in Port Harcourt will eliminate the distance problem hitherto experienced by those in Port Harcourt and the South -South states who had to travel to Lagos for visas.

The High Commissioner said despite the new visa regulations, the embassy will always consider the support Nigeria gave to South Africa during her trying moment.

Culled from www.allafrica.com

Rivers State most hospitable, lucrative for investment – Wike

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers has stated categorically that the state “is investors haven as it is the most hospitable and lucrative place for INVESTMENT.”

Wike stated this after South Africa’s opened a visa office in Port Harcourt, the state CAPITAL.

He urged the INTERNATIONAL community to dismiss the negative stories about the state as the issue of security remained a global affair.

Wike promised to improve on the security situation in the state but said that the state was one of the safest in the country.

“We will do everything we can to RETURN Port Harcourt to its past glory and we will want everybody to support the government,” he said.

Wike commended the South African High COMMISSION for selecting Port Harcourt as one of its visa centres in the country.

He said that the centre would boost diplomatic relations and provide employment for the citizenry.

Wike pledged the government’s support to complement the efforts of the High COMMISSION in the state and enjoined other diplomatic missions to imitate the South African government.

The governor, however, called on the South African embassy to go beyond setting up a visa office by commencing direct flight operations between Port Harcourt and Johannesburg.

Culled from www.pmnewsnigeria.com

Wike inaugurates committee to host international matches

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers on Friday in Port Harcourt inaugurated an organising committee for the city’s hosting of two INTERNATIONAL football matches in July.

Speaking while inaugurating the committee at Government House in Port Harcourt, Wike said hosting the matches would promote the state as a safe place for business and sports.

“The approval of the hosting of the matches in Port Harcourt by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is an INDICATION of the confidence the football body has in the state.

“We must ensure that the matches are SUCCESSFUL and played under a secured atmosphere,” he said.

The governor said the state would continue to play host to important national and international events to “dispel false information peddled by political opponents”.

He urged the committee to get to WORK immediately and determine the stadium to be used between the Liberation Stadium and the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

In his response, Chairman of the committee, Boma Iyaye, ASSURED the governor that he and his colleagues would ensure that the matches were hosted successfully.

The matches are Super Falcons versus Equatorial Guinea on July 18, and the Dream Team VI versus Congo’s under-23 male national team on July 19.

Culled from www.pmnewsnigeria.com

IT'S A MATTER OF FACT : WHY WIKE IS RIGHT ON OMEHIA

By Oraye St. Franklyn

Since the news broke of the restoration of the rights of Sir Celestine Omehia as a former Governor of Rivers State by Gov. Nyesom Wike, the public space has been riddled with mixed reactions. To be candid, the announcement was initially greeted with commendation from across many quarters. But as its euphoric tide ebbed, came the silent but strong voices of dissent challenging its place and VALIDITY in law, especially given the position and pronouncement of the Supreme Court on the issue.

Truly, we must concede to those who hold that the ACTION suffers some legal strength and bite given that every action of the Chief Executive of a State ought to be founded in law.

The popular position that the restoration of Sir Omehia's rights was a GOODWILL gesture, appears to suffer legitimacy when juxtaposed with the fact that another goodwill gesture of the Governor like the prerogative of mercy is founded in law. This is where the stalemate exists.

Pundits and critics in critiquing the VALIDITY of the Governor's action demanded to know its foundation in law. Some even opined, and quite innocuously so, that the action amounted to challenging the wisdom, integrity and status of Nigeria's apex Court, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, if not slapping its face completely.

So worrying was the worth of the matter that one had to embark on an urgent voyage of discovery to consult and confer with experts of law for legal opinions on the issue. Truth be told, I consulted widely. I spoke with experts of the law from both the Bar and Bench and at the highest levels. The opinions were unanimous: It is a matter of fact rather than law and the action of the Governor was very much in ORDER.

Their reasons were not far fetched as the contentious issue brings to the FORE the import of two seemingly contrasting but complementary concepts on the subject of Legality: The principles of De facto and De jure.

De facto means a state of affairs THAT IS TRUE IN FACT, but that is not officially sanctioned. In contrast, de jure means a state of affairs that is in accordance with law (i.e. that is officially sanctioned).

In essence, De facto refers to situations that are true for practical reasons, whereas De jure refers to formal, official status of the matter.

Thus, CONSIDERING THE FACT that Sir Omehia functioned and acted in the capacity of the Governor of Rivers State, whether or not (de jure) legally in the eyes of the law, it is not in dispute that he was the De facto Governor of the State.

That Sir Omehia was De facto Governor, even IF it is said to be an illegality, did not vitiate the duties he performed at the time or the VALIDITY of his records of service as Governor. If they, therefore, remain valid then it means THE FACT that he was Governor remains valid.

People of God, it is on the basis of THAT FACT that Gov. Nyesom Wike believes Sir Omehia deserves his entitlements as a former Governor and I agree with him.

So will the Governor's action be sustained in law if challenged in a court of competent jurisdiction? It is my reasoned opinion that it would. The concepts are not unknown to law. Law itself exists to promote justice and evidence, THE AVAILABLE BODY OF FACTS or information INDICATING whether a belief or proposition is true or valid, is a vital part of that duty of law.

It is the same reason Chief Ernest Shonekan is still referred to as, and enjoys the benefit of, a former Head of State of Nigeria though his Interim National Government was a nullity in law. It is the same reason Heads of all military governments in Nigeria, as illegal as they were, still obtain their benefits as former Heads of State of our country. It is because it is a MATTER OF FACT, which the law also depends upon to dispense justice and obtain VALIDITY.

This matter is A MATTER OF FACT and the Rivers State Governor in my view rightly deserves the commendation for choosing to do what is right and acceptable before God and men of conscience.

Oraye St. Franklyn writes from Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Culled from www.trulynigeria.com

Iyaye, Amiesimaka in committee to host Falcons, Olympic team

A former commissioner for sports in Rivers State, Boma Iyaye will head a committee to host the Super Falcons and men U23 team.

Rivers State was on Tuesday granted the rights to host both teams in crucial Olympic Games Qualifiers next month and the Rivers State Governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike has quickly set up a committee to that effect.

To ensure a successful hosting,, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has set up an eleven man committee to be chaired by a one time commissioner for sports, Hon. Boma Iyaye. Other members are: Mr. Eddy Mark; a former Green Eagles Star, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka,;the Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Publicity, Sir Opunabo Inko-Tariah; the FA Chairman in Rivers State; the Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Rivers State; Mr. Albert Chinwo; Mercy Akide; a representative from the Department of State Security and a representative from the Nigerian Police Force. The permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Sports is to serve as secretary.

The Committee is to be inaugurated at noon in the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday, June 26, 2015.

While the Super Falcons will slug it out with Equatorial Guinea on the 18th of July, the Under 23 National Team and the Under 23 National Team of Congo are to decide their professional destinies on Sunday, July 19th.

OMEHIA’S ENTITLEMENTS RESTORED AS FORMER GOVERNOR

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has restored the rights and privileges due Sir. Celestine Omehia as former Governor of the State.

Governor Wike announced the restoration of the entitlements while hanging the photograph of Sir. Omehia at the Executive Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.

The State Chief Executive who could not fathom the rationale behind the refusal of Rotimi Amaechi to hang the picture of former governor Omehia, said:

“You will recall that in 2007, precisely May 2007, somebody superintended the affairs of this state and that was Celestine Omehia. He was governor of Rivers State from May 29th, 2007 to October 25th, 2007. But it’s unfortunate that we play politics of bitterness and rancour and that is not necessary. If you look around, it is only Omehia's picture that is not here as a former governor. Take it or leave it, he was a governor of Rivers State and we have resolved to do what we think is right", Governor Wike asserted.

He noted that government should not be personalized, saying even if Omehia served the state for just one day, he deserves to be recognized as one that has governed the state.

Governor Wike who acknowledged the achievements of Omehia as a governor, lamented the denial of Omehia, the privileges of a former governor.

“I believe that even if it’s a single day, he acted on behalf of the state. As a governor, he did a lot of things on behalf of Rivers State: He awarded roads and so on. Why will anybody say he was not a governor of the state? I will not accept such! I hereby put back his photograph and restore all his entitlements as a former governor of Rivers State", Wike declared.

At a time when I thought I have met the darkness of my political career, a new lease of life is being given to me. It shows that the governor is a man of honour, a man of integrity and a man who is being used by God Almighty to restore the lost glory of the state.” former governor Omehia enthused.

WIKE APPOINTS WALSON-JACK COMMITTEE HEAD ON GOVERNANCE BLUE-PRINT

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has appointed Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack the Chairman, Steering Committee on Development of Blueprint for Rivers State. The Committee was inaugurated Monday, by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Chief Kenneth Kobani. 

In his charge to the Committee members, Chief Kobani noted that the quality of the Committee's membership was indicative of the Governor's commitment to service delivery and a mark of the confidence he reposed in them. He urged them to consult widely and deliver exceptionally on their ASSIGNMENT.

In his response, Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack on behalf of the committee ASSURED the State Secretary to Government of the commitment of his team to do a good job, taking into consideration the state of the economy of Rivers State and the need to urgently begin the rebuilding process of the State.

Terms of reference of the Committee according to the Governor Wike, among others, are to synthesize the Governor's  campaign blueprint to 5 priority areas of governance for the State government, produce a strategic ACTION plan for the implementation of priority areas and  tap into the resource and wealth of knowledge of stakeholders to recommend solutions and strategies that can fast track their achievement.

The Committee, which  has 2 months to conclude its ASSIGNMENT has 6 members. They are Prof. K. F. A. Ebeku, Prof. Gloria Obuzor, Engr. Deinabo T. Horsfall, Dr. A. J. Beredugo and Engr. Joel Rowland Ibiabere.

Culled from www.trulynigeria.com

Rivers State Government to pay civil servants salary arrears

Rivers  State  Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that  his administration  will  work towards paying  off all salary arrears owed by  the  immediate  past  administration  in  the  state.

He stressed  that  no civil servant will be victimised on the account  of their political  inclinations,  but added that  they should  desist from  playing  partisan  politics.

Addressing,  civil servants  on Monday  at the  State Secretariat during  his maiden  meeting  with  them, Governor  Wike  said  that  his administration  will  be workers friendly.

He said  never in the  history  of  the  state  had civil servants  salaries  been owed , pointing  out  that  he will take  proactive  measures  to  ensure  that the  state  will  never  descend to such unacceptable  level.

He said : “I want to  assure  you  that  we will  pay  you  your  salaries.  We cannot  embark  on  project  execution  without  first  paying  your  salaries.

“The immediate  past  administration  owed salaries  because  of  misplaced  priorities. For this administration,  staff welfare will  be  given  top priority “.

He regretted  that  the  civil  servants and their unions  kept  quiet  while  the  former  administration  relegated  staff welfare  to the  background.

On the  poor  condition  of  the  State Secretariat, Governor  Wike  assured  the  workers  that  his administration  will  improve  facilities  at the  State  Secretariat  for greater  productivity  of the  workers.

The governor,  however,  charged  the State  Head of Service,  Mr Samuel Long-John to take remedial  measures to improve  the  state secretariat pending  the  full scale  rehabilitation.

He also directed the Permanent  Secretary,  Ministry  of  Sports  to ensure that sportsmen  and women  playing  for Sharks,  Dolphin  and Rivers  Angels Football  Clubs get their eight months  salaries  today (Monday).

Earlier,  Head of  Service,  Mr Samuel Long-John assured  the governor  that  the  civil  servants  will support  his administration  in the  quest  to  transform  the  state.

Governor Wike reiterates promise to Dolphins, Sharks, Rivers Angels

Rivers State Governor, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has reiterated that players of Dolphins, Sharks and Rivers Angels will get paid their debts this week.

The governor, had on Wednesday sent a message through the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Sports that all teams will be paid on Monday, June 22, 2015 and on Saturday confirmed his earlier statement that monies had been released to make payment possible.

Speaking live on a privately owned radio station in Port Harcourt on Saturday morning, Governor Wike said he remembers the players of these clubs have not been paid for eight months.

“How do they perform well if they have not been paid for so long? We looked at it that these young men and women cannot continue suffering this way and it was based on this that we said we must pay them,” Governor Wike said.

The Governor added that his predecessor refused to pay, saying the clubs must generate their own funds but he didn’t think the time was right for that.

“The former Governor said they should pay themselves, but how can they do that?

“We own the clubs for now, and we sponsor them so have to pay them their salaries.

“When the Permanent Secretary told me they haven’t been paid for eight months, I did everything I could to see that we get funds to pay them,” The governor said.

The last time staff of the three Rivers State run football clubs were paid their salaries dates back to September 2014.

Wike Slams Amaechi Again, Claims N800m Was Squandered

Akinshilo Ayomide

The Nyesom Wike vs Rotimi Amaechi saga does not look like coming to an end.

Governor Wike of Rivers state who has continually accused former governor of the state, Rotimi Amaechi of embezzling from the state treasury and looting the government house has again accused the APC chieftain of squandering up to N800m on Indian consultants.

Wike, during an interactive session with journalist in the government house, claimed that his predecessor paid Indian consultants N800m to run the Nne Kurubo Model School at Ebubu-Eleme.

He alleged that the state government owed the consultants some MONEY which led to the shutting down of Nne Kurubo Model Secretary School.

Wike also claimed that Amaechi paid N9billion to some consultants to award scholarships to Rivers state students overseas despite the state having a scholarship board which was responsible for that.

Wike said it was impossible to run a state with consultants without accruing debts. He also denied Amaechi’s claims that he leftN7 Billion naira in the state account before quitting.

He however claimed that if his predecessor had so much in the state treasury, he would have been able to pay Pensioners, settle the allowances owed Rivers students on scholarship and pay the workers of the disbanded TIMARIV.

The governor also also debunked rumour circling in the social media that former President Goodluck Jonathan paid him N108 Billion saying he heard it but refused to respond because the allegation was bogus.

According to PM news, Wike said: “People should not think that Nigerians are unintelligent people to believe such tale as if N108Billion is such money that can be paid without a trace. We must show some sense of intelligence. Was the money paid to me before I was sworn in? Was it in cash? Did the former President have the power to sign out that kind of money?”

The governor cleared the air on the N10 Billion naira loan he recently acquired from Zenith Bank. He said the money will be used for specific projects that were beneficial to the state but abandoned by Amaechi’s government.

They include; Iloabuchi road linking Eagle Island, the Law faculty at the Rivers University of Science and Technology, Akpajo/Woji Road, Rumuepiricom-Rumuolumeli road and roads in Diobu, Eleparawon.

Amaechi and Wike has been involved in a war of words over allegations that Amaechi looted the state government house by removing all the valuables and spending the state money to fund projects for his party and his for his personal use.

On Friday, Wike claimed he met an empty treasury upon assumption of office on May 29.

Last week, reported emerged that Wike might layoff the 13,200 teachers employed by Ameachi after a resolution passed on Tuesday by the State House of Assembly gave him the right to do so.

Culled from www.pmnewsnigeria.com

RSG SIGNS MOU WITH JULIUS BERGER, CCE/CC ON ROAD REHABILITATION

 … TO REVAMP PH IN FOUR MONTHS

As part of efforts to rehabilitate the rundown infrastructure in Port Harcourt and environs, the Rivers State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with two construction giant Messrs Julius Berger Plc. And CCECC Nigeria Limited. 

The MOU was signed on Thursday in Government House, Port Harcourt.

With the MOU endorsed by both the State Government and the construction companies, Governor Nyesom Wike stated that the project will cover about 33km road stretching from the old Port Harcourt Township and Diobu areas and to be delivered in 120days.

He recalled that the programme was to fulfill the promise he made on inauguration to rid Port Harcourt of bad roads and to give uplift infrastructure within the city centre.

Wike said the choice of the two construction companies was as a result of their reputation to deliver standard and quality jobs, saying that works in Abuja and Akwa Ibom State speak volumes of their ability to meet expectations.

He emphasized that, “We don’t want to play politics with our roads and that is why we engaged these companies.

According to the Rivers State Chief Executive, Julius Berger Plc. Will rehabilitate areas covering Obi-Wali Road, part of Ogbunabali, Tombia Extension, Evo Road, Woji Road in GRA and Azikiwe/UTC Junction all through old Port Harcourt Township areas.

The company is also expected to resuscitate traffic street lights in the areas, while CCECC Nigeria Limited is expected to cover all road in Diobu axis, including drainages and other works.

Speaking shortly, after signing the MOU representatives of the two companies, assured the Rivers State Government of quality jobs and in due time.

Mr. Marco Braun of Julius Berger thanked the governor and the people of the state for the confidence reposed in them saying the contract is a call to contribute their quota to development in Rivers State, “after seven years Julius Berger is back again”, he added.

On his part, Managing Director of Chinese firm CCECC Nigeria Limited, Mr. Li Qingyong promised not to fail as expected, emphasizing that the job was an opportunity to improve in the quality of infrastructure in the state.

Mr. Qingyong also congratulated Governor Wike on his electoral victory

Culled from www.trulynigeria.com

RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT RECOVER PROPERTY FROM EX-COMMISSIONER'S APARTMENT

The Rivers State Government has recovered a bullet - proof Lexus jeep from former Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari.

The vehicle is believed to have been assigned to her in her official capacity as Commissioner and was allegedly not returned to Government pool at the expiration of the term of the administration in which she served.

Recall that upon his assumption of office, Governor Nyesom Wike decried the looting and vandalization of government's property and particularly complained that vehicles belonging to government were carted away with none left for the new government to work with.

It is believed that a Ford jeep in the Ex-Commissioner's custody is yet to be recovered.

Ibim Semenitari, who took to her Facebook page to raise an alarm that her apartment was under siege  by a 20 man team neither confirmed nor denied being in the custody of government vehicles. She opined that "under the revenue law and.fiscal mobilisation law I.am entitled to my car as Commissioner.when.leaving office."

She has been advised by her Facebook friends to seek redress in court since they were now available to litigants having been shut for many months during the government in which she served.

Culled from www.trulynigeria.com

GOVERNOR WIKE EXPRESSES SATISFACTION WITH WOJI-AKPAJO BRIDGE

The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the level of WORK done on the Woji-Akpajo Bridge.

The Governor made his feelings known while inspecting the project.

“The contractor is doing well.  It doesn’t matter which administration awarded the CONTRACT; it’s a major project that would ease off traffic on Aba road and the slaughter to Woji Road so it’s an Important Road and we commend the contractor for not demobilizing from site despite the fact that he has not been paid for the past one year. I am very happy with what has been done”, Governor Wike said.

Governor Wike explained that the project is key to his administration and promised to COMPLETE it within a space of time.

Earlier, the contractor handling the project, Mr. Ellias of Raphael Nigeria Limited who lamented the COMPANY has not been paid for over a year, disclosed that the company has received only 68% of funds for the project that is more than 70% completed.

The project  was awarded  for the sum of  N11,055,891,675, and the amount paid so far is N7,035,511,282.34 .

The Governor also inspected the Port Harcourt Shopping Mall started by Sir Celestine Omehia to ascertain the level of WORK done  and expressed readiness to complete the abandoned mall within a space of three months.

Culled from www.trulynigeria.com

We Have Proved To Nigerians That Rivers Is Peaceful – Wike

By ANAYO ONUKWUGHA

Rivers State Governor, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike has declared that the several national conferences and meetings held in Rivers State since May 29, 2015, when he was sworn in as governor, have proved that the stories of insecurity being peddled by the opposition in the state were mere propaganda meant to attract negative publicity.

The governor stated that his administration has since put in place basic measures to guarantee the safety of lives and property, hence the state has become a destination of choice once again.

Wike, who spoke on Tuesday night at Government House, Port Harcourt, when he hosted visiting Vice Chancellors from Nigerian Universities to a cocktail, expressed happiness that the visiting Vice Chancellors and other top officials of Nigerian Universities have stayed in the state for over three days and have since realized that the state is peaceful.

He said, “We have committed ourselves to hosting many national meetings and conferences since we took over the reins of governance. This we have done to prove that we have restored peace and stability to the state with businesses going on without hindrance.

“If you have you (the Vice Chancellors) have not come here for your 30th Annual Conference, you may be tempted to believe that Port Harcourt is an unsafe place.

“They created the impression that as you move around Port Harcourt you see corpses of people who have been killed by violence.  In the days you spent in Port Harcourt, you have noticed that it is a peaceful community which a rich night life.”

The governor said that his administration took very firm measures of reviving the Judiciary and the State Assembly as necessary steps to return the state to full pledged democracy,  noting that the people were already reaping the benefits in terms of the peace re-established in the state.

Wike assured that further steps are being taken to ensure that security agencies work on grey areas to further cement the advantage gained.

He advised those using false propaganda to create wrong impression about the security situation in Rivers State to desist as the elections were over and the time has come to concentrate on governance.

In his remarks, Chairman of Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Prof Joseph Ajienka commended Wike for proactive steps being taken to improve the state, and praised him for his commitment to the growth of education at all levels.

Culled from www.leadership.ng

More sanitation contracts terminated

Bro Felix Obuah

The Sole Administrator, Rivers State Waste Management Agency, Bro. Felix Obuah has approved the immediate termination of contracts of the following contractors over acts of negligence of duty in the zones assigned to them.

The affected contractors are:

1. Sharon Business Ventures

Zone: Eleme Junction to Onne right side of the road, Refinery Junction through Refinery Road to the jetty up to the Trailer Park and the adjoining environs

2. Beegam Integrated Services:

Zone: Rumukalagbor, Elekahia up to Nwaja Bridge, Mummy B Road, Presidential Estate, Elekahia House Estate.

The Sole Administrator has observed with dismay the lukewarm attitude of Numac Project Ltd., Covering Rumuosi Junction, by East West Road, through Rumuekini Town up to Aluu market junction right to Mbodo up to C41 Check- point by Ada George (Airport) Road through Shell location Road, Aluu by-Pass up to the C41 checkpoint at Rukpoku by Ikwerre Road, Rukpoku Road up to Ada George (Airport) road junction all adjoining streets, estate environs, to clear refuse on his areas of assignment.

Felix Obuah directed NUMAC Project Ltd to clear all refuse within 24 hours in the listed areas above or  have the contract terminated.

The State Executive Governor, Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike is desirous of seeing

a clean Port Harcourt and its environs, therefore, all contractors must work to achieve the Governor’s vision.

Sanitation contractors get paid four months debt

Bro Felix Obuah

The Sole Administrator, Rivers State Waste Management Agency, Bro Felix Obuah has commenced payment of 4 months debts owed Service Providers of the Agency by the outgone Rotimi Amaechi administration.

Service Providers of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency were not paid for four months under the out gone administration of the state.

Obuah has therefore appealed to Rivers people to exercise patience with the Agency in its concerted efforts to clear the city of Port Harcourt and Rivers State of garbage inherited from the former administration of Rotimi Amaechi and return Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital to its garden city stutus.

The Sole Administrator regretted that Amaechi refused to pay Service Providers, including Road Swippers, which resulted in garbage being littered all over the State and inherited on May 29, 2015, when Barr Nyesom Wike took over government of Rivers State.

Bro Obuah said on Sunday while on an inspection tour of major streets and roads in Port Harcourt: "I appeal to Rivers people to have patience with us. I inherited debt of over N1billion. Amaechi refused to pay Service Providers for 4 months. We are working to ensure that all garbage you see littered on the streets and roads in Port Harcourt, the State capital are removed."

According to him: "it will take some time. But we must get there. We must restore, Port Harcourt, the State capital, to its garden city status".

Felix Obuah enjoins Rivers people to join hands with the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike to keep Rivers State clean.

Boards and parastatals dissolved in Rivers State

Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has dissolved all Boards and Parastatals in the state.

A press release signed by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Publicity, Opunabo Inko-Tariah, stated that the dissolution is with immediate effect.

The dissolved boards are to handover to their various authorities.

However, the boards of Rivers State Waste Management Authority and that of Greater Port Harcourt Authority are not affected by this directive since they were just recently constituted.

WIKE ORDERS COMPLETION OF ILOABUCHI-EAGLE ISLAND ROAD IN 3 WEEKS

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has assured the residents of Diobu in Port Harcourt City local government area that the Iloabuchi-Eagle Island road project will be delivered in three weeks.

Governor Wike gave the assurance on Monday after inspecting the entire stretch of the road from the Eagle Island axis to the Iloabuchi end of the road.

The governor who was briefed by the contractor that the non-payment of outstanding fees delayed the completion of the road, promised to pay the outstanding contract sum on Wednesday this week: His words: "I tell you now that by Wednesday, that is the day after tomorrow, we will give him the money and in three weeks time he must have completed this road”

Governor Wike enjoined residents to give the contractor the maximum support needed to enable him complete the road within the specified period.

“So, I want all of you to give the contractor the needed support so that he can finishes the work within three weeks”, he advised.

At the Dr. Peter Odili/Woji-Akpajo by-pass road, the contractor assured the governor that one lane of the road project will be completed within one hundred days.

Governor Wike promised to release money on monthly basis to the contractor to ensure speedy completion of the road.

The governor also inspected an on-going work on the faculty of law building at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt.

Culled from www.trulynigeria.com

WE WILL REVIVE THE PORTS- WIKE ASSURES INVESTORS

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has underscored the economic importance of resuscitating  the two sea ports in  the state.

Wike while playing host to Entrepreneurs and investors in the state under the aegis of Rivers Entrepreneurs and Investors Forum at Government House Port Harcourt on Monday, promised to exploit the potentials of the ports in reviving the state economy.

Apart from being the gateway to the state, Wike observed that ports have huge economic potentials, hinting that “We are taking a visit to NPA soon to see how the sea port looks like now”.

The governor said his administration is open to suggestions on the best way to run the state -saying a conducive business climate is crucial to revive the economy.

The governor further disclosed that: “We will do everything we can to see that the sea ports are revived. Instead of our people going to Lagos to bring in goods for Rivers people, it will be now come to our ports in Rivers State."

Addressing the issue of multiple taxation which the forum raised, Wike responded that, “I will tell you that we will do everything we can to address it very soon;, we will want to have an interactive session with the business community so that we can partner on these items that we think are important”.

According to him, the forum is expected to come up with a unified tax system in the state, which he believes will fast track the economic pace of the state.

Governor Wike while soliciting the forum’s contribution to  the economic programmes of the administration,  reiterated the desire of government to give priority attention to commerce and power.

On these two areas, he said: “We don’t want to compromise in the area of commerce and power; we want to appoint persons who are capable to drive power generation in the state”.

He thanked the forum for organizing the governorship debate during the elections, urging it to continue in that light as part of its contribution to the state's transformation.

Earlier, the President of the Rivers Entrepreneurs and Investors Forum, Mr. Ibifiri Bobmanuel had commended Governor Wike for the pragmatic steps he has already taken in the few weeks of his administration to give the state a new lease of life.

Mr. Bobmanuel stated that the opening of the Courts and the State House of Assembly has demonstrated that the governor was ready to fulfill his electoral promises.

He called on the governor to provide conducive atmosphere for business- most especially small scale enterprises (SMES) by addressing the issue of multiple taxation and reviving the two ports in the state.

The Rivers Entrepreneurs and Investors Forum President pledged the support of the body to revive the economy, but advised that: “the way we can diversify our economy is to move away from oil to other sources of revenue”.

Culled from www.trulynigeria.com