Rivers people will not regret voting me says Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has assured that the people of Rivers State will not regret voting for him as his administration is determined to rebuild the state.

Speaking after inspecting the Abonnema township road and bridge about being completed in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area on Thursday, Mr. Wike said the people of the state voted for him out of their own free will and it was his duty to repay them with quality projects.

Hundreds of Abonnema residents trooped out to welcome the governor on the road inspection.

He said the Abonnema township road and bridge will be asphalted in one week time following two months of sustained work by the contractor.

The governor expressed happiness that the contractor lived up to his pledge when he visited the project shortly after assuming duty as the state governor.

He said he was happy that residents of Abonnema were already using the road and the bridge.

He promised to rehabilitate the General Hospital in Abonnema and give the people quality healthcare.

He said, “You have given us your mandate and you will not regret it. We will not abandon the people of Akuku-Toru.

“We will also rehabilitate the Abonnema General hospital to ensure that the people have access to quality healthcare.”

He thanked the Abonnema people and their traditional Council for providing an enabling environment for the contractor to complete the road and bridge.

Responding, the Amayanabo of Abonnema, Gbobo Bob-Manuel, commended Governor Wike for completing the abandoned road.

He also thanked the governor for upgrading the Abonnema stool to a first class status. He assured the governor of the support of the people.

Culled from www.premiumtimesng.com 

WIKE PAYS 712M NAIRA FOR STRANDED RIVERS STUDENTS ON SCHOLARSHIP ABROAD

Parents of final year students of tertiary institutions abroad can now have a sigh of relief.

The students who were sent overseas to study under the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency, RSSDA, special scholarship by the Amaechi's administration, we're abandoned by both the RSSDA and the Amaechi's government.

All entreaties by the stranded students and their parents to RSSDA and Amaechi fell on deaf ears as the students stood the risk of being disallowed to sit for their final exams.

However, respite came when the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, ordered the immediate payment of the sum of N512million to offset the debts owed by the final year students to enable them sit for their final exams and eventually graduate

The governor had earlier on, paid the sum of N 200 million as part of the money owed by the students which brings the total sum paid by the Wike's administration to N712million.

The gesture by the governor has elicited reactions from many who praised him for being sensitive to the plight of the students and their parents.

Respondents described the act as not just securing the future of the students, but that of the state as well since they are the future leaders.

Rains Won’t Stop Completion Of Ongoing Road Projects – Wike

Despite the rains, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has assured the citizens that his administration will complete major arteries of roads that lead to economic centres in the state capital, Port Harcourt.

Wike spoke on Sunday when he inspected work on the ongoing Eleme Junction to Onne Junction of the federal road. The work will also include Trans-Amadi-Garrison-Slaughter road (with bridge) and the NLNG road (with bridge) in Port Harcourt.

He undertook the Sunday road inspection after the church service in defiance of a downpour.

He said that his administration will work with the contractors to ensure that they overcome the challenges posed by the rains.

The governor said, “By the nature of the climate in Rivers State, we have rains almost all throughout the year. We will therefore not allow the rains to stop the pace of work

“We acknowledge the challenges faced by the contractors because of the rains, but we shall continue to fund these road projects to completion”.

He expressed satisfaction with the pace of work along the Trans-Amadi-Garrison-Slaughter road since the state government effected payment to the contractor.

He said that the road leading to the Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout will be completed in line with the agreement reached with the contractor.

Responding, the Managing Director of Reynolds Construction Company, contractors of the Trans-Amadi-Garrison-Slaughter road, Mr. M. Nakhja, said that his company will execute the road within the time frame agreed with Wike’s administration.

He however complained of the rains which he noted was affecting the speed of work. Nakhja said that more equipment had been deployed on the road to increase the tempo of work. (NAN)

Crime fighting: Rivers State to intensify partnership with Police

In a bid to rid Rivers State of criminals,  Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike  has  declared  that  his  administration  will  intensify  her  partnership  with  the  police  and other  security  agencies.

Speaking  on Monday  at the State  Police  Command  Headquarters  in Port  Harcourt  during a security  appraisal  meeting with officers and men  of the state police  command,  Governor  Wike  pledged  his commitment  to  further  logistics  support  to the police to fight  crime in the state.

He said  the  partnership  between  the  Rivers State Government  and the State Police  Command  is already  yielding  dividends with the  arrest of  several  suspects  involved  in  different  crimes.

He said : "On 3rd of August,  we shall meet with all security  agencies  in the  state. At this meeting,  we shall  further prove our determination  to  fight crime  and criminals  in the  state.

"I am happy  with  the  results  that our partnership  with  the  police  has produced.  Today,  the  police are parading  several suspects  arrested for crime against  the  people.  Everyday  for the thief, one day for the  owner  of  the  house. We shall make the state uncomfortable  for criminals ".

The governor  said that  his administration  will  continue  to  create a crime free environment  for businesses  to  thrive  in  the  state.

In his  remarks,  Rivers State Police  Commissioner,  Chris Ezike stated that the command  has in the recent  history  recorded series of  successes, pointing  out  that  the onslaught  against  crime  and  criminals  remain  unending.

He said  unless criminals  in the state change  their  ways, they will  be  smoked out of  their  hiding  place  and made to face the  law.

Ezike stated that a soldier  on AWOL,  Elijah  Owoh  with service  number  12NA/68/7580-93 of 231 Battalion Biu was among the  suspects  arrested by the  command.

He said : "I am  glad to  inform  that the governor of Rivers State,  Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has given full support to this new offensive and ordered the chairmen of the caretaker committees of the affected areas to give the operatives full support ".

Culled from www. worldstagegroup.com

Gov. Wike Satisfied Over Accolades On Road Projects

By Ann Godwin

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has expressed happiness over accolades by the people of the state on his administration’s efforts towards fulfilling his campaign promises on zero portholes in the State.

Speaking when he inspected road projects in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas, Wike said the reception he received from the people as he inspected the road projects is an inspiration to further deliver quality service to the people.

He said: “ We shall complete all the critical road projects abandoned by the previous administration.  These roads lead to densely populated areas and completing them would revive the state’s economy.”

“The people have suffered untold hardship as a result of the poor state of the roads. We promised to reconstruct these roads and that is what we are doing.”

Culled from www.nrgguardiannews.com

Wike Has Done Well In 40 Days -Banigo

Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo says Governor Nyesom Wike has demonstrated unparalleled strides in the development of the state within 40 days in office.

Banigo stated this during a thanksgiving service organized in her honour by St. Alban’s Anglican Church, Obuama, Niger Delta Diocese, for the successful election and swearing-in/inauguration of the present administration.

The deputy governor said  Wike has made the Judiciary and the Legislature functional as all arms of government are discharging their statutory responsibilities creditably.

She noted that most roads that were in deplorable situation are now passable, following the (“Operation Zero Pothole,”) launched by the state government shortly after inauguration.

Banigo, who took the first lesson of the service, assured the people that the New Rivers Vision of Governor Wike would ensure that every community in the state is carried along in the execution of purposeful developmental projects.

The deputy governor assured that the government, under the current dispensation, would deliver on its promises, adding that signs of progress are already noticeable in parts of the state.

“We want to applaud His Excellency, the role that he has played in the state, how dynamic he has worked, within 40 days, in office we have already seen the dividends of democracy,” she remarked.

She thanked the church for the honour done her, and enjoined them to continue to support the government with prayers.

Earlier in his sermon, the Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese, Rt Rev. Ralph Ebirien had expressed confidence in the deputy governor, whom he said, has an unparalleled track record of performance, and called on the people of the state to support the present administration to enable it deliver on its election promises.

Ebirien, charged Rivers people to protect government projects in their communities and shun acts capable of affecting peace and development in the state.

Salary Payment: Obuah Hails Wike

Rivers PDP chairman, Felix Obuah

The Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro Felix Obuh, has given a thumb up to Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for keeping faith with his promise to clear salaries and allowances owed civil servants in the state by Chibuike Amaechi administration.

Reacting to the payment of owed salaries and allowances of Rivers workers, Obuah described Governor Wike as a man of his words and a dependable leader.

He recalled that the governor had during his electioneering campaign promised civil servants, pensioners and other public servants in the state that were denied their monthly legitimate entitlements by former Governor Amaechi to clear the backlog of salaries owed them as soon as he assumed duty as the state Governor.

This, the PDP chairman noted is a promise redeemed as the affected civil servants have bounced back to life following the payment of their salaries and allowances by the Governor Wike.

The PDP boss said that by this development, the Rivers men and women and all those doing business in the state are happy and earn their living without undue stress and pains.

But he regretted that former Governor Amaechi  thwarted the good vision of Rivers State and sold out the state in the course of running the affairs of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

Unarguably Obuah said Governor Wike had proved that he is focused and constantly feeling the pulse of the people, describing him as an essential leadership trait that has proved PDP right and the critics wrong, and which further has strengthened the confidence and trust of people on him (governor).

Meanwhile, Obuah has commissioned a befitting staff canteen of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) at Rumueme in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

Commissioning the facility at the premises of RIWAMA, Obuah who is the sole administrator of the Agency said the canteen facility was meant to provide better working environment for workers towards enhanced efficiency and productivity.

He expressed disappointment over the absence of a standard canteen for the Agency’s workforce over the years and assured members of staff of improved condition of service during his administration.

Natasha  Otoma

Culled from www.thetidenewsonline.com

Diobu residents hail Wike over zero potholes initiative

By NAN

Residents of Diobu in Port Harcourt on Tuesday commended Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers for the ongoing rehabilitation of roads in the area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Wike, during his inauguration, pledged to carry out operation zero potholes in Port Harcourt to ease vehicular movements.

The state of roads in Diobu had made both vehicular and human movements difficult before commencement of rehabilitation.

Mrs Petu Jack, a food vendor in the area, welcomed the rehabilitation of the roads.

Jack said residents had been put through hardship due to the deplorable state of the roads which she added, were further worsened by the onset of the rain.

Another resident, Mr Igbani Jodes, noted that some of the roads had been abandoned by residents who preferred to take longer routes to get to their destinations.

He said he spent huge amount of money on the repair of his car whenever he took the risk of passing through one of the bad roads.

Another resident, Mrs Mary Canon, told NAN that roads in the area had become death traps due to their bad state.

“You see, when you want to take your children to school, you think of where and how to pass through the bad roads because the roads are waterlogged and muddy’’, she added.

Mr Beniton Aguda, a civil servant and resident of Diobu, commended the state government for being sensitive to the plight of residents of the area.

He noted that the government, by the initiative, had made life meaningful and stress-free for residents of the area.

WIKE TASKS OIL COMPANIES TO DO MORE for HOST COMMUNITIES

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has tasked oil companies to carry out more developmental projects in their host communities.

Governor Wike gave the charge when he played host to the Country Chairman and Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) Mr. Osagie Okunbor and other management staff on Tuesday in Government House, Port Harcourt.

“You don’t have to do things out of compulsion and out of threat, because that is not the way it is supposed to be…I think that if we have a robust relationship, it is important to look inwards and see how you will be able to solve problems that are not much"to ” Wike noted

The governor stated that giving priority to their corporate social responsibilities will go a long way in soothing the nerves of people and at the same time provide conducive environment for them to carry out their operations.

The governor further challenged the multinational oil firm to include indigenes in its divesting plans and sale of its onshore wells as Rivers State has individuals with technical and financial capacities to acquire some of the oil wells.

In addition, Governor Wike stressed the need for Shell to partner with the State Government in providing infrastructure,

The State Chief Executive assured his guests that government will provide the enabling environment by beefing up security to make sure that everybody doing business in the state are protected, stressing that it will further encourage investors to come into the state.

Assuring them of efforts to assist the federal government in tackling the issue of oil theft, Wike disclosed that already plans are on top gear to deliver the two armoured surveillance helicopters purchased by the state government, “We believe that when they come in, Shell will partner with us to see how those armoured helicopters can be utilized to check oil theft.”

In his speech, the Shell Managing Director lauded the governor for creating a conducive environment for the company to do business.

With its headquarters located in the state, Okunbor solicited the sustenance of a long standing relationship between the company and the government.

Lamenting the rise in oil theft, he called on the state government to assist in arresting the menace and also ensure development in communities of operations.

PIC: Governor Nyesom Wike welcoming the Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), Mr Osagie Okunbor to Government House, Port Harcourt during a courtesy call on the governor.

RE: GOVERNOR WIKE’S VISIT TO THE CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA

PRESS STATEMENT

My attention has been drawn to the sinister interpretation given to the visit of Governor Nyesom Wike to the office of the Chief Justice of Nigerian (CJN) as reported on page 2 of the Punch Newspaper of Monday July 20 2015.

While it is true that the Governor went to see the CJN on the 7th and 9th of July 2015, his mission was to brief the CJN in his capacity as the Chairman of the National Judicial Council on the need to renew the appointment of the Acting Chief Judge of Rivers State and also the Acting president of the Customary Court of Appeal.

It should be noted that the current tenure of the incumbents will expire by the end of August 2015, by which time the Courts will be on vacation and the National Judicial Council may not be in a position to consider any request for the renewal of their reappointments. There is therefore an urgent need to expeditiously secure the renewal of the appointments of Acting Chief Judge of Rivers State and her counterpart of the Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal before the vacation begins.

Although the Governor went to the CJN’s office on the said dates but never met him because he was not around.

However, considering the urgency and importance of his mission, the Governor wrote to the CJN the next day 10th July 2015 requesting the approval of the NJC for him to renew the appointments of Justice Daisy Okocha and Justice Christy Gabriel Nwankwo as Acting Chief Judge of the State, and Acting President of the Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal respectively. The requests were premised on the need to avoid a sudden vacuum and ensure continuity in the administration of the State’s Judiciary pending the appointment of substantive occupants into these offices..

There is nothing wrong in the Governor, who is also a member of the Body of Benchers, going to see the CJN during official working hours on issues pertaining to the effective administration of justice in Rivers State.

Therefore, linking the Governor’s visit to the CJN with the ongoing election petition is to say the least, malicious, tendentious and a wicked attempt to drag the name of our most revered CJN and indeed the apex Court into the murky waters of politics.

It is unfortunate that the management of Punch Newspapers will allow itself to be used by politicians to denigrate and impugn the integrity of judiciary at the federal level with fabrications and outright falsehood laced in insinuations and innuendos.

Governor Wike advises the management of Punch newspapers to caution their reporters to always base their reportage on facts and avoid actions that could trigger a crisis of confidence in judiciary just to satisfy some narrow political interests.

Simeon Nwakaudu

Special Assistant to the Governor on Media

Olympic football team receives Governor Wike’s $60K

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on Monday followed through with his pledge to pay $60,000 to players of NIGERIA'S Olympic football team following their 2-1 home victory against Congo-Brazzaville in an African U-23 Olympic qualifier on Sunday.

The game took place at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The governor, who had promised the players the sum of $30,000 for every goal and $100,000 for a 3-0 victory, addressed the players and officials at a reception hosted for the team, handing over the sum of $60,000 as promised. He expressed joy that the team played ONE of the best football games he has seen in years.

"You guys made Nigerians proud with the way you played against the Congolese,” he said. “You showed that the future of NIGERIA football is bright and that the NFF is on the right path in putting the country's football on the world map.”

The new governor also appealed to the leadership of the NFF to bring more matches, including those of the Super Eagles, to Port Harcourt, saying his government is ready to bring a crowd for the team. He mentioned that the people of Rivers State are ready to put the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium to full capacity.

In his response, NFF Vice President Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi thanked Governor Wike for his support, including mobilizing over 40,000 spectators to cheer the Olympic football team to victory.

Culled from www.saharareporters.com

GOVERNOR NYESOM WIKE INSPECTS ROADS AND HOUSING PROJECTS

Governor Nyesom Wike says he is not desperate to complete projects without quality, just because he wants to mark a successful one hundred days in office.

The Governor who stated this at Irebe in continuation of his projects inspection and supervision insist on the quality of job for all the projects being embarked upon by his administration contending that weather condition should not be an excuse for poor quality of work delivery.

Governor Wike who directed the Honourable commissioner of Housing Emma Okah to closely monitor all Government housing programmes and take necessary steps to safe guard it, noted that some government houses are occupy illegally.

Governor Wike also directed the Emma Okah to ensure that quit notice is issued to them to vacate immediately for government to responsibly allocate the houses.

Conducting the Governor round the new Irebe Satellite community housing scheme being built by the state Government, the commissioner for Housing said the 50 bungalow flats of two bedrooms each under construction will be ready in the next 30 days.

While explaining to the State Chief Executive, the Housing Commissioner drew the attention of the Governor to illegal occupancy of Government own houses past and present throughout the entire state for which he received a matching order to identify and eject such illegal occupancy without delay.

Governor Nyesom Wike also inspected the Eleme part of the East-West Road under construction, the Eneka-Igwuruta on-going construction road from Tank junction as well as the operation ‘Zero-Port Hole’ already completed road projects at Mile 3 linking Ikoku to UST round-about.

Other projects also inspected by the Governor was the on-going law faculty project by Governor Wike’s administration where the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor B. B. Fakae was handy to receive the Governor.

The road inspection project also took the Governor and his entourage to Eagle Island where the abandon road project by the previous administration has been completed by the present Government.

At Creek Road by new Market, down to Port Harcourt Township, Governor Nyesom Wike also inspected the on-going road project by Julius Berger.

__________________

Photo: Rivers State Gov. Nyesom Wike and Barr. Emma Okah, Commissioner for housing, addresses the Gov. on the level of work during inspection of house project at Iriebe satellite community Oyibo.

Nyesom Wike’s Remarkable Achievements Within 50 Days (Opinion)

By Oyewale Oyelola

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state against all odd defeated APC governorship Candidate, Dakuku Peterside in last gubernatorial election in the state. Wike’s victory in April 11 poll is not surprise to many people familiar with Rivers state politics because Barrister Nyeson Wike is grassroots mobilizer and man of the people.

Governor Wike Is not new in Rivers state politics, he served as Chairman of largest local government area in the state, Obio-Akpor from 2000-2006 before his appointment as Chief to Staff to former Rivers State Governor, Romiti Amaechi in 2007 and Minister in President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in 2011.

He championed the Court the case that brought Amaechi to office while the main actor was on self-exile in Ghana. Wike fought Amaechi’s enemies including former Olusegun Obasanjo who said Rotimi Amaechi‘s nomination as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for 2007 gubernatorial election in state had K-leg.

However, the frosty relationship between former President Goodluck Jonathan and Amaechi turned to jolly friends against each other. The crisis led to exit of two terms NGF Chairman from PDP with other four other governors. He later joined All Progressives Congress in 2013 and worked against re-election of Goodluck Jonathan /PDP in 2015 general elections.

The 47 year old lawyer turned politician in 2013 founded Grassroots Network Initiative (GNI) to mobilize support for re-election of Goodluck Jonathan. The support group successful delivered over 1.8million votes to Bayelsa born ex-president in 2015 presidential election despite all name calling cum huge spending by Director General, Buhari Osinbajo Campaign organisation in the state.

GNI efforts in 22 local government areas resulted to landslide victory for Wike who contested under PDP platform in last gubernatorial election.

The former Minister of state for education upon his swearing as governor of oil rich state without delay commenced transformation work in the state.

He swore-in Justice Daisy Okocha as Chief Judge of the state, as Ameachi led administration disregarded National Judicial Commission recommendation on the appointment of Justice Okocha. It would be recalled that courts closed for 21 months in Rivers state. The judiciary crisis in the state prompted Attorney General of the federation to direct Bayelsa Chief Judge to swear-in Governor Wike.

The energetic governor also inaugurated the 8th state house of assembly and reopened Rivers State House of Assembly Complex after two years. Time Nigeria reports that state legislators loyal to former governor have been meeting in Government House, Port Harcourt since power tussle in the state started.

The governor is putting smiles on the faces of civil servants with the payments of outstanding salaries owed by past administration. The sports loving former ALGON National President has paid eight months outstanding salaries/allowances of players and technical crew of Dolphins FC and Sharks of Port Harcourt.

Media Officer of the two clubs, Peter Abaje in a statement made available to FactualTimes commended the governor for fulfilling one of his campaign promises.

Abaje said, ” So much has been given to players and officials of the two state owned club by the governor. players used to say we have not been pay salaries, we are hungry and cannot think well on the field but all that is over.

The health workers have also resumed operations after 21 months strike that paralysed the health sector in Rivers state.

The PDP governor is working with state house of assembly to correct misdeed of past administration in the state. He recently dissolved Rivers state Independent Electoral Commission on the directive of state house of assembly under the leadership of speaker, Rt Hon Ikuinyi Ibani.

He recently renamed of Rivers State Polytechnic after late Niger Delta environmental activist, Ken Saro Wiva

In recognition of Wike as political leader in South South zone, members of Delta State House of Assembly members led Speaker, Mr. Monday Okemeni visited him in his office to pay homage and seek for advice.

Okemeni described Rivers governor as a leading light in the political engineering of the country, adding that the governor would play a key role in the promotion of development of the region.

The host governor while addressing the legislators promised to promote independence of legislative arm of government and maintain separation of power between the arms of government

He added that , “We are not worried by their (APC) claim that they have the tribunal. All we know is that Rivers State will always remain a PDP state. The people are with us. While the APC were busy embarking on negative propaganda because they had excess money, we were with the people at the grassroots selling our programmes to them. That was why they voted for us massively.”

The governor assured that he would promote the independence of the legislature by ensuring that the funds of the state Assembly would come as part of first line charge.

Rivers state led by Chief Nyesom Wike has kick start the rehabilitation of Nembe, Bille and Bonny Jetties abandoned by past administration. Time Nigeria quoted the governor as saying, “The three jetties rehabilitation when completed and operational will boost our internal generated revenue”.

The south south governor has turned to construction site with rehabilitation of roads across the state, especially in port harcourt the state capital. Our correspent reports popularly Azikiwe street in port Harcourt will soon be ready for use.

Governor Nyesom Wike is really walking the talk in Rivers state with all his achievements in just 50 days in office.

Culled from www.factualtimes.com

Wike pumps up Olympic Football Team spirit with N24m pledge

Rivers State Governor, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has promised players of the U-23 National Team the sum of $100,000 (about N24 million) if they are able to defeat Congo's U-23 side by three un-replied goals in Sunday's African U-23 Championship final round, first leg qualifier at the Adokiye Amiesieamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

The Rivers State governor made this promise on Friday when he led some members of the State's executive council to pay the team a morale -boosting visit, explaining that the sum of $30,000 would be paid for every goal.

Assuring the players of total support by the Government and people of Rivers State on Sunday, Governor Wike said they should not be afraid of anything and just go out there and play good football to do themselves and the nation proud.

"I am sure if you win on Sunday, the President of the Federal Republic (President Muhammadu Buhari), as well as the generality of Nigerians will be happy with you. The Government of Rivers State is hosting this game to tell the Nigeria Football Federation and the entire world that we have a great edifice like this in this State, so that that they can bring more matches of the National Teams to Rivers State."

Rivers State's number one man then promised the players and officials that his government will do everything to see that the team is comfortable.

Responding, Head Coach Samson Siasia assured the governor that Congo will definitely fall on Sunday, and also expressed satisfaction with the hospitality afforded the team since it arrived in Port Harcourt almost two weeks ago.

"We indeed appreciate Your Excellency, and we assure Nigerians that if the boys play to instructions on Sunday, there will be nothing to fear. We will score enough goals to make the second leg a formality."

Culled from www.thenff.com

Wike: I have cleared debt to workers

by Taiwo George

Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state, says he has settled the outstanding salary arrears left by the administration of Rotimi Amaechi.

Speaking at the government house in Port Harcourt during the swearing in of Rufus Godwin as the new head of service on Thursday, Wike said it was “time to inject fresh blood” into the state’s civil service.

Wike, who said a lot of things were not right in the service, advised the workers to key into the vision of his administration.

“So many things have gone wrong in the state civil service which needs to be corrected,” he said.

“The new head of service now has the job of ensuring that the civil servants key into the mission and vision of the administration.”

Wike said many permanent secretaries were not committed to their duties, saying most of them are due for retirement. He said his administration would take the welfare of workers as a priority, promising that from July, payment of monthly overheads to ministries, which was stopped by the last administration, will continue.

“Many of the permanent secretaries are supposed to have retired based on their records of service,” he said. “These are some of the issues that needs to be addressed.  The new head of service has the mandate to inject fresh blood in the system.” Responding, Godwin promised to refocus the civil service to key into the programmes of the new administration. He said that though the challenges were enormous, he has the capacity to drive the process.

Culled from www.thecable.ng

Wike replaces TIMARIV with ‘Operation Keep Moving’

Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, has officially flagged off “Operation Keep Moving” after inaugurating the Traffic Decongestion Committee (TDC), at the headquarters of the Rivers State Police Command.

Wike who commended the state Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike for his zeal to ensure safety in the state, promising to provide all necessary logistic support. He said he will give a number of vehicles to the Rivers State Police Command to show his seriousness.

Wike said the performance review period would be monthly, not every three months, as proposed by the CP, as this will provide effective feedback from the people.

He warned the CP to prevent his men from unduly harassing and extorting money from the people of Rivers state. According to the governor these were the reasons for the disbanding of the Rivers State Road Traffic Management Authority- TIMARIV.

Wike also charged the Commissioner of Police, to remove all abandoned vehicles from the roads and charge the owners a towing fee for abandoning their vehicles on the streets of Port Harcourt.

“No government can succeed well, when it cannot solve the problems of traffic congestion. Governance is not about building roads and storey buildings, it is about making life meaningful for the people, and providing the comfort of moving around, that is the essence of governance”.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Ezike, thanked the governor for his assured support and promised to deliver on the task bestowed to him.

Ezike on assumption of office as Commissioner of Police, Rivers state, conceived the “Operation Keep Moving” initiative and formed the Traffic Decongestion Committee to decongest roads and ease traffic flow in all parts of Rivers state.

The Traffic Decongestion Committee is comprised of members of the Nigerian Police Force and Federal Road Safety Commission, headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Yemi Adeyemo.

Culled from www.pmnewsnigeria.com 

Rivers health workers resume work after one-year strike

By Ann Godwin

Health workers in Rivers State on Tuesday agreed to resumed work after one year of industrial action due to unpaid salaries and other entitlements by the state government.

The strike action impacted negatively on the state as most people, who could not afford to pay bills in private hospitals were abandoned to their fate.

The industrial action which has led to the death of several persons started when former Governor Chibuike Amaechi was in office but he failed to take serious steps in addressing the challenges of the workers, which include inability to refurbishment some obsolete office equipment, shortage of drugs among others.

Governor Nyesom Wike, a month after he assumed office, however, mandated his deputy, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Banigo, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and the State Primary Health Management Board to liaise with the striking health workers on the resolution of the logjam.

After a series of meetings with the State government, an agreement was reached and the health workers, who were satisfied with the intervention of the government, decided to return to work.

Why We’re Helping On East-West Road Repairs -Wike

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said that the state government is desirous in helping the Federal Government in the repair of the East-West Road to sustain business activity and encourage investors in the state.

Wike stated this when he played host to the management of Oil and Gas Free Zone, in Government House, Port Harcourt.

Wike said the state government has a duty to provide enabling environment for business to thrive.

He said that it was part of his campaign promise to create employment, check crime rate and to attract more investors to do business in the state.

“We are from this state, so we will not allow investment to die and so we must repair the road and we will mobilize other firms in the zone to ensure the work is done”, the governor remarked.

The Rivers State governor while thanking the management of the Oil and Gas Free Zone for the support, pointed out that the poor state of the road between Onne and Eleme junction was becoming a source of worry for government.

He lamented the traffic gridlock and insecurity the state of the road posed to motorists and companies in the area, reasoning that though the road is a federal route, “we will not accept to kill the economy of the state and we will play our own role”.

Wike said that the state stands to benefit hugely if business thrives since that will create employment for the teeming population of youth.

He also hinted of the plans to partner with Oil and Gas Free Zone to develop other avenues of employment, stating that the government was interested in how it could tap from the presence of the firm to improve the lives of the people.

Culled from The Tide

Rivers Got N2.6bn From FG Bailout -Wike

The state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that out of the N413.7billion disbursed by the Presidency to assist state governments to pay salaries of workers, Rivers State got about N2.6billion.

Though the fund was not sufficient to pay workers’ salaries, Wike averred that efforts will be made to fund the local governments, promising that the present administration will not withhold the fund of any council.

Meanwhile, The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has called on those calling for the public declaration of his assets to approach the Code Conduct Bureau (CCB) for such information.

For Wike, only the bureau can make it public on request in line with the Freedom of Information     ·

Speaking on a radio interactive programme organised by Silverbird Communications, Saturday, Wike said he has done what the law requires by declaring his assets with the CCB.

“There is nothing to pretend about it, if anybody wants to see my assets declaration, they should go to the Code of Conduct Bureau,” Wike affirmed.

The governor used the forum to explain some of the policies and programmes of his administration, stating that the newly sworn-in caretaker committee chairmen will not stay no longer than necessary.

He reiterated that the N30billion loan collected by the government from banks was to complete ongoing projects since government was a continuum, and to avoid job variation in the future.

Explaining how the loan will be repaid, the Rivers State governor stated that value added tax and the internally generated revenue will be used to service the debt.

Wike further stated that government was ready to restore investors’ confidence in the state hence the quest to rehabilitate roads and build infrastructure, adding that, “we have not made any promise we have not fulfilled”.

Work Begins On Ikwerre-Abonnema Wharf Roads’ Repair

In line with the Zero-Potholes policy of the Governor Nyesom Wide-led administration in Rivers State, work has commenced on the problematic axis of the roads opposite The Tide newspaper which had been stalling free flow of traffic and business over the years.

The Tide reports that similar work had been on at Azikiwe/Ojoto, and other streets in the Diobu, D/Line and Old Township areas of Port Harcourt  paving the way for free flow of traffic in the areas.

The China Civil Engineering Corporation Company (CCECC), one of the two contracting firms handling the project had mobilized its workforce and machinery, promising to complete the job on schedule.

Speaking with The Tide at the site, the Project Surveyor, Mr. Victor Atiba, said the company’s job was to design and construct the roads with the aim to ensure that no potholes exist on the roads in Port Harcourt and its environs.

According to him, “the Wike-led government is determined to make the city of Port Harcourt pothole-free of its roads”.

Atiba said the company was pleased that the government gave it an aspect of the contract, and promised that the whole job would be delivered to the satisfaction of the government.

“We are pleased with the government and we will take the task and hope to deliver the projects as at when due”, he said.

He assured the people of Rivers State that the era of bad roads will soon be over and all roads would be motorable as soon as the projects were completed while traffic jams would be reduced.

It would be recalled that the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, had in his maiden address promised  pothole-free roads in Port Harcourt and its environs which he is vigorously executing.

The governor, during an inspection to some of the roads under rehabilitation in Diobu recently, expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work done so far by CCECC, and hoped that before the administration marks 100 days in office, all bad roads in the City of Port Harcourt would have been completely repaired.

Shedie Okpara

Culled from www.thetidenewsonline.com

Nyesom Wike charges Caretaker Chairmen on security

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has charged newly sworn-in Caretaker Committee Chairmen on the need to stay in their domain and tackle security and employment challenges.

He gave the charge on Thursday after the oath of office was administered on the chairmen in Government House, Port Harcourt shortly after a Federal High Court had nullified the May 23rd council elections conducted by the immediate past administration.

The governor while calling on them to be prudent and law abiding noted that, “I did not dissolve the councils, but the Federal High Court nullified the elections so you have been appointed to fill that vacuum.”

Against this backdrop, he said they should not view their appointment as political patronage but a call to serve the people, expressing the hope that they have the capacity to deliver the dividends of democracy to the grassroots.

Most especially he called on CTC chairmen of Eleme, Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre to assist government in clearing their area of refuse, reminding them that they are the sign posts through which first time visitors view the state.

For those in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Ahoada, Khana, Gokana and Abua/Odual the governor enjoined them to help fight the menace of kidnapping, killings and other forms of criminality in their area.

“Try and carry everybody along and create employment for the people and we have to work,” Wike declared further counselling them not to balkanise their community on party or chieftaincy lines.

Governor Wike maintained that he would not hesitate to fire any CTC chairman who engages in financial recklessness and godfatherism reminding them that workers salaries must be equally given top priority.

In a chat with newsmen later CTC Chairman of Eleme, Phillip Okparaji promised to give sanitation and security priority.

Also Barrister Clifford Oparaodu and his counterpart from Obio/Akpor, Bright Amaewhule promised to assist government check traffic and multiple taxation, stating that illegal taskforce will be eradicated as well.

High court sacks illegally elected Local Government chairmen

A judge in a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has cancelled the elections of chairmen and councilors of 22 local government areas in the state.

Justice Lambo Akanbi delivered the judgement on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

In the highlights of the judgement, Justice Akanbi berated the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission under former Governor Rotimi Amaechi for conducting council elections dispite an order for all parties to maintain status quo on a matter filed by the PDP.

Justice Akanbi said RISEC and the state government under Amaechi committed contempt of court for going ahead to hold the elections while the suit was still pending in court.

Counsel to the PDP, Godwin, Obla said the past administration conducted the elections in desperation.

State solicitor General, Rufus Godwin who represented the state government explained the ruling thus: The court has set aside the elections that were held in flagrant disobedience of a court order. What has happened this morning is that the court has invoked its powers to set aside that election that was done in disobedience of a court order.