No Sacred Cows In War Against Corruption -RSG

The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its determination not to discriminate in the fight against corrupt individuals in the State.

Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo stated this when members of the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Port Harcourt chapter, paid her a courtesy visit in Government House, Port Harcourt.

Dr. Banigo charged Women Accountants to champion the ongoing anti-corruption crusade so as to achieve set objective in all tiers to Governments.

The Deputy Governor noted that the ongoing anti-corruption crusade should cut across all segments of society and requires accountants to be in the driving seat, adding that women professionals appear to be more accountable in their disciplines.

“We are moving on with the anti-corruption crusade that is going on in the country. We believe that there should be no ‘sacred-cows’. It will cut across all persons and party affiliations so that it will be seen to be a transparent crusade”.

She urged female accountants to demonstrate high sense of responsibility and transparency in the discharge of their professional duties.

“Accountants are entrusted with the management of public funds and that places a lot of responsibility on your shoulders which you must endeavor to protect”, Dr. Banigo stated.

The Deputy Governor assured that the State Governor Chief Nyesom Wike is leading a gender sensitive administration as exemplified in the first two appointments made shortly on the assumption of office.

According to her, the State government will continue to do more for women and indicated willingness to synergise with Women Accountants in the task of providing good governance to Rivers people, particularly in proffering ideas on how to improve the internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

She also urged them not to pursue their career at the expense their home fronts.

Earlier, the chairperson of the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Port Harcourt chapter, Mrs. Ernestina Anierobi Agina, congratulated the Deputy Governor on their victory at the April polls noting that the Association was seeking partnership with the State Government to bring about significant development to the state.

Mrs Agina noted that the Association has been in existence for over 30 years and was only inaugurated in the state in 2012, noting that it has since embarked on career talks and mentorship programmes for secondary school students as well as awarding scholarships to the less privileged in the society.

She commended the State Government for the fast pace of developmental projects going on in the State in just few weeks in office while calling for the inclusion of Women Accountants into strategic positions of governance of the State.

Wike Lauds RSUST On ICT development

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has lauded the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), over its growth in Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

The governor bared his mind at a public function in the university, recently.

He also urged other universities in the country to attain such height in ICT development.

Wike noted that the use of ICT was not only needful, but also critical for the effective driving of the administrative and academic functions of the universities in the 21st century.

He stressed that ICT development was one of the greatest achievement of the past government of the school, adding that it helped to place the institution on its present position.

Recalling his days as minister for state for Education, he said ICT was the sure way to connect to the international community.

The governor who is also the visitor to the institution hinted that an attempt to play down on ICT initiatives was tantamount to returning to the dark ago.

Others who also spoke, said the use of ICT in the institution has gone a long way in streamlining all its records, including that of staff and students.

They further explained that the introduction of ICT, has tremendously changed the way the business of education was carried out in the institution.

Meanwhile, The Tide, has gathered that the acting vice chancellor of RSUST, Prof Blessing C. Didia has continued with the compulsory Information Technology Academy (ITA) training for its students.

Our correspondent who visited the school, reports that students are currently undergoing their ITA training based on their schedules as mapped out by the programme handlers.

Culled from www.thetidenewsonline.com

Why EFCC is probing former Rivers State Governor

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has allegedly commenced a probe on ex-Gov. Amaechi.

Reports say the EFCC swung into action, following a petition written a Port Harcourt-based good governance association, The Integrity Group.

According to reports from Guardian Newspapers, “The Integrity Group alleged that Rivers State electric power projects were sold and the proceeds converted to other uses, through payments, amounting to N60 billion, to three companies all located at the same address in Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt. The petitioners alleged that the transfers, made in US Dollars, occurred within a space of one week, between 1st December 2014, and 8th December, 2014. “

Guardian also reports that the EFCC has written series of letters purportedly signed by its Head of Economic Governance, Olufunke Adetayo-Ogunbode, to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, in Rivers state, seeking clarification  of the allegations.

SWAN Lauds Wike As Full Council Meeting Begins

Emma Okah addressing the SWAN Full council meeting

The National President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Saidu Abubakar has commended the Rivers State Governor , Chief Nyesom Wike for accepting to host the Full council meeting of the association in Rivers State.

The Event which kick started on Wednesday with the arrival of delegates, will end on Friday with departures will be the second time in recent times the State is hosting it.

Speaking to sports journalists, Saidu who expressed optimism ahead of the event, said the meeting will focus on the development of sports in the country.

Saidu also highlighted the importance of holding the Full council meeting once a year and also the difficulties the association encounters in hosting its meetings.

Meanwhile, The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has appealed to Rivers traditional rulers to donate a trophy for a sporting competition in the state.

Saidu Abubakar, made the appeal when the association`s national executive called on His Royal Majesty, King Dandeson Jaja, Amanyanabo of Opobo, Chairman, Rivers Council of Traditional Rulers, in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

In his response, Jaja said he would discuss the idea with members of the council , considering that it was essential to catch youths early and develop their talents. The King went on to shower encomiums on SWAN in their effort towards the development of sports in Nigeria and charged them not to relent  in their effort to promote sport in the discharge of their duties.

In a related development, the chairman of Nigeria National League side  Go Round FC, Felix Obuah, says sports cannot be developed by government alone without private participation.

Obuah who informed that Go Round FC had built a 10,000 capacity stadium in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area to complement government efforts further called on SWAN to help project Go Round FC and its players as they continue to project sports in the country.

Rivers to partner private sector in housing development

Barrister Emma Okah inspecting Housing projects with Governor  Nyesom Wike

Rivers State Commissioner of Housing, Barr. Emma Okah, has emphasised the need of private investors in the housing sector to take full advantage of Government liberal housing policy under the Governor Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike’s administration.

The Housing Commissioner, in a press statement on Tuesday noted that the state is bedeviled with a housing deficit that needs drastic intervention.

“Rivers State Government plans to undertake massive housing development for the different economic levels of residents. As a caring Government, we will create opportunities for private investors to take advantage of this prospect,” he said.

Okah said government has a good housing policy within the framework of the National Housing Policy and UN-Habitat to enable easy access to lands for viable real estate investors who in turn would establish new and well planned mega cities that are affordable with ample parks, schools, sports clubs, places of worship and commerce.

“Such towns would also have modern facilities like water, electricity, internet facilities etc,” he said.

“Indeed speed and quality is needed to meet the ever increasing demand for houses across the state and government cannot achieve the need to transfer more houses to the public alone,” Okah stressed.

“This is because the growth in the number of middle and upper-middle class families with the associated need to have a home of their own have necessitated the need for a combined effort as government at both the state and federal levels in the country cannot meet the housing needs of the people.”

The Honorable Commissioner stated that partnership with willing and interested investors in the housing sector is imperative as such constructions would further provide employment and a secured society as thousands of residents will be employed directly and indirectly on the short run.

My Govt Open To Constructive Criticism – Wike

Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said that his administration remains open to constructive criticism.

He made this remark on Sunday at the Royal House of Grace International Church during the 23rd Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the church, in Port-Harcourt, the state capital.

Describing his administration as a listening and responsible government, Wike said he was ready to make amends if criticized constructively.

He said, “We are a listening and responsible government, though we are not perfect, but we are open to constructive criticisms and we will make amends when criticised constructively. Good governance is what we assure you and the people of Rivers State”.

The governor told the congregation that he had paid salaries and pensions owed civil servants and pensioners in the state, adding that his administration had also embarked on some projects for the development of Rivers.

“When the battle was raging during my campaign period, I came to this church for prayers and anointing and made a vow to this church and to the people of this state that my administration will be anchored on God.

“My detractors said there was no money in the state to pay salaries and do projects and would like to know how I would solve the problem. To the glory of God, I have paid the salaries the previous administration could not pay and have paid the six months arrears of pensioners and today, you all can see on-going projects everywhere”, he said.

Thanking God for making him redeem his various pledges to the church, Governor Wike noted that it was the church’s consistent interceding prayers that made his administration fulfil its campaign promises to the people of Rivers State.

Culled from www.informationng.com

Operation Zero PotHole: Diobu Residents Laud Wike

by Kinika Mpi

Residents and road users in Diobu axis of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, have lauded the on-going ‘operation zero pothole’ flagged off on May 29, 2015 by the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

The Tide reports that the impact of the project could be felt in the area due to the increased pace of work by the contractor handling the Diobu axis of the project, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

Speaking with The Tide while conducting newsmen round the projct sites in Diobu, on wenesday, the CCECC Public relations Officer (PRO) on operation Zero Pothole project, Robsn Ndiokho, said that the positive impact recorded on the project was occasioned by the 24 hours intensive work drive to meet the people’s aspiration and the state governments determined efforts to end potholes in the state.

A resident of Azikiwe Street in Diobu, Mrs Nyemachi Wobo, who spoke to The Tide, expressed happiness on the success recorded on the job so far by the CCECC in this regard, saying that “we are happy with Governor Wike for this people-oriented gesture to remember our street and the most neglected area of Port Harcourt called Diobu, it is a thing of joy”.

She commended the Chinese Company, CCECC, for doing a good job, especially opening up drainages (gutters) that have been blocked over the years.

A printing press operator at Ojoto street, Elder Godwin Nelson, lauded Governor Wike for the roads rehabilitation initiative, noting that with this gesture Wike has shown concern over the plight and expectations of the inhabilitants of Diobu.

“Customers can now drive to almost all printing press offices, as CCECC works were day and night to meet the target”, he added.

A student of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) Noami Jaja expressed satisfaction on the good job done by CCECC on the poor drainage system along the street leading to the University back gate, saying “this RSUST back gate used to be flooded whenever heavy rains fall, but now CCECC has corrected the poor drainage system and the say God bless governor of the people, Chief Wike, for remembering the street”.

 

PDP Flaws Amaechi’s Claim On N7.5b Leftover

The Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, says the recent claim by the former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, that he left behind as balances in the State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account with some banks in the State a total of N7.5billion does not go down well with the Party.

They says there was no such amount in the State treasury on assumption of office by the current administration of Governor Wike on May 29, 2015.

In a statement made available to WikeTracker.blogspot.com by Jerry Needam, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Rivers state chairman of the party, Felix Obuah, the PDP describes Amaechi’s claim as false, unfounded and indefensible, pointing out flaws, inconsistency and uncertainty in the former Governor’s statement where he said he left a total of N7.5billion “but by the time you pull all these (accounts) together, we are looking at readily available cash in the region of eight to ten billion naira left for the Wike administration.”

The Party reiterates its position that the former governor stole billions of Dollars and looted assets belonging to the State, some of which he used in funding the activities of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and also lodged in several of his private foreign accounts.

Supporting its argument, the Party calls the attention of the public to the recent revelation by the Bancorp Bank, Minnesota, United States, in which it has communicated to the Nigerian Government an alleged $757 million Dollars (N80 Billion) domiciled in an account in Amaechi’s name by one of Nigerians banks, explaining that the Minnesota bank intends to return Rotimi Amaechi’s loot, which was part of the stolen funds by the former Governor, who in the letter is described as the most corrupt Nigerian Governor.

The Bancorp Bank letter to President Buhari stated that the said transfer to both banks in Minnesota and Switzerland were for the purchase of security Helicopters, spraying of Mosquito insecticides and for the purchase of a residence for Mr. Rotimi Amaechi in America.

Not done with the above instances, the PDP further explained that Rivers State was bankrupt under Amaechi, even when he was receiving about Six billion Naira monthly as IGR, demanding answers from Amaechi on why he could not pay Civil servants, Pensioners, TIMARIV workers, Students’ Scholarship, Contractors, Teachers at the Nne Krubo Model Secondary School, Eleme among others, for several months when he still had the said amount he claimed he left in the State’s treasury.

It is on record that the former Governor admitted that Rivers State was broke and that “there was nothing for Wike to work with because the State was broke”.

Expressing concern why the long delay in making his claim public, the PDP challenges the former Governor to substantiate his claims and to a public debate if he would be taken seriously.

The PDP therefore, calls on the public not to believe the concocted and fallacious claims of former Governor Amaechi, as there was no such amount left behind by his administration that even deliberately refused to collaborate or have an interface with the May 29 Transition Committee on Governor Nyesom Wike, adding that there are enough evidence on several corrupt actions and the monumental looting carried out by Chibuike Amaechi and his aides, which must be recovered.

Public Announcement on Rivers State Blueprint development

Nimi Walson-Jack

The Rivers State Steering Committee for the Development of Blueprint respectfully invite persons who submitted memoranda, professionals, experts, Civil Society and non-governmental organisations, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and interested members of the public to a public Consultative Forum, on Friday, 28 August 2015, at the Ministry of Justice Conference Hall, State Secretariat, Port Harcourt, from 9am to 5pm.

The Consultative Forum would give the people a voice in the evolution of a Strategic Action Plan for Implementation of Development programme in our communities in and the State, especially in the following Sectors:

Education; Health; Agriculture; Environment; Women, Sports, Youth Development; Social Welfare; Jobs, Wealth Creation and Empowerment

Persons interested in participating should kindly confirm their attendance by sms to 07019152015 or send an email to riversblueprintcommittee@gmail.com on or before Wednesday, 26 August, 2015.

Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack

Chairman, Steering Committee on

Development of Blueprint for Rivers State.

Announcer

Court okays probe of Amaechi’s administration

By Samson Atekojo Usman

A Rivers State High Court, presided over by Justice Simeon Amadi, has dismissed the suit filed by former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi challenging the constitution of the Justice Odedeji – led Judicial Commission of Inquiry by Governor Nyesom Wike to probe the sale of state assets by the immediate past administration.

Delivering judgment on Suit Number PHC/187/15 filed by Former Governor Amaechi on Thursday, Justice Amadi declared that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry was not established to investigate the personal activities of the former governor, but set up to investigate previous actions of government as they affect the people of Rivers State.

He ruled that Governor Nyesom Wike by the provisions of the law is empowered to establish the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate previous actions of government.

According to him, there is no law preventing a state government from finding out how her resources were expended.

He declared that former Governor Rotimi Amaechi cannot disburse and expend funds of the Rivers State Government and turn around to claim that such powers belong to the National Assembly.

On the claim by former Governor Amaechi that the 30 – day set aside for the sitting of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry will deny him fair hearing, the court held the days set aside has not breached Amaechi’s right to fair hearing.

The court noted that the former governor has not filed a Memorandum before the Commission and has not appeared before it, hence he cannot complain that he was not given fair hearing.

Justice Amadi said that the 30 – days set aside is not sacrosanct, hence it could be extended.

The court further held that the suit by Former Governor Amaechi is speculative as he failed to prove the injuries that he has suffered because of the setting up of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.

Justice Amadi held that contrary to Amaechi’s claims, the terms of reference of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry did not accuse the former governor of crime, neither is the former governor on trial.

Justice Amadi declared: “The Judiciary is not only the last hope of the common man, but it is also the last hope of the mighty and movers and shakers of democracy.

“Those who by the benevolence of the Judiciary got to power should resist the temptation to emasculate the Judiciary”.

Commenting on the judgment, Rivers State Attorney General, Emmanuel Aguma said the commission of inquiry can now sit, pointing out that it will be fair to all parties.

Counsel to Governor Nyesom Wike said that the ruling of the court has proved that a claimant cannot jump to court to stop the legitimate business of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry.

In her remarks, Counsel to Rotimi Amaechi, Former Governor of Rivers State, Mrs Winifred Enyinnaya said that Amaechi will appeal against the judgment.

It will be recalled that Governor Nyesom Wike upon assumption of duty ser up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the sale of key state Assets by the previous administration. Former Governor Amaechi approached the court to stop the inquiry.

Culled from www.dailypost.ng

Wike Sacks Vice Chancellor

Omotayo Yusuf

The vice chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University, Professor Rosamund Osahagulu has been sacked by the governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike few weeks after her abduction and release, PM News reports.

The sack was issued On Thursday, August 20 with immediate effect and the dismissal is suspected to be a result of the mystery that has shrouded the VC’s alleged kidnap.

Mr Kie Obumanu, director of media and publicity in the office of the secretary to the state government signed a statement which ordered professor Osahagulu to proceed on compulsory leave and hand over to the deputy vice chancellor. The reason for her forced exit was not provided.

The Vice chancellor was abducted on Saturday, June 20 by gunmen as she was leaving the school campus and was released six days later on Friday, June 26 but security had been investigating the circumstances of her disappearance since then.

A fortnight after her release, her husband, Professor Joshua Osahagulu was given a three month suspension for alleged conspiracy in the kidnap of his wife by the university management.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) however called on the school management to reverse the suspension as there was no evidence that he had a hand in the kidnap.

“We are aware that he has been suspended without thorough investigation. We are calling on the university management to reverse the suspension,” ASUU had said.

In another development, Dr. Felicia Eze, an academic staff at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, was abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

Wike Promises To Complete Projects Started By Amaechi

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has promised to complete projects of importance to the people that were started by previous administrations, including that of former Governor Chibuike Amaechi.

Speaking in Port Harcourt on Tuesday when the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province, Anglican communion, Archbishop Ignatius Kattey, paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike said that his administration will take the state to a greater height. He vowed to fulfil his campaign promises to the people.

“Our administration shall never lose focus. We have made promises and we shall keep to the promises. Any project that will impact positively on the lives of the people of the state will be completed by this administration,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the Archbishop of Anglican Province of the Niger Delta, Archbishop Ignatius, said that Rivers State will witness massive development under the leadership of Governor Wike.

He described the governor as a man who keeps promises, noting that the development projects of the administration should be commended.

Governance Has No Impact Without Security – Wike

By ANAYO ONUKWUGHA

Rivers State Governor, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike has said governance lacks any meaning and impact in the absence of security.

Wike, stated this yesterday the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

The governor said, “Our government will always partner with security agencies in the state. We have always worked together, I mean, the Navy, Airforce, Army and Police. We have collaborated robustly to tackle the security challenges in Rivers State.”

Wike, who commended the Navy for managing to contain all maritime security challenges in Rivers State despite its limited logistic resources, pledged a gift of new shipping vessels to Navy, stressing that, the assistance to be given to the Nigerian Navy is not negotiable.

He recalled that the immediate past administration usually recorded four or five cases of kidnapping per day, but since his administration assumed office in May, kidnapping cases have become very few.

The governor observed that major military formations; Army, Navy and Airforce were located in Obio/Akpor local government area, where he served as local government chairman for six years, thereby underscoring the importance of the said local government area.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas; thanked the governor for his past support of the Nigerian Navy.

Ibas noted that Rivers State had the second highest number of naval units in Nigeria, and this made it imperative to seek the support of the Wike-led administration.

He said, “We have the manpower, but lack the necessary equipment such as shipping vessels and other logistic support to do our job more effectively.”

Culled from www.leadership.ng

Wike: Why We Embarked on Massive Infrastructural Development

Ernest Chinwo

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has explained that the massive infrastructural development going on across Rivers State was geared towards  enhancing   international  and local  investments  in the state.

Speaking when he granted audience  to the Ambassador  of Ireland  to Nigeria,  Mr. Sean Hou on Friday, Wike  said the critical  road  projects  being executed were targeted at creating access to  business  locations.

He noted that the international  and local investments  would create employment  opportunities  for  the  people  and also  develop  the  state.

The governor  added that his administration  had also deliberately  worked on the improvement  of  security,  with a  view  to  creating  an  enabling  environment  for businesses  to  thrive.

He added that the state government  had  a policy of protecting  multi-national companies operating  in  the state. He pointed out  that  criminal  activities  had drastically  reduced  because  of  the  programmes of the administration.

Wike called on the Irish  Government  to partner  with  the  Rivers  State  Government  on key economic  activities  that would be mutually  beneficial.

He said : "We call on the Government  of  Ireland  to partner  with  us for the development  of  the  state. We believe  that  for economic  activities  to thrive,  we must partner  with different  interest groups ".

Earlier,  the  Ambassador  of Ireland to Nigeria, Sean Hou, assured  the governor  of  the  willingness  of the Irish  Government  to  partner  with the state on key economic  activities.

He noted that there was an ongoing  plan for Ports in Ireland  to work with the  two ports in Rivers  State  for greater  economic  activities.

He said that the Government  of  Ireland  has made several  contributions to  the  development  of  the  country ,  pointing  out  that  more of such contributions will be made going  forward.

Hou  said the Niger Delta  remains  critical  to the  economy  of the nation.

Culled from www.thisdaylive.com

Wike wants dismissal of Peterside’s petition for non-payment of N100

BY POPOOLA BABALOLA

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on Friday asked the state Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to dismiss Dr. Dakuku Peterside’s petition for not complying with the rules of the law.

Counsel to the governor, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), made the application at the sitting of the tribunal in Abuja.

Peterside was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the last governorship election in the state.

Ukala told the tribunal that the petitioner did not pay the N100 required fee before commencement of the pre-hearing.

He said: “We seek to rely on our further affidavit and motion before the tribunal, failure of the petitioner to properly comply with the Electoral Act, the petition is futile.

“We urge this tribunal to adopt the submission of its earlier rulings on August 3 and dismiss this petition.”

Counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission, K.C.O. Njemeze (SAN), and counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party, F. O. Orbih (SAN), agreed with Ukala’s submission.

According to the duo, the tribunal should dismiss Peterside’s petition and treat it as abandoned petition “in the eye of the law”.

Counsel to Peterside, Akin Olujimi, countered the applications, saying that there was no provision in the law that stated that one should pay money before pre-hearing.

According to Olujimi, the application by the counsel and that of INEC and PDP lacks merit.

He said: “There is nowhere it is prescribed in the Electoral Act that we should pay any fee before our matter can be heard.

“But so, if there is, the N100 should be deducted from the initial N400,000 we paid before the commencement of the tribunal sitting.”

Olujimi urged the tribunal to dismiss Wike’s application and move ahead.

Meanwhile, the tribunal Chairman, Justice Muazu Pindiga, adjourned sitting to August 17 to rule on the application.

NAN.

Culled from www.theeagleonline.com.ng

Amaechi Can Be Minister But Must First Return Loot - Wike

Akpan Jeremiah

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has finally dismissed insinuations that his administration was attacking the former governor of the state, Rotimi Amaechi in order to discourage President Muhammadu Buhari from appointing him as a minister. 

Wike explained that he is less concerned about Amaechi’s appointment but he is deeply concerned about how the former governor managed the state’s fund, The Punch reports.

He added that a situation where he met the state’s treasury empty is worrisome, unacceptable and annoying.

The governor who spoke through his media aide, Opunabo Inko-Taria, told reporters in Port Harcourt, the state capital, that it is abnormal for anyone to think that his criticism of the immediate past administration could stop Amaechi from getting appointment from the federal government.

He said: “So, what is he (Ameachi) going to do to him (Wike) as a minister or Federal Government appointee? Wike has not told anybody that he does not want President Buhari to appoint Amaechi as a minister. He has never said it; these are just insinuations and innuendos.

“If Mr. President, known for his mantra of zero tolerance for corruption; is saying that he is not going to appoint anybody with a stained image as a member of his cabinet and Rivers people are saying that Rotimi Amaechi is not qualified for an appointment, there is no problem with that.

“But the truth is that paint Amaechi black, if he (Buhari) does not want to appoint him (Amaechi), he will not. Paint Amaechi white, if the President is not interested in him, he will not appoint him.

Wike’s spokesman stressed that whether Amaechi should be appointed or not by the president is left for the Rivers people to decide and not Wike’s business.

“The talk about whether Amaechi should be appointed into Buhari’s cabinet is just the feeling from Rivers’ people and not the governor himself. He has never discussed the issue of whether Amaechi should be appointed by Mr. President or not.

“The governor is more interested in how the funds of Rivers State were spent; whether they were judiciously spent or they were just frittered away. That is the interest because it is annoying that when we took over, we met an empty treasury,” he said.

Wike wondered why those who suck the state’s treasury dry could now be accusing him of taking N30 billion loan within a month.

He said: “They forgot that you are supposed to pay salaries; you are supposed to open the judiciary. The governor gave the judiciary N300m for takeoff and he also had to pay some of the students abroad who were owed allowances. Civil servants, pensioners and footballers, who were owed salaries, were paid.”

Wike Assures On Borokiri Road

Posted by Kevin Nengia

Residents of New Road axis in Borokiri, Old Port Harcourt Township in Rivers State will soon heave a sigh of relief after the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, inspected the run-down road, and promised immediate rehabilitation of the road.

Wike, on Tuesday, conducted an unscheduled visit on the road in company of former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, former Deputy Speaker of Federal House of Representatives, Austin Opara, and was sad over the state of the road.

He stated that Julius Berger will handle the project, adding that “we are going to ask Julius Berger to continue to the New Road down to the waterfront.”

When once the road is revamped, he said government will restructure the neighbourhood by demolishing shanties harbouring criminals and establish a security post to check kidnapping.

Meanwhile, Wike has unveiled construction of Elimgbu, Rumuewhara-Rumunduru, Eliozu Road.

The five kilometre road is to be delivered in 18 months and will criss-cross Rumunduru, Rumuewhara, Elimgbu and terminates at Eneka Town.

The state governor promised that no part of the state will miss out in his quest to provide solid infrastructure for the people of Rivers State.

He lamented that residents of the area have suffered over the poor condition of the road as past administrations have been playing politics with the road.

Wike said, “I make a promise to any community in the state we shall fulfill the promise…So, today marks the fulfillment of our electoral promise to the people of Ward 1.”

Calling on the communities to provide security for the construction firm to execute the project, the governor emphasized that it is one way to ensure quick completion of the work.

He also charged the company to recruit indigenes so that the work will not suffer setbacks.

Representative of CGC Construction, Jiang Liwei, thanked the Rivers State Government for giving them opportunity to contribute to the development of the state.

He promised that the company will ensure that the project is delivered on time according to specifications.

Earlier, Paramount Ruler of Eliozu Community, Eze Iwe Woko, expressed elation for the project and commended the governor for the gesture.

He lauded the governor for the show of love demonstrated through the project, and pledged their support to his administration’s programmes and policies.

Culled from www.tidenewsonline.com 

Wike: Rivers to Commence Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Schools

Rivers  State  Governor,  Nyesom Wike, has said  his administration would soon commence a comprehensive  rehabilitation  of  all prominent  model  schools in the  state.

Speaking after he inspected the dilapidated structures at Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday, Wike expressed regret that most of  the  model schools in the state were allowed to rot by the former  administration.

He disclosed that a committee has been set up  by the  administration  to compile the  list of  the schools that would need immediate  intervention.

According to  the  governor,  the committee would also compile all the facilities needed to put the schools in shape for proper learning  to  take place.

He also directed that the trespass of schools by residents of adjoining communities should be checked  by  officials  of the State Ministry  of  Education.

Wike said, "I was shocked  by the deplorable  condition  that the immediate  past administration  left the Government  Comprehensive  Secondary  School,  Borikiri. This school has produced  several  notable  personalities  in the state and we shall restore  all facilities.

Culled from www.thisdaylive.com

Security Boost Excites RSG, As Investors Return

by Kevin Nengia

Efforts by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike-led administration to check crime and other social vices have started yielding fruits as investors have started returning to the state.

The revelation was made by Governor Wike when he played host to the Inspector-General of the Police, Solomon Arase, in Government House,  Port Harcourt.

The governor further disclosed that, “when your IGR(Internally Generated Revenue) is improving, then you will know that investors are coming back…We are winning the war against crime.”

He lauded security agencies for their effort in the fight against crime

Wike described the visit of the IGP as timely, recalling that before he assumed office on May 29th  the state was almost grounded with numerous security challenges ranging from cultism, armed robbery and kidnapping but lauded the police for its effort to restore the state to normalcy.

Wike further said that the team work which the state government and police had displayed has started yielding fruit.

The governor emphasised that as far as his administration was concerned security was a priority since that would restore investors confidence and boost economic activities.

Wike reaffirmed the readiness of his administration to provide the necessary logistics and support to ensure that security agencies achieve maximum results, as he announced financial and moral support to families of any security personnel who loses their loved ones in the course of duty.

To underscore government readiness to fight crime and social vices, the governor disclosed that the state House of Assembly has already amended the anti-kidnapping and cultism laws such that the property of any person found guilty would be confiscated.

Earlier, Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase was full of praises for Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike over the  successes recorded so far in curbing crime in the state.

He declared that, “ In the past one month, I have been able to follow the developments in the state, and I can say that we are on course, thought we are not there yet.”

He added that, “ I was actually happy when I heard that you want to contribute to the internal management of security of the state, not only that but in terms of the traffic situation which has become so chaotic due to lots of reconstruction works.”

The Police IG pledged the readiness of the men of Nigeria Police to work hard to ensure that  the state was free of crimes and other social vices.

He, however, called on those in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them or face the full wrath of the law, as he reasoned that, “ we cannot continue to live like this because we require good governance, and good governance cannot thrive in a state of insecurity.”

Meanwhile, Governor Wike has announced the sum of N5million for any security personnel who loses his or life and N1million for members of the public who provide vital information to aid security agencies in their work.

Wike, while speaking after the official unveiling of the vehicles the government donated to security agencies  at the Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt, said the gesture was to underscore the degree of importance the administration attached to security matters and to boost morale of officers.

The governor handed over 64 patrol vans to both police and joint security teams to beef up security surveillance in the state.

“The most important role of government is to protect lives and property, hence, this administration will not shirk from that responsibility”, he emphasised.

Out of the 64 patrol vehicles, Wike disclosed that 34 would go to the joint patrol, while 30 would be for the police patrol.

He reiterated that there is no excuse to justify crime, hence the quest by the government to fight crime head-on.

He called on security agencies to utilize the vehicles properly.

Wike, however, called on the Federal Government to provide the necessary tools for security agencies to work effectively, since the state and the private sector were only playing a supporting role.

Earlier, Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, while unveiling the vehicles, promised that the police would do all in its powers to restore the state to its status as the Garden City of Nigeria.

Arase challenged the security agencies to use the vehicles to improve the lots of Rivers citizens, while charging them to carry out their duties in a civil manner by  not infringing on the rights of the common people.

Rivers State Police Commissioner, Chris Ezike, described the donation as a morale booster, saying, “with the vehicles, response time and confidence will improve and security visibility and public confidence will also improve.”

He commended the gesture of the Wike-led administration for its partnership to boost security, and warned criminal elements to desist from their actions or face the full weight of the law.

Culled from www.thetidenewsonline.com

Wike Inaugurates Construction of N15bn Automobile Spare Parts Village

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has flagged off the construction of a N15 billion spare parts and automobile dealers village in Port Harcourt.

Performing the ground-breaking ceremony Saturday, Wike said the state  government  would support  every  initiative  that would enhance  the state’s  development.

He said his administration would  support every purposeful  initiative  that synchronises  with the policy thrust of driving the development of the  state with the deliberate  and active involvement  of  the  private  sector.

He commended the Greater  Port Harcourt City  Development  Authority  for the initiative  to  construct  the  complex which was expected to solve the  challenge  of the disorderly  presence of spare parts  dealers  and  auto-technocians  in the state capital.

He said: “We are convinced  that  this facility will serve as a catalyst  for  the  socio-economic development of the  state.

“This facility will lead to  a wider development  of  the  communities around it by creating  numerous  other  business  opportunities to improve the quality of life for the entire  area.”

He appealed  to  the  youths in the area  to support those working at the project  site, so they can deliver  on schedule.

“We are mindful  of the fact that today we are just breaking the  ground. The greater challenge  is for the partners to ensure  that  construction  work starts in earnest  and the project delivered  within  the  18 months target you have set”, the governor  said.

He reiterated  the  commitment  of the administration  to attract  serious investors to the state as  they would  profit from their investments.

In his address,  Chairman of  the  Board of Greater  Port  Harcourt City Development Authority,  Chief Ferninand Alabrabra, said the  first phase of  the  project would be ready  in six months.  He noted that all the other phases would be completed  within  the  18-month time frame.

He said  the  dream to move spare parts dealers and auto-technocians out of the Port Harcourt  City centre  had been  in the offing for 12 years,  pointing  out  that  the  pragmatic  leadership  of Wike  had brought  it  to fruition.

The  Sole Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City  Development Authority,  Chief Desmond Akawor, disclosed that the  facility  would have 84 shops for spare parts dealers  and 108 workshops for auto-technicians.

Culled from www.thisdaylive.com