Wike spends N1.4 bn on students studying abroad in 4 months

About a 100 Rivers State sponsored students studying in the United Kingdom may be deported back to Nigeria after they lost their student visas after the government failed to pay their tuition fees for two years...

By Kukogho Iruesiri Samson

About N1.4 billion has been spent on Rivers students studying at foreign universities on government scholarships since Nyesom Wike took over as governor of the state.

Wike revealed this at the St. Paul's (Ang.) Cathedral Church, Diobu, Port Harcourt, where an inter-denominational church service was held to commemorate the 55th National Day Anniversary, Premium Times reports.

Represented by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Ipalibo Banigo, the governor said his government will ensure that all students are paid.

"We thank the CAN president for expressing his concern about our students and want to assure you that His Excellency has so far spent N 1.4 billion on overseas scholarships and just last Thursday, he released N 491 million to make sure that every child of Rivers State schooling abroad must receive money," he said.

"We would continue to help the children irrespective of how they got there."

Last week, the media was awash with reports that about a 100 Rivers State sponsored students studying in the United Kingdom have had their visas revoked because they owe two years tuition at their various universities and may be deported back to Nigeria.

Wike laughs off APC’s call for probe of Rivers killings

By Sylvester Ugwuanyi

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has dismissed calls by the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, leadership in the state for the probe of killings witnessed during the last general elections in Rivers, saying it was laughable.

Wike, who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, the state capital, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Sir, Opunabo Inko-Tariah, claimed that the APC and its leadership were frustrated.

He insisted that the call for a probe into the killings was laughable considering the fact that they occurred when an APC government under former Governor, Chibuike Amaechi was in power.

Inko-Tariah accused APC State Chairman, Davies Ikanya of indirectly indicting Amaechi of maladministration and repudiating his constitutional responsibility of protecting life and property.

The spokesman urged the state’s APC leadership to give the public details of the killings during the last general elections since it claimed to have the records.

According to him, “I have just been briefed on the bombastic outburst by Davies Ikanya and his co-travellers in the Rivers State chapter of the APC, deprecating Governor Wike for not probing the killings in Rivers State during the elections.

“This is laughable and inane. Is it a case of selective amnesia? Since Dr Ikanya has details of the murders associated with the last general election, why not make them public? In fact, he should be the prime suspect in the alleged murders.

“This obviates the need for further proof that Ikanya and his cohorts are a bunch of flustered and rudderless characters who will relentlessly – although fruitlessly – try to sully the reputation of the governor.

“You don’t need a probe panel to disclose the identities of the alleged murders and their victims. After all, the APC was in power and in control of the state’s machinery. Why then did it not set up a panel? The reason is simple: it shall indict itself.”

Culled from www.dailypost.ng

APC lauds Gov. Wike on projects’ completion in Rivers

By NAN

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers on Wednesday said the Gov. Nyesom Wike administration had done well in the area of completion of projects.

Mr Davies Ikanya, the party’s state chairman stated this in Port Harcourt during a forum on Wike’s 100 days in office.

Ikanya, who was represented by Mr Chris Fynebone, APC’s state publicity secretary, said the previous administration abandoned the projects due to shortfall in revenue.

“Those projects of a truth were not abandoned but left in line with the belief that government is a continuum. “So, completing the projects are imperative for the progress of the state,” Ikanya said.

Also speaking, Mr Chika Onuegbu, Rivers chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), commended Wike for making roads passable again, condemning the unlawful scrapping of Rivers Traffic Management Agency (TIMARIV).

Onuegbu noted that crime wave, especially kidnapping was on the increase, stressing that it was capable of stalling investment in the state. The TUC boss called on government to design a blueprint for economic prosperity of the state with the aim of creating wealth and jobs.

Earlier, the chairman of the forum, Mr Emeka Unachukwu, warned against character assassination and calculated attacks on governments or individuals.

Unachukwu, who is also the President of Port Harcourt chamber of commerce, said the forum was necessary for an objective directive to government on areas that required attention.

Wike Releases N485m For Overseas Scholarship

by

Kevin Nengia

The Rivers State Government has released another N485million to offset scholarship fees owed by the immediate past administration, following threat by some schools to eject students studying abroad.

This follows the N712million earlier released in July this year by Governor Nyesom Wike shortly after assuming office in May.

A director in the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA), Mr Godwin Poi responsible for managing the funds while thanking Governor Wike for responding to the plight of the students revealed that the state owes N1.6billion on foreign scholarships.

He told newsmen that the money so far released will be used judiciously especially for schools that need urgent attention, while noting that another N185million is needed to offset more bills.

Mr.Poi said, “ we are in constant communication with His Excellency and we will continue to engage with government, students and the schools to ensure that the future of the students is very important to us as a state and we are doing all we can to get the money and pay for them.”

The RSDDA director revealed that over 300 students studying abroad under scholarship are affected with the situation, but promised that  with the money released, efforts are being made to ensure that they are not ejected by their schools.

The Tide recalls that Governor, Nyesom Wike, had ordered the payment of N512 million to offset the debts owed by the students to enable them sit for their final examinations and eventually graduated sometime in July.

The students, who were sent overseas to study under the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) special scholarship by the Chibuike Amaechi’s administration, were stranded due to non-payment of their fees.

Efforts by the stranded students and their parents to get the RSSDA and Amaechi to pay the fees were not successful and the students faced the risk of deportation as they were not allowed to sit for their final exams.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Wike, Opunabo Inko-Taria, said the governor 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.

He also said the governor had earlier paid N200 million as part of the money owed by the students which brings the total sum paid by the Wike’s administration to N712million.

According to him, 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.

He said the payment of the fees was not just securing the future of the students, but that of the state as well since they are the future leaders.

Culled from www.thetidenewsonline.com

Wike continues with Amaechi’s unfinished projects

His strong political differences with his immediate predecessor, Chibuike Amaechi, notwithstanding, Governor Nyesom Wike has continued to exhibit some political maturity by taking on completing all of the former governor’s unfinished projects.

From roads, bridges, schools, the incumbent governor has ironically not exhibited any bias on the projects. But while these play out daily in the oil state, his camp and Amaechi’s have not ceased to pour invectives on each other, which has been hurting the state in no small measure.

This time, he is taking on to complete the multi-million naira Port Harcourt World Book Capital Library projects, which he said was “abandoned by the past administration.”

Governor Wike in a speaking in Port Harcourt Monday through his deputy, Ipalibo Harry Banigo, said the decision to finish up the two library projects was in keeping with his administration’s “policy trust to complete all uncompleted projects initiated by the past administration which have direct bearing on the people of the State.”

The Deputy Governor Banigo spoke while she was on inspection tour of the library project sites at Mgbuoba and Diobu in Port Harcourt.

She said the visit was to ascertain the level of work done on the projects, which when completed would reduce the pressure on the public library at Bernard Carr Street, Port Harcourt.

“As a responsible and responsive Government, we know that library project will be of great use to our young people, everyone will benefit from it,” Banigo stated.

According to her, her boss, Governor Wike is a caring Governor who understands the importance of library towards the development of education.

She explained that the Government has taken census of all abandoned projects of the past administration that would be completed by the present Government, particularly those that have direct impact on the lives of Rivers people.

Conducting the Deputy Governor round the project site at Diobu, a Community Leader, Prince Amatari regretted that the World Book Capital project was abandoned by the past administration; and called on the Governor Wike-led government to complete the projects, to enhance the development of reading culture among youths.

At the project site along NTA -Mgbuoba Road, the contractor, Ogwunte Peter promised to deliver the project soon if funds were made available to him.

The Port Harcourt World Book Capital Library project was the outcome of Port Harcourt’s 2014/ 2015 reign as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s World Book Capital, the second African city and first sub-Saharan city to be so honoured.

The city (Port Harcourt) just handed over the reign on 22 April to Incheon, a city in South Korea, which is the 2015 UNESCO World Book Capital.

Culled from www.businessdayonline.com

RSG TASKS BUSINESS OPERATORS ON TAX PAYMENT

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Ipalibo Harry

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has charged business operators in the State to pay their taxes regularly to enable the State Government meet its Obligations in providing basic infrastructure and public services.

Governor Wike stated this, Monday at the 5th International Christian Business Exhibition and Conference with the Theme: *“SME’s, The Drivers of Economic Revival and Innovations in Nigeria”* held in Port Harcourt.

The State Chief Executive who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, said the State Government was committed to ensuring conducive environment for investors and business operators to thrive, noting that with the gains of the collaborative efforts with Security Agents, the State is being repositioned as the economic hub of Africa.

The Governor assured that his Administration would keep its promise to be prudent in the management of resources by upholding the tenet of transparency and accountability to the people.

“This government is accountable and sensitive to the desire of the people. We shall ensure that every penny of the State is used to improve the welfare of Rivers people,” He assured.

He expressed commitment by the State Government to collaborate with “Market place Apostles Empowerment Foundation” in providing necessary economic incentives to boost private sector driven economy in the State.

The State Chief Executive called on stakeholders and participants to explore several business openings available to invest in Rivers State and charged the Organizers to encourage formation of Cooperative Societies to enable the Youths benefit from revolving loan scheme of the State Government and become Entrepreneurs.

Chief Wike thanked the Founder and President of IC-BEC, Mr. Uche Onochie, for sustaining the vision aimed at developing the technical and cognitive skills for participants and the promotion of Christian values in business.

Earlier, the President and Founder of the Market Place Apostles Empowerment

Foundation Mr. Uche Onochie, said the capacity of the Nation to positively compete in the global SME’s market place depends on its ability to introduce innovations and employ the relevant machinery to stimulate SME’s growth in Nigeria.

Mr. Uche observed that Japan’s economic revolution was powered by the SME economy and recommended greater investment in the informal sector, while lauding the State Government for its efforts in making the state an investor’s haven.

Speaking on the topic, SME’s The Driver of Economic Revival and Innovations in Nigeria, the President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Mines and Agriculture (PHCIMA), Mr. Emeka Unachukwu, identified major problems confronting SME’s development in Nigeria to include poor finance, market and cultural inhibitions.

High points of the opening ceremony were the presentation of an Excellence Award to Governor Nyesom Wike for his outstanding performance in governance by IC-BEC, and inspection of exhibition stand by the Governor Representative.

Rivers may battle RMAFC over revenues –Wike

CHUKWUDI AKASIKE

The RIVERS State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, said on Monday that his administration was likely to battle the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission over the imbalance observed in revenues allocated to the state.

Wike explained that the state was also ready to open channels of dialogue with the Federal Government on the federal revenues accruing to the state.

He specifically said that such steps were necessary in order to ensure that issues of oil wells belonging to the state were resolved to enable it (Rivers) to get the right revenues from RMAFC.

The governor, who made this remark when a team from RMAFC paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Port Harcourt, added that the state government would explore all avenues of dialogue to ensure that it gets the revenues due to the state.

“There is the likelihood that the Rivers State Government will battle the RMAFC over the revenues to Rivers State. We will dialogue with the Federal Government. We shall explore all avenues of dialogue to ensure that we get our due revenue,” Wike said.

He, however, urged RMAFC to consider working on the imbalance in the revenue sharing formula between the federal, states and local government areas.

Calling on the RMAFC to also consider a review of revenue that accrues to different tiers of government to enhance the development of the country, Wike added that the review of public officers’ remunerations was also necessary.

He noted that the fight against corruption should not be superficial, pointing out that the war against graft must be fundamental to achieve the desired impact.

Earlier, the leader of the team to review the emoluments of public officials in the South-South zone, Professor Afolabi Popoola, said that the current emoluments of public officials came into existence in 2008.

Popoola explained that the review of such emoluments was necessary so as to bring them in line with the present day economic realities.

Culled from www.punchng.com

Probe Panel Report On Amaechi Will Be Implemented – Wike

Akpan Jeremiah

Governor Nyesom Wike has reiterated his early stance to implement the findings of the judicial commission of inquiry set up by his administration to probe his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi.

Wike who spoke through his media aide, Opunabo Inko-Tariah, stated that the state government is patiently waiting for the recommendation of the panel and vowed to implement the report without fear and favour.

The governor restated that the inquiry was legally constituted and not a witch-hunt drive as insinuated by Amaechi and his supporters.

Inko-Tariah noted that part of the term of reference of the panel was to look into how $39.2 million for the Justice Adolphus Karibi Whyte special hospital that was paid to contractor, but the job was not executed. He said the sale of four gas turbine power stations by the immediate past administration is also to be looked into.

He said: “The commission was set up to ascertain certain financial transactions under Amaechi. Rivers State funds were involved in these transactions and we assume some of the funds might have been embezzled and that is the reason for the commission.”

Justice George Omereji has concluded its sitting last week with a warning to Amaechi and some officials that served with him to be ready to face the consequence of their refusal to appear before the panel.

The former governor at different fora had restated that he will never appear before the Wike’s instituted panel, saying its only agenda was to drag his good name to the mud before the people of the state.

Abandoned Projects: The Wike’s Example

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike recently commissioned a number of projects within the state as part of activities to mark his 100 days in office.

These include 50 housing units at Iriebe, the Abonnema-Obonoma bridge as well as various completed projects under the Operation Zero Pothole Programme.

The Governor had pledged to complete all projects abandoned by his predecessor.

He made the pledge when the Archibishop of the Niger Delta North, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Ignatius Kattey, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.

He said, “we cannot just see abandoned projects and fold our arms because we did not award it. If we do that, we will all lose: the entire people of Rivers State will lose.”

The commitment to complete the development plans of previous administrations marks a break in the attitude of governments across the country where projects of  previous governments are not completed.

Coming from a State Chief Executive who is widely perceived to be in a bitter war with the immediate past governor, this move destroys all the theories of vindictiveness thrown up against Governor Wike. In fact, the use of the same contractors, including notable cronies of the ex-governor, to execute the jobs shows that the incumbent governor is clearly different from the other governors.

We can recall how the many regimes under the military abandoned projects initiated by their predecessors and embarked on new ones, most of which were also not completed within their tenure. The result is massive waste of public resources, dislocation of development activities and the loss of public trust.

Apart from the Operation Zero Pothole policy which Governor Wike is actualising, serious construction and rehabilitation works are currently progressing on some abandoned projects across the State. Notable among them is the Abonnema township road and bridge, Iloabuchi-Eagle Island Link Road, which has been delivered, Woji-Trans Amadi Road, Woji-Akpajo Road, Rumuepirikom-Rumuolumeni Road, Law Faculty Building at RSUST, Bori and Elele-Alimini General Hospitals, among others, many of which were commissioned when he marked his 100 days in office recently.

It is on record that Governor Wike is the first Head of Government in Nigeria to commit to and actualise completion of projects left behind by previous government. More than words, he has actually transformed Port Harcourt into a construction site.

Rivers State has been in serious deficit of roads, housing and other socio-economic structures that had resulted in stunted growth. Delivery of all of these abandoned projects will surely help. Moreso, the governor has assured that funding would not pose a challenge because he had with the approval of the State House of Assembly, obtained bank loans to prosecute these and other new projects in the pipe line.

Rivers people and, indeed, other residents of the State are no longer able to hide their appreciation of the present government for the zeal with which it is addressing the problems of the state. This is evidenced by the huge crowd that troop out to the streets to cheer the Governor as he inspects projects.

While it was common for previous administrations to capitalise on the advent of the rainy season as a ready excuse to delay or even suspend work on critical state projects, Governor Wike’s deadlines to contractors and his almost daily visits to project sites not only prove that such jobs could be accomplished in spite of the rains, but, that he is eager to deliver on his electoral promises.

The Tide joins all well-meaning Rivers people to thank the governor for this patriotic move. We also ask that he will not allow anything to change his mind or distract him from providing real governance and taking Rivers State from the path of waste.

Culled from www.thetidenewsonline.com

No plan to obtain N10bn loan —Wike

Governor Nyesom Wike has debunked claims that he was preparing to obtain a fresh loan of N10 billion from a bank in Rivers State.

This was sequel to an allegation contained in a statement signed by Publicity Secretary of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, Chris Fynebone that Wike has concluded plans to borrow a fresh loan of N10bn.

Reacting to the APC claim, Governor Wike said the state government under his leadership would ensure that any loan taken is clearly defined with workable repayment plan tied to specific projects, which are verifiable facts in the public domain.

The governor spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Sir Opunabo Inko-Tariah.

Inko-Tariah explained that the governor inherited an empty treasure festered by huge pecuniary liabilities such as backlog of salaries, pensions, fees for students on scholarships, and other burning issues, including abandoned projects.

He alleged that if Chibuike Amaechi, the former governor, had been prudent with resources of the state, there would not have been need for these loans.

According to him, “His (Ameachi’s) financial recklessness occasioned the resort to loans. There is no-plan to obtain such loan for now, but if the need arises, we shall not hesitate to do so, following due process, of course.

“Rotimi Amaechi in one of his valedictory speeches admitted that the state is broke and he was bequeathing an empty treasury to Governor Wike.

“Therefore, there is nothing wrong with the governor going for loans; the issue is not whether loans are taken but the judicious application of such loans is what should be the issue.”

He alleged that APC’s paranoia is because Wike is performing creditably to the admiration and satisfaction of Rivers people.

“Again, should Governor Wike want another loan, it will not be done surreptitiously because the Assembly must give its official approval.

“Before that is done, the request shall be deliberated upon on the floor of the House of Assembly. The APC in Rivers State is frightened by the intimidating successes of Governor Wike within a hundred days in office and will stop at nothing to denigrate his achievements.

“What he has achieved in one hundred days is what Amaechi could not achieve in eight years. Although the Governor has not made his intention on the loan known, there is nothing wrong should he request for another loan; after all, countries, organisations, persons go for loans,” he stated.

Culled from www.nationalmirroronline.net

Press Statement: Another Sahara reporters lie

Our attention has been drawn to yet another falsehood being circulated by the infamous online media arm of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ),  Sahara Reporters. The medium in a concocted report claimed that the former chairman of the Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal,  Justice Mu’azu Pindiga was removed because Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike offered hima bribe of N200m.

This story is false in its entirety. It is part of a larger conspiracy by the APC and her axis of evil media agents to mislead members of the public.

Nigerians will recall that a few days  ago, the Rivers State APC Chairman,  Mr Davies Ikanya alleged in a a widely circulated false press statement that Governor Wike was in the process of taking a N10billion loan to bribe members of the tribunal.  This report by Sahara Reporters is just an ugly part of the larger media conspiracy.

Realising that they have no case at the Tribunal,  the APC has resorted to the sponsorship of false reports in irresponsible media outlets like Sahara Reporters.

For the avoidance of doubt,  Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike did not and will

never offer bribe to anyone, let alone members of the Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal.

Governor Wike was overwhelmingly voted into office by the people of Rivers

State in an election that was free, fair, credible and peaceful.

Nigerians should disregard this false report by Sahara Reporters. It is worrisome that this clandestine medium is ready to go to any length, no matter how ridiculous,  to serve her paymasters.

Simeon Nwakaudu,

Special Assistant ( Media ) to the Rivers State Governor.

11th September,  2015.

Special school gets Rivers Government support

Barely 24 hours after a student with disability at The Special School, Corpus Christi, Port Harcourt requested for recreational facility for their use, the State Government has promptly, presented a giant flat Television set and cash donation to the Charity Home.

The Special School is being managed by Catholic Church for People Living with Disabilities.

Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Banigo, said the gesture was in response to the request by one of the students during her visit to some Charity Homes in the State on behalf of Governor, Nyesom Wike, as part of activities marking the 100 Days in office of the present administration.

Presenting the items on behalf of the State Government, the Head of Protocol, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. E. Kpaniku, said the action was intended to give the School Children a sense of belonging and improve their living condition. According to him, the Deputy Governor was moved by compassion and immediately ordered her Protocol Aids to provide the items without delay.

Mr. Kpaniku assured the Students and Management of Government’s continual support and urged them not to be deterred by their challenges because God loves them equally.

He advised well-meaning individuals and Corporate Organizations to always consider the less privileged in the society so as to attract divine favour.

Responding, Ms Ndidi Aroh, who spoke on behalf of the Administrator of The Child Special School, described Governor Wike’s Administration as a caring Government that is sensitive to the yearnings of the less privileged in society. She prays God to continue to protect and grant Chief Wike and his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo wisdom to pilot the affairs of the State.

It could recalled that items such as toiletries, food items, washing machine, gas cooker, beverages and toiletries were earlier presented by the State Government to the management of the school.

Efforts Ongoing to Free Donu Kogbara, Say Wike, Police

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt  

As concerns mount over the fate of kidnapped Vanguard columnist, Donu Kogbara, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and the police in the state have said they have intensified efforts to secure her release.

Kogbara was abducted by yet-to-identified gunmen in front of her house in Nkpogu, Port Harcourt in the early hours of Sunday, August 30.

Fielding questions on her abduction, Wike said it was sad that people would still engage in such dastardly act.

He called on residents to work with the government and security agencies to put an end to incidents of kidnapping in the state.

He also expressed concern over the frequent change of commissioners of police in the state, noting that it was affecting effective security plans and strategies.

The governor recalled that Kogbara was kidnapped on the same day the former Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, was transferred.

He said the transfer was a setback to security arrangements in the state, as the new commissioner would need time to get his act together.

“We are working with security agencies. Everything will be done to secure her release. It is not just because she is a journalist; generally, we should not allow this to happen.

“This thing happened the night they changed the former commissioner of police. For the new commissioner of police to reorganise himself, you can imagine what this would entail.

“These things set us back. But security men are working. The former commissioner of police had his security strategy. This new one will begin all over again,” he said.

Also addressing journalists yesterday at the police headquarters, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Musa Kimo, said he was more worried than even media practitioners to secure the release of Kogbara.

He said while he could not disclose details of effort so far made by his command to secure her release, he expressed hope that she would soon regain her freedom.

“Let me assure you (the media) and the family that we are doing all that is possible to rescue and reunite her with her family. We are more worried than you on this issue.

“But we will not disclose details of our operations to the media,” he said.

Meanwhile, Niger Delta activist, Ms. Annkio Briggs, has also condemned the abduction, appealing to the kidnappers to release her unconditionally.

She said it was worrisome that kidnapping was still rampant in the state and the region.

Briggs urged the kidnappers to see Kogbara as a sister, a mother and asked them to release her unconditionally.

“I appeal for her release. For me I am against any type of activities that take away the rights of anybody which include kidnapping. Kidnapping is a criminal act, it dehumanises a person, no matter the reason.

“This is why I continue to appeal to those behind her kidnapping to release her. They should put themselves in her place: what if she was their mother or sister?

“What I am saying is that kidnapping is wrong. They should release her without any condition whatsoever,” she appealed.

Chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Ayo Tamuno, also condemned the abduction.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, he pleaded with security operatives to step up their operations in the state for the protection of lives and property.

He also appealed to those behind the abduction to release her unconditionally.

Efforts to reach members of her family were not successful. When THISDAY tried to contact the family through one Chukwudi Njoku, said to be close to the family, he said: “We are in a family meeting. We cannot entertain journalists now. We will call you back if need be.”

Culled from www.thisdaylive.com

Appraising Wike’s Housing Projects

From time immemorial, one basic need of mankind is shelter. Without shelter no human being will feel complete. It is when you have a roof over your head that you are seen as a complete human being. That is why serious effort is usually made by reasonably governments the world over to provide houses for the citizenry.

Understandably, this is perhaps the reason why the action governor of  Rivers State  Chief  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike decided to prioritize Housing as a focus of government policy in his first one-hundred days in office – by embarking on construction of the fifty units two bedroom flats ‘of medium income flats’ at Iriebe Satellite Town, in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

In his welcome speech during commissioning of, the project, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Housing, Barr. Emma Okah recalled that one-week after his inauguration as Commissioner for Housing, on 12th June, 2015, Governor, Chief Barr. Nyesom  Wike had the vision of providing affordable houses for usage by  rivers people, a  cardinal task in the policy of his administration hence the birth of these  50 units of two-bed room flats to mark his first 100 days in office among other people’s oriented projects across the state.

Although, it is on note that successive governments made significant progress in the housing sector particularly, the then administration of former governor Dr. Peter, Odili, during when the state saw the siting of over 5,000 housing units in fulfillment of his maiden address to the people or Rivers Stat~ Dr. Peter Odili then promised to initiate a programme to transform some old public buildings into modern houses to accommodate more people in one space.

However, most of these housing projects are either abandoned or uncompleted. The attitude of apparent project abandonment in the sector allows for illegal occupation which obviously translates to loss of government scarce resources and government in ability to achieve project purposes. Interestingly, most ‘of these housing units provided by the Odili administration were duly completed and sold or allocated to the citizenry as planned.

To that fact, Dr. Odili’s administration remains green in memories of the people for pushing in the desired direction that has the welfare of the citizenry in the housing sector.

September 5, 2015 is therefore a new dawn as the people of Rivers State felicitate with Wike as we witness the commissioning of the 50 units of two bed room flats christened medium income flats to mark his first 100 days in office as Governor.

It is worthy to note that the Governor in his official commissioning speech emphasized access to decent and affordable shelter.  According to ‘Governor Wike,’ most people, including ‘civil servants cannot afford to build or buy their own homes because the cost is beyond their means.

To tackle this challenge, he said government will invest in the provision of social housing in partnership with private investors, to expand opportunities for housing development by providing more service plots in urban area~ to civil servants and low income earners.

Furthermore, Governor Wike stressed the need for government support  to establishment of new housing district I estates, also to fast-track and simplify the process of issuance of certificate of occupancy (C of O) to deserving members of the public.

The Governor in concluding his speech instructed staff of the Ministry of Housing to ensure that the flats are effectively dispensed with within two-weeks from date of commission, stressing that the project is not for profit making but ‘for affordability and usage of rivers people who are in dire need of lands for housing development. In a special quiz, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing Mr. Belema Mangibo attributed the timely success of the project to the sensitivity of the Governor’s modus at approval and disbursement of funds for execution of the projects.

In as much as we appreciate and salute the courage and determination of the people’s Governor, we the people of Rivers State will indeed be more grateful if the Governor should, with same zeal, revisit the numerous abandoned housing projects across the state with a view to evicting all illegal occupants from such project sites and starting the process for reconstruction to completion stages and handover such housing units to relevant agencies for effective administration to the benefit of rivers people who are in dire need of affordable houses to be called  their own.

Fuayefika is a public policy analyst.

Tonye Fuayefika

Culled from www.thetidenewsonline.com 

Wike commended for ridding Rivers of abandoned schemes

Rivers - The Rivers State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has commended Governor Nyesom Wike for decongesting the state of abandoned projects.

These, the party mocked, were the only legacy left behind by his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi.

“Notwithstanding that the enemies of the State and political opponents had cashed in on the promise to litter the State with abandoned projects amounting to billions of naira deficit, Wike has proved that he is the Governor for Rivers State and not for a particular party or group by ensuring that such projects that will impact positively on the people are completed, not minding the lean resources at his disposal,” Rivers PDP Chairman, Felix Obuah, said.

He said Wike had lived true to his electioneering campaign promise of leaving no abandoned projects in the state, irrespective of under whose administration such projects were started, since government is a continuum.

Obuah said the PDP-led government would not bask in the glory of its successes but continue to encourage meaningful projects that would better the lives of all Rivers people.

“This is what makes our party different from others who have turned morality on its head, to whom what was bad, became good, what is good, bad. Our opponents and critics have lost sight of the fact that human dignity and well-being lie in the heart of all progress which the PDP symbolizes,” Obuah said.

Obuah congratulated Wike for his nobility in victory and commitment to overall development of the state through meaningful and realizable infrastructural investments.

He assured the governor of the party’s support.

"At the end of his tenure, the evil men and prophets of doom will but take their rightful place in shame and agonizing melancholy."

- CAJ News

I already declared my assets – Wike replies APC

By Wale Odunsi

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday said he had already declared his assets to the relevant authority according to the law, adding that declaring his assets publicly was not part of the dictates of the law.

His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Opunabo Inko-Tariah, in a statement noted that it was necessary for people to de-emphasise asset declaration, but the sincerity behind such exercise.

According to him, some public office holders could over-declare their assets to pave the way for them to steal public funds in future, while others, who had held public offices in the past, might under-declare their personal belongings in order to give the impression that they were never involved in corrupt practices while in office.

He said: “The governor has declared his assets and this is exactly what he told newsmen during the tour of his administration’s projects.

“There is no law compelling him to make his declaration public. He has declared his assets and the declaration was made to the relevant authority.

“Let me also say that it is not just about asset declaration; it has to do with the sincerity of the person because some may over-declare when they want to steal in future. So, they declare to accommodate the theft in future.

“Some may also declare for whatever reason; maybe they have held public offices in the past and they don’t want people to know that they have stolen money. So, people will declare; it is not all about the declaration of assets.

“What is crucial is the sincerity of the person declaring and you are supposed to declare when you get out of office.

“But the truth is that if you are a governor or a minister, what matters is the delivery of the dividends of democracy. That is what is important and it is not about what you declare and how much you declare.”

Wike debunked the claim by the All Progressives Congress in the state that most of the projects completed by his administration were started by the immediate past governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

He, however, noted that projects that will impact on the lives of the people should not be abandoned by any successor.

Culled from www.dailypost.ng

100 days: Wike calls for support from APC

By Victor Azubuike

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has pledged to continue in his effort to improve the lives of the people of the state.

Governor Wike stated this during his maiden state-wide-broadcast to mark his 100 days in office.

The Governor, who highlighted some of his achievements renewed his plan to serve the state with more commitment to achieve desired result.

He described the refusal of the All Progressives Congress to acknowledge his achievements within the 100 days of his administration as bad politics.

Wike said it was wrong for the opposition party in the state to play politics with his administration’s achievements, adding that the APC was deliberately turning its eyes away from the problems they (opposition) created as a result of their profligacy, noting that his administration was not under the illusion that the successes achieved were enough.

He pointed out that his administration would judiciously apply state resources to enhance comprehensive pro-people development across the state.

According to him, “While we acknowledge the rights of opposition elements to focus only on the negatives, downplaying the progress we have made in the last 100 days in the face of glaring positive evidence smacks of bad politics.

“They are deliberately shutting their eyes to the ocean of problems they created from their misrule, profligacy and prodigality.

“Although we welcome negative ratings and even criticisms because of their inspirational value, we care more about the feedback from ordinary Rivers people, whose well-being remains the most rational basis for the public office we are privileged and honoured to occupy.

“Our achievements within the period show that we have weathered the turbulent waters of vast challenges and rowed Rivers State steadily forward.

“Virtually every reliable indicator points to the fact that the worst times are over for our dear state and the days of sublime growth and development are here again. But we are not under any illusion about the fact that the work is far from being done.

“Every reasonable person knows that for a journey of four years, 100 days is an infinitesimal fraction. So, those who think that our administration should have by now steered the ship of state out of the dark times are simply being parochial and mischievous.”

Culled from www.dailypost.ng

We have completed 42 Roads In 100 Days, says Wike

Gov Nyesom Wike of Rivers said on Monday that his administration had completed 42 roads in three months.

Wike made this known in Port Harcourt while conducting Journalists round some of the completed roads.

He said that 30 other roads were nearing completion and that his administration was determined to touch lives positively.

Wike, who noted that the previous administration abandoned governance, promised to lead a prosperous Rivers.

He explained that the essence of governance was to put viable infrastructure in place aimed at strengthening the economy.

The governor who led journalists to Abuloma/Woji road under construction, said when completed, the road would reduce traffic along Aba road.

Wike promised to put durable infrastructure in place that would put the state back on the part of progress.

Some of the roads visited were Ahoada Street, Creek road, Borokiri road and Nkpogu road bridge, among others.

NAN

100 Days: Rivers PDP Showcases Wike’s Achievements

The Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed satisfaction with the programmes and activities of the Governor Nyesom Wike administration, describing his development efforts and initiatives as meaningful, monumental and sustainable.

According to a statement by Jerry Needam, Special Adviser on Media to State PDP Chairman, Bro. Felix Obuah, the state PDP commended “the pragmatism, commitment, courage and most importantly, prudence and transparency demonstrated by the governor since assumption of office,” saying in addition to these abilities, he has proved to Rivers people that he is truly Rivers and will not be distracted from redeeming the lost glory of the state.

The party says it is proud of Wike, who has proved it right in making him its Governorship flag-bearer, saying the party has not been disappointed by the actions and policies taken in course of governance, and therefore reiterates its vote of confidence on the Governor and his administration in the state.

“Full of enthusiasm and confidence in Wike, the PDP Chairman, Bro. Felix Obuah, observes that in just 100 days on seat, he has broken the jaws of criminality, insecurity and other social vices in the state with his unprecedented support and encouragement of the security agencies, as well as sponsorship of Executive Bill on Anti-kidnapping which has been passed into law by an Independent Legislature in the state.

“Furthermore, the PDP chairman notes the achievements of the governor in 100 days to include, Operation Zero Potholes, which has given a facelift to major roads in all parts of Port Harcourt, the state capital and other local government areas, payment to all contractors handling construction works awarded but abandoned by Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s administration, and returning Port Harcourt to Garden City status with the full support for the activities of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) in keeping the State clean, safe and healthy.”

The PDP also lauded the governor on the partnership for the reconstruction of the damaged section of the East-West Road leading to Onne Sea Port; rehabilitation of Industry Road leading to the Rivers Port in Port Harcourt; strategic investment in security and collaboration with security agencies; giving the people access to justice by opening the courts; restoration of separation of powers with all arms of government (the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary) working independently, thereby ensuring political stability and social cohesion; as well as restoring the dignity of traditional institution with the signing into law the Traditional Rulers and Chieftaincy Bill of 2015.

“It is gratifying that in just few days in the saddle, the governor paid civil servants salaries and allowances owed them by former Governor Amaechi, cleared allowances of sportsmen and women, pensioners, and fees of Rivers Students on state scholarship abroad, as well as turning the state into construction site with the mobilization of two construction giants, Julius Berger and RCC, which are currently embarking on massive construction and rehabilitation of Port Harcourt roads, spanning through adjoining LGAs, and other internal roads in Diobu, Borikiri, Iwofe, GRA, Akpajo, Elioparanwo, Tombia extension, Eagle Island, Elelenwo, Trans-Amadi, Orazi, amongst others,” Obuah emphasized.

While urging the governor not to relent on his development spree across the state, the PDP calls on residents of Port Harcourt and indeed all people of the state to exercise patience with the government for the inconveniences caused by the rampant execution and construction works going on in all parts of the capital city and environs.

The party further appealed to the people to reciprocate the concerns and determination of the governor in making life better and safe in the state.

“We therefore, congratulate the governor and reiterate our confidence in his administration, urging him to remain focused and undeterred, assuring him of our total support and cooperation,” the party said.