Wike presents N470b Rivers 2017 budget

By Victor Azubuike

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has presented the 2017 appropriation bill of 470 billion Naira before the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The Appropriation Bill is tagged: “The Golden Jubilee Budget 2017 for accelerated development.”

Governor Wike, while presenting the budget estimate at Wednesday’s plenary explained that the capital expenditure was 329 billion Naira, while the recurrent expenditure was 141 billion Naira.

He said it was pegged at the daily oil output of 2.1million barrels per day at a benchmark of 40 dollars per barrel, as against federal government’s projections of 2.4million barrel daily export of $45 per barrel benchmark price.

A breakdown of the 2017 budget estimate indicates that road infrastructure got allocation of 77 billion Naira, education sector will gulp 30 billion, health sector 27 billion Naira, while security is allocated 15 billion Naira.

Governor Nyesom Wike further noted that the 2017 budget was aimed at consolidating on the achievements of his administration in 2016, and to improve on the security situation of the state to attract foreign direct investments to the state.

He disclosed that the 2017 budget would be funded via revenue receipts from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), 13 per cent Derivation proceeds, Value Added Tax (VAT), Reimbursements, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and Domestic credits

“This budget is underpinned by the following basic principles: first, enhancing the business environment, including tackling the security challenges for the private sector to grow.

“Expand our tax revenue base, and drive our economy through the value chain into becoming one of the largest economies in West Africa.

“Second, committing a greater proportion of available resources towards infrastructure development and public works to stimulate economic growth, create employment and reduce poverty,” he said.

“The unprecedented increase in the capital expenditure, once again, underscores our commitment to direct substantial resources to the critical growth sectors of our economy.

“This includes addressing infrastructure gaps to accelerate economic growth, secure the state and improve the wellbeing of our people,” he said.

Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Dabotorudima Adams directed the House Commitee on Appropriation to liaise with the relevant ministries over the estimated bill.

He directed the committee to submit it report before the next assembly sitting.

Wike’s works: His Jesus economy model

By Emmanuel Aziken

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State last weekend conducted a team of visiting journalists on a tour of some projects being undertaken by the state administration.

Following the tour, the governor sat down for an interview in which he unveiled his style and strategies in swimming above the currents in a static economy.

It was a day after the General Overseer of The Redeemed Church of God; Pastor Enoch Adeboye ministered at the government-sponsored annual carol service in Port Harcourt.

The anointing was perhaps still flowing on Governor Nyesom Wike when this correspondent posed the question as to the source of funds for the many projects the administration has embarked on.

In a time of contraction with many state governments pulling back on projects, and even halving the pay of their civil servants, Governor Wike is apparently trudging in the opposite direction with construction works spread across the three senatorial districts.

Replying to the question as he sat across the correspondent in the customized Ford bus, Wike gushed, “We are operating a Jesus economy,” leaving the reporter wondering like the prophet of old as to whether Saul was now among the prophets?

“You asked, and I have told you, I can’t even explain it myself, it is a Jesus economy, Jesus is the one doing it,” the former minister turned governor said.

Wike is certainly not Jesus. Rather than basking in the euphoria of men, Jesus repeatedly walked away from men escaping when men sought to make him King.

On the contrary, for the two days the visiting journalists accompanied him, Wike was basked in the approval he got from the hundreds of men and women that turned out to hail him at every point.

Some ladies mischievously took their passion to the extreme, blowing kisses at the governor! “We love you Nyesom,” one lady blew at Wike as the team traversed the 7.2 kilometer   Elelenwo Road.

The political division in Rivers State as expressed by the serious rivalry between the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led administration, and the preceding All Progressives Congress, APC has, however, not deterred the administration from continuing with some of the projects inherited from the Rotimi Amaechi-led APC administration.

One of such is the Abuloma-Woji Road with its massive 400-meter bridge. The significance of the project the governor explained would be that it would help decongest the recurring gridlock on the Old Aba Road.

Administration officials who accompanied the governor said that the Wike government since it came to power reconstructed or rehabilitated at least 42 roads in the Port-Harcourt area and about 200 roads across the state.

Other projects inspected were the reconstructed Igwuruta-Chokocho Road, dualization of Sakpenwa-Bori Road, reconstruction of Obiri-Ikwere Airport Road, reconstruction of Ogbunabali Internal Roads, reconstruction of Aluu Road, Birabi Memorial Grammar School and Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta.

The project tour also covered Federal High Court Complex being funded by the Rivers State Government, Ozuoba-Rumuoparali Road, Igbo-Etche Road, Chokocho-Umuechem-Ozuzu Road and Ulakwo-Afara-Nihi Road.

The imprint of the administration is, however, not limited to roads as the governor took the delegation to the Government Girls Secondary School, Rumokwuta which it is hoping to use as a model.

When the team arrived the school, construction was ongoing in various sections of the school premises which the Wike administration intends to convert to a 960 student fully boarding school.

The construction works include the provision of a modern assembly hall with modern electronic systems, about 1.5 kilometers of internal roads, staff quarters among others. Two similar model schools with nearly the same specifications are also being done in other sections of the state including Bori.

Giving a peep into the operations of his Jesus economy, the governor said it was underlined by righteousness and prudence in the application of government resources.

He cited Sakpenwon-Bori Road as a testimony of the working of the Jesus economy. The 16 km road which is being built for N9bn was originally awarded by a previous administration for N14 billion even with lower specifications.

“I can tell you that road was designed by the previous administration at the cost of N14bn – to use laterite, but when we came on board we said how can laterite cost N14bn, and we said we prefer to use sharp sand because of the terrain. So, you will ask yourself, how can laterite cost more than sharp sand?”

The governor first adopted the more expensive sharp sand in building roads when he served as local government chairman of Obio/Akpor local government area. He said that they may be more expensive, but that they make better roads.

Speaking on his determination not to abandon projects inherited from the previous administrations, he pointed at the Woji-Akpajo bridge which was awarded by the preceding regime which his government is working round the clock to complete.

“I did not award the job, but it is an important road that whether we like it or not any governor must finish. Some of the projects started by the previous administration that we felt they are key projects, we said we should not abandon them because we did not award them.

The whole essence is not concerning whether you awarded the project or not. If we have the opportunity of completing the project, for me that is the key.

“There are so many projects I completed. Take, for example, the University of Education Road. It was about 40 – 45 per cent completed. I came I completed it.

The road Ozuogba-Ogbogoro road was awarded at the cost of about N8bn. They paid the contractor about N3bn, and they abandoned it. We came we completed it.

Former Senate President David Mark came to commission it. There is Abuloma-Woji bridge. We came we completed it.

On the way to Etche, there is Igwurita-Umukuruchi road. They could not complete it. We came we completed it. The Woji road towards Aba road they awarded it to LCC but they did not mobilise with one naira, so LCC did not go to site. Rather than demolish houses and pay compensations that will not be enough for the people to build another house, we brought the price to about N4bn and completed the road.”

However, Wike apparently would not touch some of the signature projects of the former administration. The monorail project which officials say would take another N50 billion to complete is one saying the government cannot afford the money.

Another are the 21 model schools which administration officials say was a scheme laced with propaganda. One significant project the Wike administration is hoping to boost the economy of the state is the Pleasure Park, a project that is aimed at boosting tourism and at the same time revenue for the state government.

The project located at Rumuola, near Bori Camp, a military base is being constructed by Julius Berger and is expected to be completed ahead of the state’s 50th anniversary next year.

Speaking more on how he is operating the Jesus economy, Wike said: “What is important is not the amount of resources you have, it is about how you can utilise the little you have to make sure that you do not allow contracts to be highly inflated in the sense that contracts that are supposed to be N1bn are put out at N7bn.

But overall, I would say that there are certain explanations I cannot give. I have told people who have spoken with me that we run a Jesus economy.

“If you ask, what is Jesus economy; it has to do with things you cannot explain economically. As an economist, if you are arguing, there are factors that you use to back up your argument but in this case you will see that the Nigerian economy is under recession and Rivers’ economy is part of federal economy; companies are folding up, workers are being sacked that means the income of the state will be coming down as relates to internally generated revenue. The money we get from the federation account, it is on record that it was last month that we had about N10bn, the highest was about N5bn, and we pay pensioners and salaries about N5.6 monthly, so if we use that it means we will not be able to do projects.”

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/12/wikes-works-jesus-economy-model/

Rivers State Government clears six months pensioners’ salary …after biometric exercise

The Rivers State Government has cleared the six months’ outstanding pension arrears for all pensioners who have completed their biometric exercise.

The state Commissioner for Finance, Dr Fred Kpakol, told newsmen in Port Harcourt, at the weekend that this was in line with the commitment of Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to enhance the welfare of retired workers.

Kpakol noted that the Wike-led administration will always give priority attention to the welfare of its workforce and retired workers.

The commissioner reiterated that the Rivers State Government has paid civil servants up to October, 2016.

He noted that the remaining 18,000 teachers who have completed their biometric capture would be paid their remaining two months’ outstanding salaries before the end of the year.

It would be recalled that the present administration in the state inherited four months’ civil servants salaries and eight months’ pension from the immediate past administration of Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, which it had since cleared.

The administration, thereafter, embarked on biometric capture of civil servants and pensioners in the state to determine its workforce and the status of retired workers.

Wike’s Giant Strides Excite Military Researchers

Participants of the Senior Course 39 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, near Kaduna, have lauded Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for the massive infrastructural development in the state, despite the economic crisis facing the nation.

Speaking in Port Harcourt last Friday after an extensive project tour with the governor in Obio/ Akpor and Port Harcourt City local government areas, Team Leader of the Senior Course 39 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Brigadier-General Johnson Irefen, noted that the works of the governor are a testimony of quality leadership.

Irefen said: “The good works of the governor are perfectly in line with our theme for this tour, which is, ‘Public Private Partnership: Enhancing Economic Development.’

“Where else can we see such examples, other than the places we visited today with the governor.

“He is doing well bearing in mind the economic downturn. We have seen good structures, projects”.

In his remarks, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike said that his administration was serious about developing Port Harcourt into a modern city that will attract tourists.

He noted that his vision is to return Port Harcourt to its glorious days where all indigenes of the state will be proud.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the level of work at the project sites visited with members of the Senior Course 39 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.

The governor and the participants of the Senior Course 39 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, inspected ongoing work at the Government House extension, the restoration of the old Brick House, Ogbum-nu-Abali/Nkpogu land reclamation project, second Nkpogu bridge/road, Woji-Akpajo link road/bridge, dualization of the Akpajo-Elelenwo road, Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, and the Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta.

Governor Wike affirms support for Victor Ezeji Testimonial

Governor Nyesom Wike has affirmed the Rivers State government's support for the Victor Ezeji Testimonial scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt on the 10th of December.

The governor speaking through the state's commissioner for sports, Hon. Boma Iyaye said the Main Organizing Committee for the Victor Ezeji Testimonial would receive government’s support in its bid to host a befitting testimonial for Victor Ezeji.

The Governor acknowledged Ezeji's service for defunct Rivers state club sides Sharks FC and Dolphins FC and also commended his choice of Port Harcourt as the city to host his testimonial.

The government would support Victor; the government would support the Main Organising Committee to ensure that you have a hitch free testimonial.

For Victor to decide that his testimonial will hold in Port Harcourt shows the love and respect he has for our city.

You played for Sharks, won laurels. You played for Dolphins and won laurels also. We thus consider you a part and parcel of Rivers Utd and a legend of Rivers Utd.

Ezeji though from Abia State grew up in Port Harcourt and can be considered a Port Harcourt boy through and through.

He started his playing career in the city, got married in the city and still lives in Port Harcourt at the moment.

Following his official retirement from the round leather game, Ezeji has decided to also bid an official farewell to his fans with one last match.

The Victor Ezeji Testimonial is scheduled to take place on 10 December at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt.

Wike lavishes thirty million naira on Rivers United

The Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (CON) has rewarded players and officials of Rivers United FC following their impressive feat in the just concluded Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

United finished the season in second place with 60 points from 36 matches as they secured a place in the 2017 Caf Champions League and the governor announced cash gifts that may total about thirty million naira.

Impressed with the feat, Governor Wike announced that players and members of the management will receive financial rewards for a good display in their maiden season with the club in the Nigerian top flight.

“You have done well and we (the Rivers State Government) would have done more if you had won the league title.

“Each of the players and every member of the management team will receive five hundred thousand naira (N500,000) while the technical manager, Stanley Eguma will receive one million naira,” Governor Wike said at a grand reception/dinner at the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt to honour the team.

The Governor said the financial reward was aimed at appreciating the effort of the team and also motivating them ahead of the upcoming season.

Governor Wike also approved for immediate release, a brand new Luxurious Bus for the club while members of the Rivers United will receive a brand new Coaster Bus.

Governor Wike also announced that the team will prepare for the 2017 CAF Champions League in Madrid, Spain.

Governor Wike, a Real Madrid CF fan, explained that the move was geared towards exposing the team to state-of-the-art facilities and international exposure ahead of their maiden expedition in Africa’s premier club competition.

“I want Rivers United to win the 2017 CAF Champions League title and to facilitate this, I want to see that our boys are exposed by going for their training outside the country.

“The team will go to Madrid because Real Madrid has a culture of winning titles on a consistent basis.

“We are proud of you and will do everything to equip you for the Caf Champions League,” Governor Wike said at a grand reception/dinner in honour of the team at the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt.

Rivers United finished in second place in last season’s NPFL with 60 points from 36 matches.

I am ready to defend Rivers State with my life says Governor Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that he is ready to sacrifice his life in order to protect the state from external predators.

The governor also charged the people of the state to rise up to defend the state and her interest in the coming weeks as anti-democratic forces have ganged up against Rivers people.

Speaking during the flag off of the construction of the Abua-Emoh-Egbolom road in Abua/Odual Local Government Area on Saturday, Governor Wike said: ""This is the time to say no to illegality. If they are testing the waters for rigging and mayhem, it will not work.”

Briefing the people on the failed abduction of a Federal High Court Judge by the Police and DSS, the governor said that the security operatives were on an illegal mission to entrench an evil scheme in Rivers State.

He said: "I told the security operatives who planned to abduct the judge that instead of this impunity, you better take my life. I will always protect the interest of this state.

"When God gives you an assignment, he will give you the enablement to complete the assignment.

Rivers people must be ready to fight any form of injustice. I am ready to defend Rivers State with my life".

On the construction of the Abua-Emoh-Egbolom road, Governor Wike said that the project will be completed in seven months, pointing out that he will wipe away the tears of Abua/Odual people with quality projects.

He said the contractor, MCC Nigeria Limited has the capacity to deliver a quality project within the scheduled time. He called on the people to support the contractor all through the duration of the road.

The governor said that he had promised to construct the road during a rally to celebrate his Supreme Court victory in March.

He charged the people to remain committed to the PDP as it is the only political party that will promote their welfare.

Member representing Abua/Odual/Ahoada East Federal Constituency, Mrs Betty Apiafi and the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Marshal Uwom lauded Governor Wike for bringing development to the people.

They said since the creation of the local government 25years ago, no serving governor has initiated a major project in the area. According to them, Governor Wike deserves commendation for being the first serving governor to initiate a major project for Abua/Odual Local Government Area.

Commissioner for Works, Mr Harrison Iheanyichukwu said the 8.2kiometre road will connect the seven communities on the route to the rest of the state.

Away from roads, Wike wants to create jobs In Rivers State

The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to create 10,000 jobs for unemployed youths through the expansion of agriculture projects in the state.

A statement issued by Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, said Wike made the announcement in his address at a reception to mark the coronation and thanksgiving in honour of Chief Mike Elechi as Obua Weze in Elele, Ikwerre LGA.

“Aside the development of infrastructure across the state, we are working with private investors to create 10,000 jobs through key agriculture projects,” he said.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Chukwuemeka Woke, Wike said that the 10,000 jobs would be created with the expansion of Resonpalm Oil Plantation in Ubima, adding that his administration was partnering Siat Limited to plant new nurseries at the oil palm plantation in the extensive expansion scheme.

He said that his administration was also in the process of re-activating Delta Rubber Ltd. in partnership with private investors to ensure that more jobs are created for the people.

Meanwhile, based on the advice of the state Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, Wike granted the release of three convicts on death row, and Six other convicts serving life imprisonment for various offences.

The beneficiaries, who were on death row, were identified as Goddy Faghawari, Kendu Uffort and Emmanuel Ekanem.

Those serving life imprisonment are Chukwuemeka Emeka, Akara Etteh, Emmanuel Ihenebiri, Samuel Amadi, Sgt. James Mordi and Tochukwu Chukwu.

“The Governor of Rivers State has, upon the advice of the Rivers State Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy and pursuant to the powers conferred on him by section 212 (1) (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, granted a reprieve to the convicts,” the statement read.

Source: https://www.thewhistler.ng/story/wike-to-create-10-000-new-jobs-in-rivers

Governor Wike offers amnesty to militants

Omotayo Yusuf

Governor Nyesom Wike inaugurated the State Amnesty Programme Committee on Friday, September 16 and appointed Sir Ken Chinda who is the special adviser to the governor on amnesty as chairman.

Militants in the Niger Delta region have been blowing up oil and gas pipeline with the most notorious being the Niger Delta Avengers.

In a statement issued by Simeon Nwakaudu who is the special assistant to the governor, it was revealed that the committee was made up of representatives of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Services.

Governor Wike charged the committee to interface with different cult groups and militants for the purpose of retrieving arms from them. He warned them however not to promise militants that they will be paid for the weapons they surrendered.

“Anyone who has surrendered his arms and has followed through the process laid out for the amnesty will be pardoned. Such a person will not be prosecuted.

“This committee has 60days to complete its assignment. After the 60days, any cultist or militant who fails to subscribe to the amnesty programme will face the full weight of the law”.

The governor reiterated that the amnesty programme is not politically motivated as it was designed to promote the security of all communities in the state. Mr Ken Chinda assured the governor that members of the will work in line with the terms of reference outlined.

River State Gov Suspends Commissioners, Others For 3 Months

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has asked four commissioners, Head of Service and Special Adviser on Lands to go on a suspension for three months.

This was contained in a statement by the special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media Simeon Nwakaudu, released in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Those affected were: Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr John Bazia,  Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Tonye Briggs-Oniyide, Commissioner for Finance, Fred Kpakol and the Sports Commissioner Mr Boma Iyaye.

Also, Head of Service, Mr. Rufus Godwin and Mr Anugbun Onuoha, Special Adviser on Lands were suspended.

However, the reasons for their suspension was not given in the statement.

Wike Explains the Need for the Demolition of Shanties

TOUCHPH DESK

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has reiterated the need for the demolition of shanties in some the state.

The Governor explained that the move is aimed at improving the security situation in the state.

The Governor rendered his explanation on Thursday, when he received the management of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, UPTH at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

He said that the move was not conceived out of bias for any group, and that the Rivers State Government will take all necessary legal steps to salvage the security situation in the state.

“Our security measures are not targeted at any group. But we are interested in the security of lives and property, which remains paramount.”

He added that no government in its right state of mind will allow its citizens to be tormented by criminals and drive investors away.

“No right thinking government will fold its hands and allow criminals to torment residents and drive away investors.”

Wike also said that the Government is making sure not to violate the rights of citizens, but he clarified that the security of lives and properties is priority to the Rivers State Government.

Culled from www.touchph.com

Governor Wike splashes million on Rivers United

The Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (CON) on Sunday matched words with action as he watched Rivers United in a competitive game for the first time.

Governor Wike was present at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt as Rivers United beat Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) 2-0 in a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game.

United have impressed this season and are still in the running for glory in both the NPFL and the Federation Cup.

As part of plans to adequately motivate the club, the Governor outlined several incentives which should spur players and officials of the club as the season enters the home strait.

The Governor splashed the sum of seven million naira (N7 million) on the football club for the win over 3SC in Port Harcourt on Sunday with a further three point five million naira (N3.5 million) set as the financial carrot each time the football club earns a draw away from home in the NPFL this season.

For an away win in any of their remaining matches in this season’s NPFL, the sum of seven million naira (N7 million) has been earmarked as financial.

The Rivers State Chief Executive also promised the sum of fifty thousand US dollars (about seventeen million naira) if the team defeats either Julius Atete FC or Enyimba International FC in the quarter final of this year’s Federation Cup.

The Governor also revealed that a ‘special package’ awaits the football club if they reach the last four of the oldest football competition.

Rivers United is currently in third place on the NPFL standings with 44 points from 26 games, two points adrift of the leaders, Enugu Rangers.

Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Will Not be Neglected -Governor Wike

TOUCHPH DESK

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has committed to work towards the accreditation of all the academic programmes of the Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori and also begin work on upgrading the school’s workshops and laboratories. 

He said this while addressing students of the Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori on Wednesday at the school’s auditorium.

Governor Wike further stated that upon the improvement of the state’s internally generated revenue, his administration will establish a polytechnic in each senatorial district to create more access to quality education.

He also said that his administration will complete the rehabilitation of the Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori and dualise the Sakpwenwa-Bori road for the good of the Ogoni ethnic nationality.

In a statement released by Simeon Nwakaudu,  the Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media, the Governor explained that the establishment of the Port Harcourt Polytechnic was not an attempt to shut down the Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic as being peddled by political opponents.

Governor Wike  said: ” I make the solemn pledge to ensure the Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic facilities are improved for the school to carry out its core mandate. That is why I am here to inspect the school and thereafter improve her facilities. Having a polytechnic in another location will not remove the polytechnic here. We will extend the necessary grant to the Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic for the improvement of her facilities, especially workshops and laboratories”.

The Governor advised the students to shun crime and embrace peace and also assured that his administration will pay the bursaries of students after due verification.

Governor Wike further announced the confirmation of the appointment of the Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Oneniye -Ofori Georgewill and the President of the Students’ Union Government Comrade Peter Dunobari commended the Governor for setting up a credible governing council and management.

Culled from www.touchph.com

Governor Wike constitutes Rivers State Basic Education Board

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has approved the constitution of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board as follows:

1: Venerable (Dr) Fyneface Akah--Chairman

2: Dr William Nzidee ---member

3: Barr. Opuda Wiillie-Pepple--member

4: Mr. Kio Tams---member

A statement by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media added that Governor Wike also approved the appointment of appointment of Chukwudi Dimkpa as the Acting Managing Director of Rivers State Signage and Advertising Agency.

Governor Wike signs three bills into law

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Monday gave his assent to three laws passed by the State House of Assembly.

Signing the bills into law, Governor Wike commended the State House of Assembly for always taking steps that promote good governance and development in the state.

The three laws assented to by the governor include: Rivers State Taxes and Levies Miscellaneous Provisions Law Number 2, 2016, Rivers State Hotel Occupancy and Restaurants Consumption Law Number 3 of 2016 and Rivers State Polytechnic Law Number 4 of 2016.

The governor said that the State Assembly has always made sacrifices for the advancement of the state.

He noted that despite the fact that members are yet to get their allowances, they have remained committed to the progress of the state by expeditiously treating bills brought before them.

He said : "The governor does not have official vehicle, Deputy Governor has no official vehicle and the House of Assembly members have no official vehicles.

"They have continued to make sacrifices for the good governance of Rivers State and we commend them. All the sacrifices of the Rivers State House of Assembly will be rewarded by greater performance from this executive council.”

He said the laws will be implemented for the good of the people of the state.

In his remarks, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Dabo Adams said when the governor made a pledge to deliver good governance, the House took it as a challenge to work harder for the state.

Presenting the bills for assent, Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule said that the laws were passed in line with the constitution.

He informed that the house held public hearing to get the input of the people before the passage of the laws.

Rivers State Government Demolishes Hideout of Cult Group in Rumuolumeni

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on Tuesday, supervised the demolition of a structure in Rumuolumeni. The structure is said to be the hideout of a suspected notorious cultist in the state.

The criminal identified as Munachim Ihunwo was said to have a camp with about 200 boys. Lieutenant Colonel Unaogu revealed this while briefing the Governor. He also said Ihunwo and his boys were arrested in their hideout which had human skulls and a tunnel.

Nyesom Wike commended the joint efforts of the Police and Army in fighting crime in the state. The Governor said that the land where the demolished building was will be acquired by the State Government, to build a police station.

“The Rivers State Government has taken over the criminal hideout of these arrested cultists. After the ongoing demolition of their hideout, we will build a police station and mini barracks in this location. We have also taken over the home of the kingpin that we have also demolished.

“This is to let members of the public know that this administration is serious. We will not allow anyone to cause insecurity in this state. We will chase criminals to their hideout and recover crime.”

The Governor reiterated his offer of amnesty to repentant cultists in the state.

“Let them submit their arms and we will give them amnesty.”

See Photos from the Scene below.

Culled from www.touchph.com

Pics, courtesy RSGH

RSG committed to improve quality of education

Rivers State Government has restated its commitment towards improving the quality of education in the State

Governor Nyesom Wike said this during the Special memorial lecture organized by the Management of Jesuit Memorial College, Mbodo, Aluu, Port Harcourt.

The Governor who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Security Matters, Elder Emmanuel Ibama explained that itis for this reason that Government decided to embark on the upgrading of eleven old secondary schools in three senatorial districts in the State as well as building of new educational infrastructures.

Governor Wike said his administration would continue to support efforts aimed at bringing the best out of children and commended the Management of Jesuit Memorial College for complimenting Government effort in the development of the State’s educational System.

He urged parents and guardians to take special interest in the activities of their children and wards and instill in them good moral values as potential future leaders.

The Governor also lauded the Management of the College for their thoughtfulness in building the Jesuit Memorial School, Mbodo, Aluu in memory of 60 Loyola Jesuit College who lost their lives in the ill-fated Sosoliso plane crash on 10th December 2005, adding that everything humanly possible should be done to immortalize them.

Earlier, the President of Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu in his lecture entitled " Youth and Entrepreneurship" stressed the need for students to be hardworking, focused and desire to make positive contribution towards the development of the society.

Governor Wike threatens to revoke two road contracts over slow pace

Dissatisfied with the slow pace of work on the Sakpwenwa-Bori road and the Tam David Boulevard also known as Obiri-Ikwere road, Governor, Nyesom Wike has threatened to revoke the two road contracts.

The governor summoned the two contractors, CCECC for Sakpwenwa-Bori road and CGC for Tam David West Boulevard (Obiri-Ikwere road) to explain why they should be allowed to continue with the projects despite their slow pace of work.

Governor Wike spoke on Saturday after inspecting on-going projects in Port Harcourt City, Gokana, Khana, Obio /Akpor, Eleme and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of the state.

The governor who said that the state government has already paid the contractors for them to mobilise to site and speed up work, noted that no contractor will be allowed to derail the projects of the administration.

He also summoned the Commissioner for Works and the State Acting Director of Bureau of Procurement to explain the situation at the project sites.

He said: "I am not impressed with the situation at Sakpwenwa-Bori road and the Tam David West Boulevard. Nobody will delay our work. We are not going to fail on our part.

"Therefore, when we see that contractors that are given jobs are not living up to expectations, we will not hesitate to take drastic actions.”

Governor Wike said that the two roads are strategic to his administration’s plan to economically empower people around the local government areas that they cut across.

He, however, commended the contractor handling the Woji-Akpajo road for working in line with the schedule and time line of the government.

The governor also inspected the ongoing construction of the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park for the second time in two days.

He advised contractors to always live above board as all his inspections are unscheduled.

RSG to commence rehabilitation of general hospitals, says Wike

Rivers State Government will commence the award for the rehabilitation of General Hospitals in the three Senatorial Districts of the state in two weeks’ time, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has announced.

The governor also stated that the administration’s biometric exercise has recovered about N2billion, pointing out that a forensic audit of the state salaries accounts will be conducted thereafter.

Speaking when he granted audience to the leadership of the Rivers State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Governor Wike said that the first phase of the rehabilitation of General Hospitals will involve six hospitals.

He said that the administration is committed to improving secondary health care for the people. He noted that in the next three years, 18 hospitals would have been rehabilitated.

Speaking further, Governor Wike said the state government will upgrade facilities at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital to serve as a teaching hospital for the Rivers State University of Science and Technology.

He added that the State Government will also reconstruct the Doctors Quarters at the Tertiary Health Facility as well as complete the orthopaedic section of the hospital.

"In the next two weeks, we will start awarding contracts for the rehabilitation of General Hospitals. The rehabilitation will be done in phases. We will start with two per senatorial district ", Governor Wike said.

Commenting on the ongoing biometric exercise, Governor Wike said that all those involved in defrauding the state of funds will be prosecuted accordingly.

He noted that the state government will fund the training and retraining of resident doctors to improve their capacity to deliver quality services. He added that issues pertaining the welfare of doctors will also be given the required attention.

Earlier, the Rivers State NMA, Dr Furo Green commended the governor for his developmental strides. He urged him to address key welfare issues affecting doctors in the state.

Wike urges Niger Delta militants to embrace dialogue over oil facilities

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has called on Niger-Delta Militants to embrace dialogue as the blowing up of oil facilities is negatively affecting the nation’s economy.

He also accused Nigerian Agip Oil Company of being responsible for some of the conflicts in the area, stating that should Agip continue to act against the security of the state, the state government will revoke the certificate of occupancy of the oil company.

The governor also stated that the destruction of oil installations also damage the environment which will negatively impact host communities.

He spoke at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday when he received the Ogba / Ndoni /Egbema Local Area (ONELGA ) Youths Consultative Council (OYCC).

He said that should the oil production continue to drop, the nation will face crisis, hence the need for the restoration of peace through negotiation and dialogue.

He said : "If the oil production continues to drop, this country will be in crisis. Blowing up oil facilities also has negative effect on our environment. There is need for the dialogue to go on.

"I believe in one united Nigeria and it is in our interest to have peace for development ".

Governor Wike added that the Niger Delta State Governors should be involved in the process for the award of pipeline contracts for the identification of clean groups without links to cultists.

He commended the OYCC for promoting peace in ONELGA, which is the highest oil producing local government in the country.

The governor assured the people of ONELGA that his administration will execute more development projects in the area. He added that the people also benefit from the entrepreneurial loan scheme of his administration for small businesses.

Earlier, President of OYCC, Kingsley Ogumike praised Governor Wike for executing developmental projects in the area and appointing indigenes of the area into key positions.

They appealed to the governor to always invest in the security of the local government area. He assured the governor of the support of the youths in the area.

WIKE IS AN OUTSTANDING GOVERNOR SAYS SEN. MARKARFI

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi has declared that Governor Wike has proved to be an outstanding governor who churns out projects, pays salaries and pensions, when other states are failing.

Also, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike assured the people of the state that he will maintain the tempo of projects delivery and initiation of pro-people programmes.

Both leaders spoke on Friday at Woji Town in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area where Senator Ahmed Makarfi commissioned the Eze Dr Frank Eke Road (Former Woji Town Road).

Commissioning the road, Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi said: "Most of what we hear from other states is that they cannot pay salary or pension. But what we hear from Rivers State is dignitaries coming to commission projects.

"Rivers State is working, PDP is working. Rivers State will continue to work, PDP will continue to work ".

The National Caretaker Committee Chairman of the PDP said that if elections are conducted 1million times in the state, Governor Wike will emerge victorious because of his pro-people leadership.

He said that the Dr Frank Eke Road he commissioned was executed in line with international standards, stressing that it will be of benefit to the people.

He said that the leaders of the party are working to consolidate on the unity within the PDP.

In his address, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike stated that his decision to reconstruct the Eze Dr Frank Eke Road was as a result of the pledge he made will campaigning in the area.

He said the road was awarded by the immediate past administration which failed to mobilise the contractor.

He said that the Peoples Democratic Party is the only party that keeps its promises. He said while others give excuses, the PDP and her officials deliver.

He said: "There is no more crisis in the PDP. That is why the Caretaker Committee Chairman is here to commission this project."

Also speaking, the Works Commissioner, Mr Bathuel Iheanyichukwu stated that the ministry is happy to be associated with a governor that is performing.

He said that the road is 4.7kilometer in length and has created access to several areas in the local government area.

The commissioning of the road attracted thousands of residents and traditional rulers from Woji Town.