We will continue to promote rule of law- Governor Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that his administration will continue to promote the rule of law in order to enhance the security of the State.

Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the new Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Port Harcourt branch on Monday, Governor Wike said his administration has taken proactive steps to encourage the bar and bench to promote the rule of law.

He said that the Rivers State Government resolved to construct a new Law Centre for the NBA because of its commitment to enhancing law practice and the dispensation of justice in the State with befitting facilities.

Governor Wike said: "We had to relocate the law center to create room for the construction of more courts in the High Court Complex. We also relocated the law complex for the purpose of providing befitting facilities for lawyers to practice in the state".

The governor also formally handed over the certificate of occupancy of the premises to the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.

He said that the project will be completed on schedule by August. According to him, N200million has been released for the commencement of the project which is expected to cost N498million.

In his remarks, NBA President, Augustine Alegeh, SAN, commended Governor Wike for facilitating the promotion of the rule of law through his support to the bar and bench.

He said that the construction of the new Law Centre will enhance the rule of law as lawyers in the State will have access to state of the art facilities for improved practice.

The NBA President praised the governor for the seamless transition in the State Judiciary where seniority has been observed.

Also speaking, Rivers State Acting Chief Judge, Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra said the construction of the new Law Centre has further proved that Governor

Wike is a worthy partner of the Bench and Bar in the promotion of the rule of law.

Chairman of the NBA Port Harcourt, Dennis Okwakpam said Governor Wike is the biggest benefactor of the NBA in the history of Rivers State.

Rivers State Attorney-General, Emmanuel Aguma announced that the plaque containing all the donors of the old Law Centre will be transferred to the new complex.

The highpoint of the occasion was the laying of the foundation of the new Law Centre by the President of the NBA, Augustine Alegeh.

WIKE PLEDGES TO DEVELOP MARINE TRANSPORT

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has assured those living in the riverine area of the state that his administration will develop marine transport to enhance the economy of the riverine area.

The governor also announced the immediate commencement of the reconstruction of the Bille Jetty in Borikiri area of Port Harcourt for the conveyance of goods by ferries to the riverine communities.

Addressing traders at the Creek Road Market in Borikiri where the Bille Jetty is located, Governor Wike directed the total upgrade of the Jetty, reconstruction of the facilities and the enhancement of the safety standards of the Jetty.

He also directed the immediate reconstruction of the road to the Jetty to ensure that trucks bringing goods to the Jetty have access to the transport facility.

The governor said: "I am not happy with the condition of this important Jetty. That is why we will reconstruct the Jetty and uplift the standards to enhance safe marine transport.

"We will also reconstruct the road leading to the Jetty so that trucks and passengers can have access to the facility."

Also on Friday, Governor Wike inspected ongoing road projects in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.

He particularly urged the contractor handling the NLNG-Nkpogu Bridge to ensure that the laying of asphalt on the road and bridge is completed on schedule.

No part of Rivers will be denied development – Wike

Okafor Ofiebor

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has declared that no part of the state will be left behind in his quest to revive decaying infrastructure.

He added that the Igwuruta-Chokocho-Etche road to the Food Basket of the state will be completed on schedule.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on electronic media, Wike was quoted as saying that the process for the recovery of the state is effectively on.

The governor assured the people of Ikwerre and Etche Local Government Areas that the arterial road will be constructed in line with specifications to serve the development needs of the people.

According to him, no section of the state will be denied development projects.

He noted that no project started by his administration will be abandoned.

The governor also assured the people of Eleme Local Government Area residing along the Old Refinery Road in Akpajo that the road will be completed to improve the economy of the area.

Wike said that the development of road infrastructure in different parts of the state is aimed at enhancing business operations of residents.

In a related development, residents along the Igwuruta-Chokocho-Etche road have described Wike as God-sent for reconstructing the Federal road which was abandoned by the immediate past administration.

A trader, Miss Miracle Obinwanne said business has improved since construction work started on the road.

She said Governor Wike deserves support for giving the road priority attention.

Another resident, Ogechi Amadi said the governor departed from the former practice where governors promised to reconstruct the road without living up to their promise.

Victor Doviye, Emeka Oye and Ngozi Onyeka who also reside along the road said that the reconstruction of the Igwuruta-Chokocho-Etche road is one of the greatest democracy dividends from Governor Wike. They said the multiplier effect of the reconstruction of the road will improve the living standard of the Etche people.

Mr Chinenye Onyekachi who resides along the Old Refinery road in Akpajo, Eleme Local Government Area commended Governor Wike for living up to his campaign promise to the people.

Also speaking, Mrs Joy Egwunwkwe said that for the first time in many years she is witnessing the works of government determined to address the development needs of the ordinary people.

Culled from www.pmnewsnigeria.com

One week in the life of Governor Wike

By Kevin Nengia

The triumph of Governor Nyesom Wike at the Supreme Court two weeks ago led to a State Thanksgiving Service at St. Peters Anglican  Church, Rumuepirikom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

At the thanksgiving service attended by former First lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, Ex-Governor Peer Odili, and three governors from Aka Ibom, Abia and Bayelsa States, Governor Wike thanked God for His mercies and  for truncating the plans by the opposition to destabilize the State.

Governor Wike also used the thanksgiving to thank all those who stood firm with his administration while the legal tussle lasted, and extended the olive branch to the opposition to join hands to move the State forward.

On Monday, last week, the governor played host to Ikwerre Chiefs and Elders Forum led by Prince Paul Woke Wonodi in Government House. The group formally congratulated Barrister Wike over the judgement of the Supreme Court, while commending him for his steadfastness in being focused on transforming the State despite the distraction. They pledged solidarity to the administration, and hinted plans to organise a civic reception at a time convenient for the State Chief Executive.

On Tuesday, the governor inaugurated four boards and agencies. They include the State Tax Appeal Commission, Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Agency, Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board and Rivers State Bureau for Public Procurement.

The governor charged them to be prudent and manage the Sate resources and their offices well. Most especially, he tasked the tax commission to ensure improved revenue profile for the State.

On the same Tuesday, Governor Wike inspected works on the Nkporgu-Trans Amadi Bridge. He commended the contractor, MCC Nigeria, for a satisfactory work, but urged them to ensure that the March 2016 deadline is realistic.

On Wednesday, the State Government through the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dr. Austin Tam-George in a press-briefing berated guber candidate of the All Progressives Congress,. Dr. Dakuku Peterside over statement that Governor Wike had known the outcome of the apex court judgement beforehand.

Dr. Tam-George said Peterside’s claim was malicious and aimed at inciting he people of Rivers State.

Governor Wike attended Special Thanksgiving Service organised by the State governors of Abia and later Akwa Ibom within the week. The governor had on Wednesday attended that of Governor Ikpeazu who also won at the Supreme Court and on Thursday attended that of Governor Udom Emmanuel at Uyo.

The governor returned to the State on Friday to host the new State Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission., Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, who paid a courtesy call. Wike promised to support the conduct of  free and fair polls in the State, while reiterating that the people of the state will resist rigging by any means.

On Friday, the State Government through the Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media, released a statement suspending the Commissioner for Finance and State Accountant General. No reason was given for their suspension.

On Saturday, Governor Wike in company of his wife, Justice Suzette Nyesom-Wike, attended the funeral service of Late Gladys Chinda at St Matthews Anglican Church Mgbuoba.


Culled from www.tidenewsonline.com 

Rivers Bloodbath: Wike ban Okada in 4 LGAs

Shola O'Neil

Worried by recent spate of killings and cult-related violence in Rivers State, Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has ordered an indefinite 15-hour daily ban on the operation of commercial motorcyclists, popularly called ‘Okada’.

The four local government areas include: Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni (ONELGA).

Okada operators, by the order announced on Sunday morning by Simeon Nwakaudu, a media aide, “are prohibited from operating between 5pm and 8am daily in four local government areas of the state for security reasons.”

It would be recalled that armed gangs have been on rampage in parts of the state, including Omoku, headquarters of Ogba-Ndoni-Egbema LGA (ONELGA) and hometown of PDP chairman in the state, Bro Felix Obuah.

The ONELGA headquarters witnessed at least a dozen deaths during the weekend owing to the activities of the deadly cult gangs in the area.

The statement stated, “Governor Wike has directed security agencies to enforce the ban.

“The governor regrets any inconveniences the ban will cause residents, businesses and commercial motorcyclists in these local government areas.

“He, however, called on all stakeholders in the mentioned local government areas to cooperate with the state government and security agencies to improve the security situation in their communities,” Nwakaudu added.

Culled from www.thenationonlineng.net

Wike Orders Tax Authorities To Block Leakages

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has charged the tax authorities in the state to block all revenue leakages with a view to improving the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt while swearing-in the Body of Tax Appeal Commission, Governor Nyesom Wike, said that the fall in revenue from the federal allocation means that proactive steps must be taken to improve other sources of revenue.

The governor urged the commission  to be committed  to  the  enforcement  of  the extant  tax laws in the  state  for the growth  of the state’s financial base.

He said: “the Board of Internal Revenue has been directed to block all revenue leakages. The Tax Appeal Commission should resolve all the tax disputes that will arise with the interest of the state at heart.

“All appointees of government must be for the development of the state, making the necessary sacrifices in the face of the financial challenges the state is facing. 

At present, we pay salaries and pensions, by augmenting the federal allocation with the Internally Generated Revenue”.

Wike also inaugurated the Board for the Rivers State Roads Maintenance and Rehabilitation Agency, the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board and Board for the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement.

The governor charged the Road Maintenance Agency to be proactive in tackling potholes on roads in the state before they degenerate.

He advised the Bureau for Public Procurement to diligently scrutinize all contracts in line with the due process requirements.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Prof Okey Onuchuku, assured that they will work for the development of the state.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has approved the appointment of Mr Igonibo Emmanuel Thompson as the acting Director General of Rivers State Bureau for  Public Procurement.

The appointment was contained in a statement signed yesterday by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Members of the Body of Tax Appeal Commission include Chief Nelson Nworgu, chairman; Mr Noble Owhonda, member; Mr. Michael Vincent, member; Mr. Edwin Krukrubo, member; and Barr. Vitalis Ajoku, member.

Similarly, members of Board for the Rivers State Roads Maintenance and Rehabilitation Agency are Chief Okay Okah, chairman; Engr. Mrs. Okpete Ovai, member; Captain Mike William, secretary; Mr Gideon Demua, member; Mr Achinike Wonodi, member; Mr Ken Nwobochi,  member; and Mrs. Emilia Gilbert-Nte, member.

Members of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board are Prof. Princewill Anthony Chike, chairman; Dr Rowland Obed-White, executive director; Prof Akuro Gobo, member; Dr. (Mrs) Gladys Okafor, member; Mr Bartimeous Ebirien, member; Mrs. Rose Dopublin-Green, member; Dr. Kinikanwo Green, member; and Chief Noble Diri, member.

Also inaugurated are the following members of the Board for the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement: Professor Okey Onuchiukwu, chairman; Engr (Dr). Awajiogota A. Ujile, member; Chief Raymond Chinda, member; Hon. Ene Datame, member; Mr. Geoffrey Senior Jaja, member; Mr. Charles Menebo, member; Mrs. Victoria Awuse, member; and Barr. (Mrs) Blessing Eddy-Amadi, member.

Culled from www.tidenewsonline.com

Patience Jonathan, 4 PDP Governors Attend Wike’s Thanksgiving

Governor Wike, Dr. Peter Odili & PAtience Jonathan

By ANAYO ONUKWUGHA

Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan and the Governors of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson; Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel and Abia State, Dr. Okez8e Ikpeazu, today attended a special thanksgiving service organised in Port Harcourt, by Rivers State Governor, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, to thank God for his victory at the Supreme Court.

Also in attendance at the church service held at Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, Rumueprikom, Ohio/Akpor local government area of the state, were the deputy governor of Ebonyi State, Kelechi Igwe; former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili and the embattled acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus.

Speaking at the service, which was officiated by the Archbishop of the Province of Niger Delta (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Ignatius Kattey, Wike that he had called few of his supporters that he was not going to recontest because of the expected bloodshed that would have followed the election.

The governor, who praised his legal team, which consist of 21 Senior Advocates of Nigeria, said, “Blood would have flown if the election was going to hold again. Many people were being arrested. I would call the security men, asking why they would say they were going to make sure there won’t be any problem.

“So I called some people including the Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus that I was not going to run again. They said why and I explained that if I did, many people would die.”

“On the day of the judgment, we were sitting in the parlour when my CSO came to tell me that I was going to lose, and I would be arrested. I asked him to leave my house. He said whether there was nothing we could do, I said he should leave.

“I pray that my enemy should continue to have permanent high blood pressure. I wouldn’t pray that God will heal them. My own has come down now, and for sever months it was high. It is time for their own to rise.”

Insisting that his administration would not support the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari to wage war against corruption in the country, Wike accused the federal government of fighting a one-sided war against corruption.

He said, “We would not support the fight against corruption. People took our money from the state, and we wrote to the police asking them to go and make a statement, nothing has come out of it.

“We won’t take anybody to the EFCC because I know what would happen. We know how to fight our own way.  We won’t support that war against corruption that they are doing.”

Culled from http://www.leadership.ng

Wike congratulates Akwa Ibom, Abia govs

Governor Nyesom  Wike Rivers State has described the validation of the elections of Governors Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State as the consolidation of the will of the people through the judicial process.

In a congratulatory message, Wednesday night,  after the affirmation of their elections, Governor Wike praised the Supreme Court for always upholding the supremacy of the rule of  law  in the nation’s democracy.

Governor Wike rejoiced with his Akwa Ibom and Abia State colleagues on their deserved victory  at the Supreme  Court, urging  them  to  be magnanimous in victory  by continuing  to run  inclusive  governments  in their  respective states.

He particularly congratulated the  people  of  Akwa Ibom  and Abia States on the Supreme Court judgments, saying  that they  are the ultimate  victors and beneficiaries of  the process because  their mandates were deservedly  upheld.

The governor  said  that the Supreme Court through  her judgments  have strengthened the nation’s democrac