Wike Inaugurates Committee For African Wrestling Championship

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 2018 African Wrestling Championship, which will hold in Port Harcourt in February 2018.

Inaugurating the committee at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Governor Wike asked all members to organise a world-class event.

“This competition is important to Rivers State – give it all it takes. I urge you to start working immediately,” he said.

“Make sure that all the requirements are put in place for the championship. I will personally work to ensure that we have other sponsors for the event”.

The governor said the African Wrestling Championship would be given top priority in the coming four months, adding that it would effectively showcase the state and Nigeria.

He asked the committee, chaired by the Rivers State Commissioner of Sports, Mr Boma Iyaye, to work directly with security agencies to prevent any form of security breach during the championship.

Wike specifically challenged the Vice Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Mr Daniel Igali, to bring his experience and expertise to the table for the success of the event.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Iyaye assured the governor that the committee would deliver on its mandate by conducting a hitch-free championship.

Members of the Committee include Mr Stephen Adue, Mr Emma Okah, Professor Princewill Chike, Mrs Tonye Onyide and Mr Honour Sirawoo.

Other are Boma Iyaye, Daniel Igali, Representative of Federal Minister of Sports, Commissioner of Police/Rep member, Jackson Bidei, J.J Kio – Member, Ambassador Koko – Chief of Protocol/Senior special assistant and Falilat Ogunkoya,

Wike To FG: Revisit Recruitment Regime Of Security Agencies

BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA

Rivers State Governor, Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, has called on the Federal Government to take a critical look at the recruitment processes of security agencies to mitigate alleged issues of human rights abuses by security operatives.

Wike made the call on Tuesday when the Presidential Investigating Panel to Review Compliance of the Armed Forces with Human Rights Obligation and Rules of Engagement, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, expressed the hope that the panel will fashion out a sustainable mechanism to deal with issues of human rights abuses by security agencies.

He stated that it is unfortunate that across the country there have been alleged cases of brutality and human rights abuses by security agencies because of the activities of a few bad eggs, noting that in Rivers State the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) has terrorised the citizenry to such an extent that the people are more afraid of SARS than armed robbers and kidnappers.

The governor further stated that the electoral rights of the Rivers people were undermined by security agents during the last election and expressed the hope that indicted persons will be made to face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent.

He said, “You will get memoranda from us about the undermining of the electoral act by security Agencies. There is an urgent need to look at the recruitment processes, are they qualified? Are they patriotic? Do they have professional ethics? These are questions that are begging for answers.”

The governor said he believes so much in the unity of this country and will not support any secessionist agenda because God in his infinite wisdom has put Nigeria together as one and will continue to remain so.

He stated that the state is very peaceful because his administration has empowered the security agencies with the necessary logistics support to ensure the safety of the citizenry, noting that the State Boundary Commission and the relevant ministries and parastatals are also working round the clock to promote peaceful coexistence in the State.

Earlier, Chairman of the Presidential Investigating Panel to Review Compliance of the Armed Forces with Human rights Obligation and Rules of Engagement, Hon. Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill, had informed the governor that they have received memoranda from various stake holders and are now in Port Harcourt for the public sitting of the South South Zone.

Georgewill stated that the panel after successfully sitting in Abuja for the North Central and Maiduguri in the North East will sit between the 25th and 28th of September, 2017 and called on the people of the South South States to avail themselves the opportunity to make presentations.

Culled from www.leadership.ng

One week after Wike’s allegation, court convicts five SARS policemen of extrajudicial killing

Ibrahim Idris, Inspector General of Police

By Opemipo Adeniyi

A fortnight ago, Nyesom Wike, Governor of Rivers State, told a gathering in Port-Harcourt that the Nigerian Police were sabotaging all his efforts at improving security in the state.

He specifically accused the SARS of perpetrating the robberies and kidnappings in the state. But, Ibrahim Idris, the Inspector-General of Police, described the allegations as “nonsense”.

Less that two weeks after Wike’s claim, five members of the squad have been found guilty of extrajudicial killing.

A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Friday held that the SARS officials, led by one Samuel Chigbu, arrested 28-year-old Michael Akor and his friend, Michael Igwe, in Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state on June 22, 2009, only for their bodies to be found in a nearby bush the next day.

Adolphus Enebeli, the presiding judge, also ordered the Nigeria Police to pay a N50 million compensation to the families of the victims.

He noted that no investigation or trial was carried out by the security agents before killing the two young graduates contrary to the laws of the land.

The policemen had argued that the two Michaels were members of a group of hoodlums who had engaged the police in a gun battle and were hit by bullets during the crossfire, but the judge dismissed their explanation, insisting that it was no coincidence that the two victims were hit at the same part of their bodies.

Chigbu and the four other SARS operatives had since been dismissed from the Police Force after the incident. They are also facing murder charges before Justice Margaret Opara of the State High Court in Port Harcourt.

Johnson Ejekwu, counsel to the late victims, told journalists after the judgement that he would have preferred a death sentence for the convicted ex-SARS operatives to the N50 million compensation.

Ejekwu, however, urged relevant authorities to intervene in the extrajudicial killings which are still being carried out by SARS in the state.

Catherine Akor, mother of one of the deceased, lamented that no amount of compensation would be enough to make up for the loss of her son.

She said her husband’s health had deteriorated since the death of their son and that he has suffered severe memory loss.

Culled from www.naijanews.com

We’ll Revive Health Sector – Wike

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that his administration will sustain the revival of the state’s secondary healthcare facilities across the state.

The governor also called on political office holders to invest in their respective constituencies as a means of empowering their communities.

Commissioning the reconstructed General Hospital Abua yesterday, Governor Wike said that all health facilities abandoned by the immediate past administration will be completed to ensure that Rivers people have access to quality healthcare.

The governor said that the administration is working on completing the Mother and Child Hospital, Port Harcourt, Zonal Hospitals at Degema, Bori and Etche.

”All the hospitals being constructed or reconstructed were abandoned. They were in a sorry state of abandonment, despite the funds that accrued to the state. We have started the process to complete the abandoned Zonal Hospitals and the Mother and Child Hospital.

We promised the people that we will reconstruct this hospital and we have delivered on our promise. We don’t make promises and start giving flimsy excuses”, Wike said.

Governor Wike urged leaders to promote peace in their communities in order to create the right environment for the execution of meaningful projects.

He called on Rivers people to stand up in defence of their mandate, irrespective of the antics of the ruling party.

” You must be vigilant to stop any form of political robbery. Stop any action that will lead to the robbery of our votes,” he said.

The governor commended the member representing Abua/Odual/Ahoada East Federal Constituency, Mrs Betty Apiafi for equipping the General Hospital, Abua.

In her remarks, the member representing Abua/Odual/Ahoada East Federal Constituency, Mrs Betty Apiafi said the reconstruction of the General Hospital, Abua has rekindled the hope of the people.

She thanked the Rivers State Governor for remembering the people of Abua/Odual Local Government Area, who were forgotten by the immediate past administration.

Giving a project description, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs Caroline Wali said that the 60-bed hospital would go a long way to address the health needs of the people.

Thousands of Abua people celebrated the reconstruction of the General Hospital Abua. Governor Wike also announced the construction of Ekago-Ogboloma-Adada Road in the area.

www.thetidenewsonline.com

Wike releases Armoured Personnel Carriers to Police to tackle kidnapping

Governor Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that his administration has handed over four armoured personnel carriers to the Nigerian Police to tackle cases of kidnapping on two highways in the state.

The governor also stated that requisite logistics and funding have been provided for security agencies to man different routes outside Port Harcourt to protect the citizenry.

Speaking in Port Harcourt on Friday, Governor Wike explained that though the State Government does not control the security agencies, it has invested massively in the strengthening of the state security architecture.

He said that the new trend of kidnappers attacking vehicles on roads outside Port Harcourt will be addressed.

Governor Wike said: “We have released four armoured personnel carriers to the Police as a way of strengthening their response capacity along roads outside Port Harcourt.

“Because of the strong security network within Port Harcourt City, these criminals now operate on some routes outside Port Harcourt. We have agreed with the Police that these armoured personnel carriers be strategically deployed to check highway kidnapping .

“We have also provided additional patrol vehicles to the security agencies for motorised patrols on major state and federal highways for the protection of those who use the roads.”

The governor called for the institutionalization of State Police for the better handling of security challenges in parts of the country. He assured the people of Rivers State that his administration will continue to work for the promotion of security for the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/09/wike-releases-armoured-personnel-carriers-police-tackle-kidnapping/

Rivers orders release of another N100m to European Union for water project

OYINKARI PATRICK

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State made last minute order for release of another N100 million to the counterpart fund with the European Union (EU) on its Niger Delta water support scheme.

Wike made the order in the presence of a delegation that came to remind him that the deadline for the scheme involving two local council areas was at hand, called the RSG/EU NSDP.

Water supply has been on the freeze in the state capital and most of the 23 local council areas for years and the last scheme sponsored by the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) has been stalled.

Last week, it was revealed that the Rivers State government had earlier released the first tranche of counterpart fund of N100 million to the EU partners. The two benefiting local government areas are Akuku-Toru and Opobo-Nkoro (covering Opobo/Nkoro made up of Opobo, Nkoro and Kalaibiama; and Akuku-Toru made up of Abonnema, Kula and Abissa.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the EU counsellor Nigeria, Kurt Cornelis to the Government House, Port Harcourt, last week, Gov Wike noted that the fact that the state government paid the first tranche of 50 percent proved its commitment to the project.

He said: “I have given the authority that by tomorrow the second tranche of N100 million be paid. Be rest assured that whatever needs to be done would be done. I commend the EU for this programme. We will never be a state that will be backwards in water and sanitation projects.”

The governor urged the implementers of the Niger Delta Support Programme component three to be transparent as they award contracts for the projects. “Water and sanitation remains key because they are close to the health of our communities. After this project, we expect the EU to give the state more grants, so that we can extend this to more local government areas.”

Earlier, Cornelis called for firm commitment from the state government on the payment of the remaining 50 percent counterpart fund. According to him, the payment was required to determine the scope of the programme. He said that contracts for the programme would be signed on October 26, 2017.

He said: “In principle, we need confirmation of that payment, if we are to carry out 100 percent of the works. We need to take a decision today about the final scope of projects in Rivers State “.

culled from www.businessdayonline.com

5,500 Jobs created in Rivers State

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

The World Bank has said it had created 5,500 jobs in Rivers State under its State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR).

Team Leader of World Bank-assisted SEEFOR, Mr. Ismaila Ceesay, made the disclosure yesterday when he led the team on a courtesy visit to Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in Port Harcourt.

He said the SEEFOR Programme had already generated 5,500 jobs, with another 5,000 to be generated in October.

He noted that the indirect benefits of the programme include the provision of water, sanitation and basic amenities to the people.

Ceesay said: “Rivers State is working steadfastly with the Task Team with Satisfactory performance. The project is having two more years. We have excellent project partners in Rivers State”.

He noted that a new financial system was being worked out that would enhance the capacity of Rivers State to access more funds from the World Bank.

Wike, in his response, lauded the World Bank for the creation of 5,500 jobs in the state and the commencement of the process for the creation of additional 5,000 jobs for the youths.

While commending the World Bank for her support, Wike directed the immediate release of N35million for the state to access the $3million grant from the World Bank for the further execution of the Fadama Project.

He urged the World Bank to assist the state to develop a framework to improve the state’s revenue profile.

The governor solicited the partnership of World Bank in the comprehensive conduct of the biometric verification of civil servants, which will reduce the wage bill of the state.

He also declared that Nigerians were unhappy with the woeful performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and that the party would be voted out in the forthcoming general elections.

Wike said no political miracle would lead to the APC having another chance to govern the country.

He stated that the mistake has already been made by Nigerians, emphasising that the country cannot afford to make this costly mistake again in the future.

Culled from www.thisdaylive.com

Why Wike shut down privately owned schools

The close to two thousand privately owned schools shut down in Rivers State recently, met their fate because they failed to meet specified standards.

This was the submission of the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike while announcing that the government had shut down 1,886 privately-owned schools.

The governor declared that the schools affected would no longer be allowed to operate from September, 2017.

“We have told parents of children at the 1,886 schools shut down by the state government to relocate their wards before the commencement of the next academic session.

“By September, we shall fully implement measures aimed at strengthening the state education sector. We want to maintain standard that will uplift education in the state.”

According to the Rivers State governor, most of these substandard privately run schools have become “WAEC magic centres where examination malpractice is promoted.”

According to Wike, the government will continue checking the springing up of illegal schools in the state by putting measures in place.

Judiciary Welfare: Rivers Setting Pace – CJN

By Kevin Nengia

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, has commended the Rivers State Government for the way and manner it has prioritised welfare of judicial officers.

Speaking while flagging off the construction of the Rivers State Judges Quarters at Government Reserved Area in Rumueme, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, last Wednesday, Justice Onnoghen enjoined other state governments to emulate the Rivers State Government by embarking on similar projects.

The CJN said: “I am pleased to say that I am very happy to be here because the judiciary which is my primary  constituency is being recognised and given its due by a government that feels concerned about the plight of judicial officers.

“I feel happy that this is a positive change which is very much desired by all. I am here today because I believe in the project, and because I share in the dream. Also, because I equally have the support of the Federal Government to pursue similar projects for the federal Judiciary”.

He maintained that the project will help judicial officers focus on their constitutional roles and give judicial officers a sense of belonging as a clear indication that they are appreciated by the society.

In his remarks, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike submitted that the ground-breaking  was a demonstration of how his  administration treasures the judicial branch of government and ensuring that the welfare of judiciary officers was addressed.

The governor emphasised that his administration remains committed to the welfare of judicial officers in the state.

Wike noted that the state government has already provided judicial officers with vehicles and decent working environment.

He said: “Most of us can still recollect the awful state of the state’s judiciary before we took over the levers of governance. Apart from the heresy of closing down the courts for nearly two years, the immediate past administration never, for a moment, cared about the well-being of judicial officers.

“And so, when we sought to replace that horrible regime, we promised to rebuild and strengthen the state’s judiciary in all its nuances as well as improve the working conditions of our Magistrates and Judges to enhance effective justice delivery in the state.”

The governor stated that his administration was already achieving its goal of making Port Harcourt a judicial hub through the construction of a Federal High Court, ongoing construction of National Industrial Court and the total rehabilitation of the dilapidated Court of Appeal.

Wike said the event marks the first phase of the promise to provide decent accommodation for judicial officers with the construction of 20 purpose-built 5-bedroom duplexes with service quarters and recreational facilities in this exclusive estate.

“The need for this project is self-evident. Providing houses for judges in a safe, secure and serene environment gives them the privacy and comfort that they need to effectively discharge their functions”.

Wike said: “In the allocation of official residence for life in Port Harcourt, all the judicial officers of Rivers origin serving with the Federal Judiciary will also be provided with cars just as we have done with the state’s judicial officers and magistrates.”

The governor enjoined the judiciary to be courageous and independent-minded by dispensing justice without any limitation, improper influence, inducements, pressures, threats or interferences from any entity or for any reason.

Also speaking, Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyayi-Laminkara described the project as historic.

She said: “this demonstrates the commitment of the Rivers State Governor to the infrastructural development and welfare of judicial officers”.

The Rivers State Judges Quarters consists of 20 units fully detached five bedroom duplexes, service quarters in planned and landscaped serene environment, filled with lush vegetation and green.

The estate will have sports facilities, energy centre, water treatment plant and it sits at the area of 4.1 hectares.

Culled from www.tidenewsonline.com

Wike Hands Over Ecumenical Centre To CAN

By Kevin Nengia

The newly commissioned Ecumenical Centre heralded last week in Government. The beautiful architecture was finally unveiled and handed over to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) by the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.

Worldwide Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and other men of God were at the dedication of the building located at the former Obi Wali Cultural Centre at Abonnema Wharf Road.

Chief Wike during the handover of Certificate of Occupancy (COfO) to Chairman of CAN, Archbishop Isaac Anyanasikike charged Christian leaders to see the centre, a place for unity amongst different denominations, and not a place for division and quarrel.

On Tuesday last week, the governor delivered a state address, where he enumerated the achievements of his administration in the past two years. Chief Wike remarked that moribund businesses are gradually returning to the state. He maintained that his administration has placed the state on the path of rapid development after the failure of the immediate past governor.

Shortly after, in a press statement, the state deputy governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo commended the governor for his scintillating performance in the past two years, reasoning that it’s the result of determination and focus.

On Tuesday last week, the governor through his Special Assistant on Electronic Media announced the appointment of a new Senior Special Assistant on Protocol. He is Mr Harold Augustus Koko, former Nigerian Ambassador to Serbia.

On the same Tuesday last week, Chief Wike was at Choba to inaugurate the Igbogo Road. The road links Choba to adjoining communities of Rumuoparali, Rumuekini and Alakahia.

At the occasion to unveil the Igbogo Road, the governor commented that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost face in Rivers State. He noted that the non-performance of the APC has made them lose electoral value, as no Rivers person will vote a party that has failed to touch their lives.

On Wednesday last week, the governor in company of Senate Deputy President, Ike Ekweremadu were at Ulakwo in Etche Local Government Area to unveil the 8-Kilometre, Ulakwo/Afara/Nihi Road.

Impressed with the different projects executed and completed by Chief Wike, Senator Ekweremadu announced the endorsement of of Wike for a second term in office caucus of National Assembly.

Ekweremadu said, “A lot more will still happen over the next six years of Governor Wike’s leadership. Governor Wike is creating economic corridors which will enhance economic development. More of Wike will transform Nigeria”.

On Friday last week, Special Adviser to Governor on Inter Party Affairs, Barrister Itamunowala responded to claims by 2015 Guber candidate of Labour Party, Prince Tonye Princewill that Chief Wike administration lacks vision.

According to Barrister Itamunoala, Prince Tonye Princewill lacks the moral backbone to criticize Wike following his constant change of parties just to realise his guber ambition.

The SA on Interparty Affairs further condemned Princewill’s remarks considering his pedigree as one who is not ready to sacrifice his time and effort, but would rather jump ship in order to assuage his business inclinations.

Culled from www.thetidenewsonline.com

Why Nigeria must listen to me – Governor Wike

By Seun Opejobi

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has demanded that the Federal Government listens to him because the money that keeps Nigeria “afloat” comes from the State.

Wike made the remark, during a campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at Okehi, headquarters of Etche Local Government Area of the state, ahead of the re-run election for Etche/Omuma federal constituency and Etche state constituency seats.

The governor also lashed out at the Police over their indictment by the report of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

He noted that in a fair and just clime, those indicted by the report of INEC would have been severely dealt with in accordance with the law.

According to Wike, “If we were in a civilised country with the right leadership, the persons mentioned in the report would have resigned from their positions. They should bury their heads in shame.

“They are plotting how to kill us, but God is exposing them. It is only God that has the final say.”

“The money that is keeping Nigeria afloat is from Rivers State. Therefore, Nigeria must listen to Rivers State. The voices of our people must be heard,” he said.

Urging the nation’s electoral umpire and security agencies to ensure a free and fair re-run election in the area on Saturday, Wike also called on electorates to vote enmasse for the PDP

Culled from www.http://dailypost.ng

Wike signs Rivers 2017 Budget

Abuja - Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has signed the 2017 Appropriation Bill of N470 billion into law, pledging to accelerate the development of the state.

A statement issued by Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, the Special Assistant to Wike on Electronic Media, said on Friday that the fiscal policy was christened “Golden Jubilee Budget’’ for accelerated development.

Giving his assent to the budget, Wike commended the State House of Assembly for always placing the interest of the people above other considerations.

He said: “You passed the budget on time so that the State Government will continue to deliver dividends of democracy to the good people of Rivers State.

“I sincerely thank the state lawmakers for supporting the Executive Arm to provide basic infrastructure to the people of the state”.

He said his administration would ensure diligent implementation of the budget in line with the tenets of the New Rivers Vision.

Wike assured that funds meant for other arms of government would be released as scheduled.

He said: “The Executive Arm of government will continue to cooperate with other arms of the state government to develop the state.”

Besides, the governor said his administration would remain focused in spite the alleged “undemocratic actions against the Rivers people”.

A breakdown of the budget indicates total projected capital expenditure is N329 billion, representing 70 per cent, while N141 billion is proposed for recurrent expenditure.

- NAN