GOVERNOR WIKE MONITORS LOCKDOWN, COMMENDS RIVERS PEOPLE FOR COMPLIANCE

Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has commended Rivers people for complying with the lockdown declared by the State Government to check the spread of coronavirus.

In an interview after monitoring the level of compliance  on Thursday,  Governor Wike said that the level of compliance is up to 95percent.

He said: "I want to commend Rivers people for the level of support they have shown. The level of compliance is quite satisfactory.  It is more than 95 percent within the two Local Government Areas ."

He regretted that the Deputy Commissioner of Police,  Rivers State Police Command moved to sabotage the lockdown by issuing illegal letters to companies.

"It is unfortunate to see the level of sabotage that we get from the police. Particularly,  the Deputy Commissioner of Police,  Operations,  Rivers State Police Command.

"The Deputy Commissioner of Police will sign approvals for companies because he wants to collect money. I am the Governor of this state and there cannot be two governors," he said.

He said the approvals issued by the police or any other authorities,  outside the office of the Rivers State Governor are illegal.

He said: "The Deputy Commissioner of Police has no powers to issue approvals when the State Government has locked down the state. After the State Security Council met and agreed on the lockdown,  the Deputy Commissioner of Police went ahead to issue illegal letters to companies to operate.  I have never seen that in my life".

The Governor said that all those who were arrested violating the lockdown will be prosecuted by the State Government.

He said: "All these violators must be prosecuted at the mobile court set for this purpose. What we are doing is not for any particular individual, it is for the interest of the state".

Governor Wike assured Rivers people that the lockdown will be lifted as soon as the objective is achieved.

He said: "Our people are suffering,  I agree. But this is something we must do. When we examine the level of compliance and it is reasonable, of course,  we will unlock the two Local Government Areas.

"It is not in our own interest that people shouldn't come out or go to the markets. But we are talking about lives and how to protect our people.

"Look at what is happening in other parts of the country,  the Deputy Commissioner of Police,  Operations wants us to suffer".

Governor Wike said that the State Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on the illegal activities of the Deputy Commissioner of Police,  Operations.

He said: "I have called for an emergency security Council meeting by 3pm today. This is complete sabotage by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Rivers State Police Command. We will deal with that accordingly.

"I, however,  thank the Army,  the Navy and others on what they are doing to enforce the lockdown.

"For the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) to sabotage us, that will not be accepted. I arrested those people and he had the guts to tell them to release those I arrested on the road because he is collecting money from companies.  That is unacceptable".

Governor Wike insisted that the impounded vehicles would be auctioned.

"The defaulters will be tried by the Mobile Courts and I have told the Attorney General,  all the impounded vehicles must be auctioned. By tomorrow,  the Honourable Attorney General would have advertised those vehicles and we will auction them.

"Some people don't believe that Coronavirus is in existence.  Until you make them understand that we are serious,  they will not believe it. We will auction the impounded vehicles

"Those arrested will face the wrath of the law. Nobody is above the law. We will not allow anyone to sabotage our efforts to protect our people," he said.

In the course of monitoring the level of compliance,  Governor Wike arrested several violators and impounded cars.

Governor Wike also arrested some very important persons (VIPS), who were not on essential duties,  but were moving around with their police escorts.

But he allowed a pregnant woman who violated the lockdown order, on compassionate grounds.

At the Elekahia Isolation Centre,  over 200 persons have been arrested and over 20 vehicles impounded by different teams enforcing the lockdown.  They are to face the full weight of the law

No apology for rejecting cattle colony in Rivers – Wike

Rosemary Nwisi

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has reiterated the stand of the state against the creation of cattle colony in the state.

Wike who spoke at a solidarity rally in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Tuesday by Rivers East senatorial zone, said he has no regrets for his stand saying that he will not apologise to anyone for rejecting cattle colony in the state.

He said: ‘I am a proper Rivers man in all ramifications, therefore I owe no one apology for rejecting cattle colony in Rivers State.”

“I will stand by that, whether you are in Abuja or wherever you may be hear me well, I do not owe any body any apology.”

Wike however, accused his predecessor of selling off state assets worth $308 million and expending N50 billion on the Rivers Monorail, a project he said Rivers people do not need.

He added “I will not let the people of Rivers South-East senatorial district and the entire Rivers people down; PDP is the only hope for this country come 2019, Buhari led APC has failed in all its promises.”

“All they are doing is to kill the economy of Nigeria but by the grace of God they will not succeed.”

Meanwhile, former Governor Celestine Omehia has apologized to the people of the state on behalf of the minister for transportation and the for governor of Rivers state Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

Omehia who apologized to Rivers East senatorial district on behalf of former Governor Amaechi, whom he called his younger brother, alleged that the problems faced in the area was caused by Amaechi.

He said “I am sorry that the problem Rivers East is facing is led by a person from the zone, I am in a position to say sorry for what my younger brother is causing for the senatorial district and am advising him to stop now for if the people of the Rivers East senatorial district decide to cook for him (Amaechi) to eat, he cannot be able to eat it.”

culled from www.nationaonlineng.net

Rivers Governor says 2017 budget records 74% performance

Governor Nyesom Wike has said that the state’s 2017 Budget recorded 74 per cent performance, representing significant improvement on that of 2016.

The governor disclosed this in Port Harcourt while presenting the 2018 Appropriation Bill to the legislature.

The governor announced that the state witnessed a 31 per cent shortfall in its targeted revenue for 2017.

Wike said that aggregate revenue receipts as at December 31, 2017 stood at N278.2 billion, representing only 69 per cent of total projected revenue.

“This left us with a shortfall of over N192 billion in spite of the sharp shortfalls in revenue receipts.

“We resisted the temptations of funding the budget through borrowing.

“This is because it will make no economic sense to spend more than what we earned and plunge the state into unnecessary debts,’’ he said.

He said the government spent N64 billion on payment of salaries; N12.5 billion on overhead and N10 billion on pensions.

According to him, N155 billion, representing 63 per cent of actual receipts, has been spent on capital projects.

Wike said his administration had been able to efficiently utilise available resources to successfully deliver on verifiable projects.

The governor projected N510 billion for the 2018 fiscal year, recording an increase of N40 billion against 2017 budget of N470 billion.

http://www.pulse.ng

Elelenwo-Akpajo Road to be ready May —Wike

Rivers State governor, Mr Nyesom Wike, has said that his administration will complete the dualization of Elelenwo-Akpajo Road before its third anniversary.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike Speaking during the End of Year/Elelenwo Day of thanksgiving at Saint Mark Anglican Church, Elelenwo, yesterday, Governor Wike said the road will be commissioned as part of the administration’s third anniversary celebrations.

He said the refusal of the immediate past governor of Rivers State to construct the all-important road presented him with the opportunity to ensure the construction of the road by a first class contractor.

He said: “Thank God, the previous administration failed to construct this important road. Their failure has given us the privilege to dualise the road. God’s time is always the best

“The road will be completed before our third year anniversary. This road will be fitted with street lights to enhance the security of the area at night.” He assured the people of Elelenwo that the Rivers State Government will continue to execute projects in the area.

While thanking them for their support for his administration, the governor wished them a prosperous 2018.

 

In his sermon, Anglican Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt Reverend Innocent Ordu thanked the Rivers State Governor for his good works for the people of the state.

 

He prayed God to protect and sustain the Rivers State Governor to continue his service to the state. Governor Wike later commissioned the New Palace of the Nyeweli Elelenwo, Eze Sunny Weli Chuku. Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of an award of excellence to the Rivers State Governor by the Anglican Youth Fellowship, AYF of Saint Mark Anglican Church, Elelenwo.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/01/elelenwo-akpajo-road-ready-may-wike/

The essence of Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road

Simeon Nwakaudu

One of the key commitments that Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike made during his campaigns ahead of the 2015 General Election is the completion of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road which links the riverine communities to the mainland.

Governor Wike stated that what the former Commissioner of Works, Mr Dakuku Peterside, an indigene of Opobo Town, failed to do for his people, will be achieved in the course of his first term.

On November 16, 2016, Governor Wike made good his promise. He flagged off the completion of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road.

The road, which was initiated by former Governor Peter Odili, was abandoned by immediate past Governor Rotimi Amaechi .

Flagging off the completion of the Ogoni Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road , Governor Wike assured the people of Andoni and Opobo-Nkoro that before the end of his first term, they will be driving home to their respective communities .

He regretted that the immediate past Amaechi administration despite getting N20billion to N25billion monthly from the Federation Account , failed to embark on meaningful developmental projects .

He assured that the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road will be consistently funded because his administration remains committed to the economic development of the riverine communities .

He said: “This road is a major economic intervention for the riverine communities of Opobo and Andoni Local Government Areas. It also cuts across Khana Local Government Area.

“This project is a major empowerment scheme for the people of these three local government areas. Our people in the riverine communities can now drive home.

“I am happy that the 2015 APC Governorship candidate who was a Works Commissioner, but refused to construct the road to his home local government area, will now drive home”.

This project has become one of the major highpoints of the Wike administration. The contractor, Raffoul Nigeria Limited is working round the clock to ensure the actualization of the governor’s pledge.

Funding has been consistent. So far, rural dwellers have been empowered through regular sub-contracts, direct and indirect employment by the contractor.

On the Opobo axis at the Nkoro Junction, the contractors have laid asphalt up to Bridge Number 7, which is approximately four kilometres. Work has been completed along this section.

After bridge 7, the contractors are heading towards bridge 8 . The span of bridge 8 is 1600metres long. Work has reached 300 metres away from the position of bridge 8.

Bush clearing work towards bridge 8 has reached advanced stage and it will be completed in two weeks. For now, bush clearing has reached the creek crossing into Opobo Town.

From the bridge to Kalaibiama, the contractor is embarking on extensive earthworks and piling with sharp sand.

With the consistency of work and the delivery of culverts, roads and asphalts, the contractors will enter into Opobo town between June and July, 2018.

For the Andoni axis, from the Nkoro Junction, asphalting has gone beyond five kilometres up to Bridge 3. The contractors have done quality stone base.

The road is expected to reach Ngo town, the headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area between June and July, 2018.

Governor Wike remains committed to state-wide development, carrying every ethnic nationality along in the growth process.

For the people of Opobo-Nkoro and Andoni Local Government Areas, the Unity Road remains a vital source of economic opportunities. The roads will kick-start multiple economic activities, especially small and medium scale enterprises.

The fact that the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road links the all-important Sakpenwa-Bori Road makes access to Port Harcourt easier for businesses in the two local government areas.

For Governor Wike, the main goal is to improve the living condition of Rivers people, enhance their security and transform their environment.

Nwakaudu is Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike’s Special Assistant (Broadcast).

www.thenationonlineng.net

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