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.