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Tag: Gov. Nyesom Wike

  • Wike accuses North of hijacking the country’s political system

    Rivers state governor  Nyesom Wike has frowned at the system being operated in the country that always gives power to the North,adding that the Northerners have hijacked the country’s political system.

    Wike posited that he wouldn’t allow himself to be treated like second class citizen in his own country.

    Wike, made this statement on Monday to the people of  Rivers state when he  returned to the state after  finishing second behind Alhaji Abubakar  in the just concluded Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential primary election held in Abuja.

    Lamenting the outcome of the election, Wike said the North should not claim ownership of the country, saying Nigeria does not belong to a particular geo-political zone.

    He said, “We have all it takes to do whatever we want to do. It is a matter of you to be fruitful. We cannot answer second class citizens in Nigeria.

    “We just used this one to tell them that enough is enough. We made them not to sleep, we made them not to eat, we made all of them from wherever they think they are coming from to know that there is somebody who can take them on.

    “This country does not belong to one particular zone. If people are afraid of talking, it is their business. I cannot be a second class citizen in my country.

    “They just want somebody they can control, somebody that will do whatever they want him to do, I will never be a party to that. The only people that can control me are Nigerians, not the few people that want to remain in power since the military regime”.

  • 2023 presidency: My integrity is intact -Peter Obi replies Wike

    Former Governor of Anambra State and a 2023 presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has reacted to the comments made by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike over his integrity following Obi’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) earlier in the week.

    Recall that Peter Obi had on Wednesday through a letter sent to the party secretariat posited that  recent developments within the PDP made it practically impossible for him to continue participating and making constructive contributions.

    Obi who later joined the Labour party has hinted that he would continue to pursue his ambition in his new party.

    Wike had earlier granted an interview on Channels Television where he stated  that the former Anambra State Governor lacks integrity and that he left PDP because he knew he would not win the presidential ticket.

    Appearing on  same platform, Channels Television on Friday evening, Obi was asked to respond to the claims put forward by Wike and the former Vice presidential candidate, said his integrity at PDP was intact.

    “Wike mentioned the issue of integrity. He said that my leaving questioned my integrity. I don’t know how that one came about.

    “But I think when you talk about integrity, you talk about the management of public resources. That is what we should be talking about in this country. And when such things are mentioned about me, I feel something is missing somehow.

    “Go and check my record as a governor, I was impeached for three reasons: 1, my office was approved to be renovated for N298 million but I renovated everything with N43.3 million. 2. My lodge was approved to be renovated for N486m but I did everything with N81m.

    “The number 3 item was that I was saving money without the authority of the House. From [my] day one[in office], we started saving money and went through the eight years that I was governor.

    “Go and ask any contractor that served with me, to talk about what I’m entitled to, inflated any contract, any supplier, anybody. And when I left office, I left behind $500m at that time because it was public money. I was managing public trust.

    “So for me, when you talk about integrity it questions your management of public trust and resources. Go to Anambra today, I have no land given to me by the State government.

    “My managing Director of my Housing Authority, Mike Nwafor, gave me land and two houses and I told him, ‘I’m not entitled to it’. Nobody has ever seen me, in my political life, sharing money,” Obi said.

  • 2023 Elections: Wike blasts Obi, reveals why he left the PDP

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has given possible explanations why former Anambra Governor and the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) presidential aspirant, Peter  Obi dumped the party for a yet-to -be disclosed party.

    Recall that Peter Obi had on Wednesday said that recent developments within the party made it practically impossible for him to continue participating and making constructive contributions.

    Speaking on Channels TV on Thursday evening, Nyesom Wike said that peter Obi does not have integrity and only left because he knew he would lose in the presidential primary election.

    “Peter Obi leaving the party is not surprising to me. He knows that there is no way he would have won the presidential primaries. Forget about what Doyin Okuope said about sharing money.

    “How can someone who has gone to almost all the states telling them about how he is a trader and how he wore one shoe and does not allow people carry his bag leave a party three days to the primaries?

    “From what I read on social media, he wants to join NNPP, but Kwakwaso wants to be president. So, does he want to be Vice President? This is what I am saying, in everything you do, integrity and character is very important. You can be the best economist but you don’t have character.”

  • Rivers state Governor Nyesom Wike sacks all cabinet members

    Rivers State Governor and presidential hopeful , Nyesom Wike has dissolved the State Executive Council.

    The dissolution was made known by a statement issued by the Rivers state government and takes immediate effect from the date of the release.

    The Chief of Staff to the Governor and Senior Special Assistants have also been relieved of their duties.

    The Governor commended the members of Rivers State Executive Council for “their service and contribution to the development of the State” and “wished them the best in all their future endeavours.”

    He also directed the former cabinet members to hand over to the most senior officers in their respective offices.

  • Take action against attacks on judiciary – Wike urges NBA

    Take action against attacks on judiciary – Wike urges NBA

    Gov.Nyesom Wike of Rivers has urged the leadership of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to go beyond issuing of statements, to taking concrete actions against attacks on the nation’s judiciary.

    Wike gave the charge during the book presentation in honour of Justice Mary Peter-Odili as part of activities marking her retirement from the Supreme Court of Nigeria and her 70th Birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.

    Wike, who disclosed this in a statement issued by Mr Kelvin Ebiri, his Special Assistant on Media, expressed regrets at the NBA’s lacklustre approach to social change, saying it was more of a disservice to the nation and exposed it to contempt.

    He also expressed disagreement with some speakers on Thursday’s valedictory court session organised in honour of Justice Odili.

    The speakers had blamed politicians for the challenges that the judiciary suffered.

    The governor alleged that the Federal Government had in 2016, unleashed premeditated midnight raids on judges’ homes, including the Justices of the Supreme Court, in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Gombe, Kano, Enugu and Sokoto states.

    He noted that when judges were lacking in courage and integrity, they easily gave up to improper pressure, influence and control, and the entire judiciary suffered.

    Wike assured that if elected the President of Nigeria in 2023, he would work with the National Assembly to prioritise the welfare of judicial officers, including the provision of official cars and life-long accommodation “as being done in Rivers”.

    Former Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Justice Mary Peter Odili, noted that Nigerian judges were among the best in the world, but they were never treated right.

    Justice Odili, who was also the first lady of Rivers, between 1999 and 2007, expressed delight that some of her judgments had been published for the public to assess.

    Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, described Justice Odili as an epitome of humility.

    Chairman of the occasion and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Onueze Okocha, SAN, noted that Justice Odili served the country meritoriously, honourably and without blemish to her character.

    Governors present at the event were Dr.Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa); Mr. Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom); Sen. Douye Diri (Bayelsa); Samuel Ortom (Benue); Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo).

  • I support IPOB but dislike their violent approach to issues – Wike

    I support IPOB but dislike their violent approach to issues – Wike

    Rivers state Governor Nyesom Wike has mentioned that he supports the agitation of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB)

    Wike made the remark while appearing on a politics programme on Channels TV ,where he recalled that IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu once sang his praises.

    Wike said he supports IPOB’s agitation, but frowns against the group’s violent approach.

    Wike further appealed to the federal Government to listen and discuss with IPOB over their agitation and demands.

    .

    According to the Rivers state Governo “IPOB is not a threat to me, it’s because of the division in the country that we have the kind of agitation we have today.

    “There was a time IPOB was singing praises of Wike, Nnamdi Kanu was singing praises about Wike that he is our son.

    “There is nothing wrong in people agitating but all the Federal Government should do is listen to their agitations, talk with them; there is nothing wrong about that.

    “My problem came when they came to my state and burnt infrastructure like the courts, police stations, and I said told them not to do that.

    “Whether anybody likes it or not, I support the agitation, I support that we should sit down and discuss the marginalization of the Southeast.

    “I’m a governor and I asked them, do you need to kill people in my area, destroy infrastructures put in place for you to know I’m with you? I said no; I won’t do that.”

  • 2023: IPOB warns Wike to desist from visiting Southeast to canvass for votes

    2023: IPOB warns Wike to desist from visiting Southeast to canvass for votes

    The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has issued a note of warning to the governor of Rivers state Nyesom Wike not to associate with Igbos because of 2023 elections.

    IPOB said Wike always denied having any kind of links with the Southeast in the past,asking why is the Rivers Governor now forming affinity now?

    The spokesman of IPOB Emma Powerful, condemned Wike’s recent visit to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe.

    IPOB has vowed to go all out against anybody who hosts governor Wike in the Southeast.

    Powerful berated Wike one of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential aspirants saying he should be ashamed of himself for begging the Igbos he denied in the past for votes.

    Powerful reiterated that in the past Wike denied being an Igboman; hence visiting the Southeast may consume him.

    He said: “We, the global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great leader Mazi Nnamdi KANU condemn the recent visit by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State to Obi of Onitsha Igwe Alfred Achebe in Anambra State. The visit is part of the reasons the youths are not happy with Igbo leaders.

    “IPOB will not take it lightly on any person who intends to host Nyesom Wike in the hinterland after the genocide he committed in #Obigbo, and he declared that he is not an Igboman. Wike is a genocidist and should not be forgiven. His father took over Igbo property in the name of abandoned property and he trained Wike with the money he accumulated from abandoned property he collected from Igbo people in Igweocha after the war of genocide against the Igbo people in 1970, which moved Wike to hate anything associated with Igbo but he should not come for Igbo vote. We are warning him.

    “Gov, Nyesom Wike committed genocide against the people in his state claiming he is not Igbo man and today he became an Igbo man because of political interest and votes he needs from Igbo land, Wike refused to understand that a time like this will come in his life. Wike should be ashamed of himself because he could openly beg Igbo people for one vote in the election.”

    The separatist group stressed that Wike’s visit to the Southeast is highly provocative.

    IPOB added: “Is Wike coming to urinate on the graves of the Igbo youths he slaughtered in Obigbo during the #EndSARS protests? His visits to any Igbo state is highly provocative because some of the Igbo youths taken into several security cells in the Northern states are yet to return. Wike and his advisers should stop daring IPOB and Igbo youths. Wike’s family, friends and associates should advise him to stay off any state in Igbo land because it may consume him, anybody who knows him should let him know that.

    “We are equally warning any traditional ruler, PG, Chief, elder, Governor or anybody who will invite Wike in any part of Igbo land to tread with caution because that amounts to challenging Igbo youths and IPOB members.

    “Those hosting Wike now, where were they when Wike was ordering the killing of Igbo youths at Obigbo? They all maintained criminal silence then. Are they now rewarding him for killing Igbo youths? Love for money has enslaved elders and traditional rulers who should know better but we won’t tolerate that anymore. Wike cannot be going about celebrating in Igbo states which he denied having any links with after ordering the execution of Igbo youths and suspected IPOB members. This is iniquity against the innocent victims of his wicked actions.

    “Wike said he was not Igbo and we have taken him by his words that he is not Igbo and can never become Igbo man because he hates Igbo with passion.

    “We respect Igwe Achebe because he is a respected traditional ruler in Igbo land but we want him and others to keep a distance from Wike because Wike hates Igbo if they don’t know and if they don’t retrace their steps let the public never blame us.

    “Those Wike arrested and handed over to Fulani controlled federal government in Abuja are still there till today languishing in different security detentions. We managed to release more than a thousand (1000) innocent citizens both men and women most of whom were raped at these security detentions and dungeons.

    “Considering all his wickedness to the Igbo youths at Obigbo in Rivers State, we declare that Wike has no moral ground to even contemplate not of the temerity to want to visit any part of Igbo land. He is, therefore, not welcome to any Igbo State. Wike cannot be coming to Igbo land to spit and dance on the graves of those he unjustly slaughtered and we all know that he is a demented fellow.”

    Recall that recently, Ohaneze endorsed the candidacy of former Rivers Govenor Rotimi Amaechi and current Governor Nyesom Wike saying that they are from Ikwerre parts of Rivers state and have roots in Igboland.

  • Except death, nothing can stop my presidential ambition – Wike

    Except death, nothing can stop my presidential ambition – Wike

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has made a decison not to step down his ambition of contesting for the presidency of the country.

    Wike said only death can stop him from contesting the 2023 presidency.

    “The only thing that will make me to quit is death; if I’m alive, we will finish it on 28/29 of May (date for PDP presidential primaries).”

    The Rivers Governor made this statement in an interview on BBC pidgin on Friday in Port Harcourt.

    Wike, who spoke in pidgin English, said “I have been a local government chairman which is the grassroot, I have been a minister and now a Governor. How many of the aspirants have such experience?”

    He explained that former vice President Atiku Abubakar has only been a vice president, not a minister or even Governor.

    “If they put me and other aspirants side by side, the delegates will choose me, because I have been the one going from State to State telling them to vote for me.

    “Why would I step down for anybody? If you want to do consensus, you will do it with equity and fairness.

    “If the consensus you want to do is to gang up against one or two people, why will I join in that type of consensus. The people talking about consensus, are their hands clean? Their hands are not clean,” he added.

  • 2023 Election: You can’t win 2023 presidency, Ganduje tells Wike

    2023 Election: You can’t win 2023 presidency, Ganduje tells Wike

    Kano state Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has told his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike that he would lose the 2023 presidency.

    In a subtle jibe, Ganduje said Wike will lose but not without a fight, saying that will make him a courageous fighter.

    Ganduje mentioned this while receiving the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential aspirant in Kano.

    “So, you have come to see your brothers and sisters. Good. You are aspiring for the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We see your efforts.

    “And at the end of it, you’d lose, but you’ll be a good loser. I appreciate good losers because they have courage. And since you are doing it peacefully, you’ll live long to fight again. I congratulate you, Mr ‘Wise’ Wike. Thank you and God bless.” He said.

    Recall that Nyesom Wike has declared his intentions to contest for the presidency of the country but agrees to a properly organized consensus candidacy arrangement.

    Wike had earlier said he stands a big chance to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), in 2023.

     

  • 2023 Election: Zulum tasks presidential aspirants on unity

    2023 Election: Zulum tasks presidential aspirants on unity

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has urged presidential aspirants for the 2023 election to always consider the unity and peace of Nigeria as the paramount in their aspirations.

    Zulum made the call on Monday in Maiduguri when he received the presidential aspirant of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Gov. Nyesome Wike of Rivers State who paid him a courtesy call.

    Zulum said aspirants needed to work towards uniting Nigerians and deepening democracy in the country irrespective of party affiliation.

    He lauded Wike for his concern to the people of Borno during its trying moments, adding that the people of Borno were grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari administration for addressing the security situation in the zone.

    Earlier, Wike said his visit to the governor was a prelude to addressing PDP members in the state on his presidential aspiration under the party.

    Wike lauded Zulum for the development in Borno, particularly the cleanliness of Maiduguri city and urged him to sustain the tempo.

    He also lauded the improvement in security situation in the state.

    “I am happy with you, I commend your work, I have seen the cleanliness of the state,” Wike said.

    Newsmen reports that Wike, who also spoke to newsmen on his mission in Maiduguri, said that based on his consultations with delegates so far across Nigeria, he was confident of getting the party’s ticket.