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Tag: Nyesom Ezenwo Wike

  • Gov. Wike tasks churches on redemption of Nigeria

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has called on the Church to rise up and work towards the redemption of the country.

    Speaking during the 3rd Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Evo in Port Harcourt on Sunday, Governor Wike urged the Church to intensify prayers for the salvation of Nigeria.

    Represented by his Chief of Staff, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke, the Rivers State Governor also said that the Anglican Church should take a decision for continuity in the state, following the outstanding developmental strides being enjoyed by Rivers people.

    “The Church must pray and rise up to redeem this country,” he said.

    The governor said that the Church cannot stand aloof in the face of political developments in the country. He said that the involvement of the church is key to national rebirth.

    “You cannot build a stronger church in isolation of the society. If there is a total breakdown of law and order, the church will also be affected,” he said.

    Wike reiterated the commitment of his administration to better the lives of Rivers people

    “What we have done in three years have shown our commitment to transforming the state and improving the living condition of the people. The signs of development are everywhere in Rivers State.

    “Three years down the line this administration has proved to be God-fearing, delivering on all fronts for the state. The time has come for the Church to take a decision to fully support continuity,” he further stated.

    Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Kubwa, Rt. Rev. Dr. Duke Akamisoko said that the Church must invest in social amenities to improve the society.

    While calling on the Federal Government to work to promote good governance, he wondered why the President continues to seek medical attention in the United Kingdom.

     

  • As #EkitiDecides on Saturday, Gov. Wike reacts to attack on Gov. Fayose

    As #EkitiDecides on Saturday, Gov. Wike reacts to attack on Gov. Fayose

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has condemned the brazen attack on Ekiti State by the Nigeria Police, saying that the attack was an affront on the inalienable rights of the people of Ekiti State to a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.

    In a press conference on Wednesday night at the Government House Port Harcourt , Governor Wike said that the Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose was lucky to escape with his life after he was battered by the policemen on the orders of the Presidency.

    He called on Rivers people to be prepared to defend their mandate in 2019 as the Buhari administration will apply the same technique on all the states.

    He said: “I therefore join well-meaning Nigerians to condemn this brazen attack on the inalienable rights of the people of Ekiti State to a peaceful, free, fair and credible elections in the strongest possible terms and warn the perpetrators of the grave danger such actions pose to the survival of our democracy.

    “I wish to also draw the attention of the people of Rivers State to the fact that what is happening at Ekiti State is clearly a foretaste of what the APC-led Federal Government has planned to unleash in our State and in deed, the entire country, in their desperate attempt to rig 2019 general elections and retain or return to power having performed woefully and lost the support of the generality of Nigerians.

    “As a matter of fact, people did not quite believe me when I told the world that the APC-led Federal Government has plans to assassinate me to enable them capture Rivers State because they know they have no electoral foothold in the State.

    “Today, the whole world has seen how Governor Ayo Fayose was barely lucky to have escaped the State-sponsored attempt at his life with a fractured hand and bruised face because, with him around, hale and hearty, they will never win the Saturday elections free and fair in Ekiti.

    “In the face of these challenges therefore, I wish to call on the people of Rivers State to be prepared to fight and defend their rights to freely and democratically elect their leaders in the 2019 general elections.”

    He assured the people of Rivers State that he will never surrender their mandate, saying that he will defend the interest of the state with his life.

    He said: ” As your Governor I will never surrender your mandate and abiding interest of our State to our enemies who seek to keep us enslaved and plundered even at the pain of death.

    “I wish to commend and congratulate the irrepressible Governor Ayo Fayose and the people of Ekiti State for standing up and standing firm in defence of their rights to freedom, democracy and good governance.

    “I want to assure you of the support of the Government and people of Rivers State at these trying times. You need not fear as God will surely defeat your enemies and grant you a resounding victory come Saturday 14th July 2018.”

    Governor Wike said that the reasons adduced by the Police High Command is infantile and shameful. He said that no permission is required for a peace rally.

    He said: “In explaining the attack, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations), Habila Joshak shamelessly claimed that they acted to brutalize the Governor and his people because the rally and peaceful road walk he was to address and lead was not authorized by the police. This claim is totally rubbish and should be told to the marines.

    “Knowing that it cannot defeat the PDP in a free and fair electoral contest, the APC had earlier threatened to cage the Governor and takeover Ekiti State Government House by brutal force.

    “Today’s brutal action was therefore carried out in furtherance of the deliberate plan to intimidate the people of Ekiti State in order to facilitate the actualization of the devilish intentions of the enemies of democracy.”

     

  • Tambuwal: Gov. Wike is a promise-keeper

    Tambuwal: Gov. Wike is a promise-keeper

    Sokoto State Governor, Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has described the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike as a promise-keeper who is committed to the development of the state.

    Governor Tambuwal also commissioned the College of Medical Sciences building at the Rivers State University.

    This is as the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike berated the Minister of Transportation for failing to attract a single project to the state and resorting to falsehood on the execution of projects in the state.

    The two leaders spoke on Tuesday when Governor Tambuwal was invited by the Rivers State Governor to commission the College of Medical Sciences building, initiated and constructed by the Wike administration.

    He said: “I am tempted to recommend Governor Wike so highly. He is the ‘Ekwueme of Rivers State ‘. It only takes a leader with a vision, passion and commitment to come up with this idea and implement it”.

    The Sokoto State Governor said that no investment is greater than investments in the area of education, pointing out that Governor Wike deserves praises.

    He lauded Governor Wike for projects that are tailored to the needs of Rivers. He said such projects will enhance the development of the state.

    “The projects are tailored along the needs of the people Rivers State. This is a trend in governance to deliver projects based on the needs of the people “.

    He stated that posterity will vindicate Governor Wike. He urged leaders to focus on development and de-emphasise issues that generate disunity .

    In his address, Governor Wike said that it is unfortunate that Former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi will lie about projects delivered by the present administration to improve the living condition of the people.

    “There are several projects which were initiated, constructed and commissioned by my administration. Amaechi didn’t have meaningful projects, that is why he had no projects to commission. We have meaningful projects and we will continue to commission them.

    “Projects like Sakpenwa-Bori Road, National Industrial Court, Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, Rivers State Ecumenical Centre, Federal High Court Complex, Court of Appeal, Igwuruta-Chokocho, College of Medical Sciences building, Elelenwo-Akpajo, Traditional Rulers Secretariat, Rumuokoro Market and Park, Bonny-Bille-Nembe Jetty, Government Secondary School, Onne, Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta and several others were the brainchild of this administration.

    “Our projects have overwhelmed them, everyday they are worried. We are here to contribute our efforts to the development of Rivers State “, Governor Wike said.

    He said instead of complaining about the high level performance of the present administration, Minister of Transportation should focus his energy on the completion of the Port Harcourt International Airport, revival of the seaports and the completion of the East-West Road.

    “Look at the dilapidated nature of the Port Harcourt International Airport, the abandoned seaports and the neglected east-west road. Amaechi has not attracted a single project to Rivers State .

    “As a Minister of State for Education I brought the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt. I also attracted the Claude Ake Faculty of Social Sciences Building. I attracted major grants of N500million each to Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Bori, Ignatius Ajuru University and ensured the major rehabilitation of over 22 Primary and Secondary Schools in the state . As Minister of Transportation, what have you done, what have you brought to your people. I challenge him to tell us just one project he attracted to Rivers State “, the Rivers State Governor said.

    On Rivers State University, Governor Wike noted he will ensure that the institution becomes the best. He assured that the School of Nursing will be reconstructed to ensure that it becomes part of the College of Medical Sciences.

    He added that the State Government will build a proper hostel to replace the prefabricated hostel in the institution.

    The governor noted that his administration will train medical professionals for the development of the health sector.

    Governor Wike noted Amaechi attempted to move Rivers State University to another location , but upon assumption of duty he checkmated the movement and focused on the development of the Rivers State University.

    Rivers State Health Commissioner, Professor Princewill Chike said that the medical world is excited on what Governor Wike is doing in the health sector.

    Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Professor Blessing Didia for over four decades successive governments in Rivers State struggled to establish a medical school without success. He said that God empowered Governor Wike to succeed where his predecessors failed.

    Pro-Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Justice Iche Ndu (rtd) commended Governor Wike for his commitment to deliver key projects in the Rivers State University.

    Chairman of Rivers State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Datonye Alasia said that Wike’s administration has propelled Rivers State into the golden era of Medical practice.

     

  • Rivers: Gov. Wike puts paid to street trading

    Rivers: Gov. Wike puts paid to street trading

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has appealed to street traders to desist from plying their trades on major roads.

    Governor Wike also described as unfortunate the attack of Government Officials restoring sanity on the roads by hoodlums at the Slaughter Market in Port Harcourt. .

    He gave the management of the market two days to produce the hoodlums or face sanctions.

    He said that nobody will be allowed to disrupt the development process of the state, under any guise.

    The govenor spoke with the traders during his inspection visits to project sites on Thursday after returning Brussels where he was honoured with the Power of Sports Award by the International Sports Press Association Africa.

    He said that apart from the fact that the traders damage portions of the roads recently constructed and deface the roads, street trading poses danger to the traders who are susceptible to accidents.

    He urged the traders to move into different markets across Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas constructed for business activities.

    He said: “Please don’t trade on the streets. What you are doing damage and deface the roads. My plea is that you go into the markets for your safety and the aesthetics of the city.”

    Governor Wike said that the state government will take sustained measures to check illegal street trading, hence his personal involvement with the sensitization of traders.

    He added that the meshed wires fences are beings installed on roads in areas prone to street trading to keep the traders off the roads.

    “As we are working on these roads, everyone is happy. We will not allow street traders destroy the beauty of the city”, he said.

    During the inspection on Thursday, Governor Wike visited National Industrial Court, Mother and Child Hospital, Restaurants and Cinema, Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt, Judges Quarters, Slaughter Road, Reconstruction of Government Offices at Mile One Fly Over,Traditional Rulers Secretariat, Land Reclamation at Ogbunabali/Nkpogu, Oil Mill-Elelenwo-Akpajo Road, Abacha Road, Mgboshimini Primary Health Care , Doctors Quarters among other projects.

    Governor Wike said that intense projects inspection will continue ahead of the third year anniversary.

    Majority of the projects visited by Governor Wike will be commissioned during the administration’s third year anniversary.

    Governor Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done at the project sites, emphasising that the joy of Rivers people at the execution of projects is a motivation.

     

  • Gov. Wike bags Power of Sports award

    Gov. Wike bags Power of Sports award

    The International Sporting Press on Wednesday in Brussels, Belgium, honoured Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike with the Power of Sports award.

    He was nominated by the International Sports Press Association-Africa (AIPS) Africa.

    Witnessed by Sports Personalities and Journalists from across the globe, the award to Governor Wike was for his his remarkable fidelity in raising the bar of sports matters and using sports as a catalyst for development.

    The Event took place at Le Plaza, Brussels and was performed by the President, AIPS, Mr Gianni Merlo and President, AIPS Africa, Mr Mitchell Obi . Sports Journalists from 108 countries witnessed the event.

    Presenting the award to the Rivers State Governor, President AIPS Africa, Mitchell Obi said Governor Wike is being recognised for the use of sports as a tool to effectively engage the youth population in the continent.

    He urged Governor Wike to sustain his commitment to sports development as more youths will be empowered in the state.

    In his acceptance speech, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike dedicated the award to God, his immediate family and the good people of Rivers State who have supported his efforts at creating a New Rivers State.

    Governor Wike noted that the award by the International Sporting Press will spur into greater commitment to the service of Rivers State and humanity.

    Also on Wednesday, Governor Wike presented a lecture titled: “Peace and Progress through Sports in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria” wherein he canvassed that sport has functions beyond its simplest form as a game to encompass a cost effective means for addressing a broad range of socio-economic challenges that impact on peace and human progress.

    He said: “Arguably, there is no social activity that can match the role sport plays in breaking down barriers, bringing people together across nations, promoting understanding, positively engaging the energy of youths and in mobilizing support for social causes.

    “Therefore, event at the simplest level, sport not only improves the mental and physical health of participants; it also helps to inculcate such timeless values as honesty, hard work, obedience, respect, team work, discipline, and leadership in the youths.

    “And as you know, these are all useful values for creating peaceful and progressive societies as well as for achieving national peace and basic development goals, including poverty reduction”.

    He said that States in the Niger Delta region recognize the special power of sports for promoting peace and development in the region.

    The governor noted that in addition to sports policies, Niger Delta States all have ministries or departments exclusively responsible for sports development.

    He said: “As a result of these efforts at sports development, our country’s national sports teams are always dominated by sports men and women from the region, who are competing with the rest of the world and bringing laurels to Nigeria.

    “Apart from giving hope for a brighter future, unemployed youths are also getting increasingly engaged and empowered through the various sport platforms the region has provided.

    “These engagements have successfully turned most of our youths away from violence and other anti-social behavior, and thereby enhancing peace and progress at different levels of society”.

    Governor Wike said that in the last three years years of his administration, the Rivers State Government has invested in local and international football development, national and international wrestling competitions, Polo, golf and the development of critical sports facilities.

    He said: “I wish to reiterate our resolve to continue to tap the benefits of sport to advance social cohesion, peace and progress in Rivers State, the Niger Delta, and the, as well as across Africa.

    “May I therefore use this opportunity to call on international donor organizations, sports charities, as well as the private sector to support our efforts with facilities, training and sponsorship.”

    PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, Senator Osinakachukwu Ideozu , Senator Lee Maeba, Senator George Thompson Sekibo, Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, Attorney General of Rivers State, Mr Emmanuel Aguma (SAN), Commissioner of Sports, Mr Boma Iyaye, Majority Whip of Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Evans Bipi, Special Adviser on Politics and Strategy, Dr Gabriel Pidomson, Chief Glory Emeh, Executive Assistant, Research and Documentation, Dr Jacob Beredugo witnessed the presentation.

     

  • Rivers APC Congress: Gov. Wike laments illegal use of SARS

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the illegal use of operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and military personnel to cause rancour ahead of the APC Congress in the state has vindicated him.

    He stated that the series of statements released by APC stakeholders on the illegal activities of SARs Personnel in the course of their forthcoming congress should draw the attention of all well-meaning lovers of democracy.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit by the retired military and para-military officers of Ogoni extraction at the Government House Port Harcourt on Friday, Governor Wike said if security agencies can be negatively used during a party congress, Nigerians should expect electoral mischief, masterminded by security agencies in 2019.

    “In an ordinary party congress, over a platoon of soldiers and more than 200 SARs personnel have been handed over to one man. If these operatives protect just one man, why are other communities left without protection?

    “Even the notorious election rigger, SARS Commander Akin Fakorede is operating without check because he has the support of the Police High Command,” Wike said.

    He said that conflicts during elections are generated by overzealous security agents, detailed to manipulate the process.

    The governor urged the retired military and paramilitary senior officers to use their contacts in the military to prevail on them to respect the rule of law in a democracy.

    He stated that his administration will continue to invest in the promotion of security of lives and property across the state.

    Governor Wike thanked the retired military and paramilitary senior officers of Ogoni extraction for their desire to contribute to the development of the state. He urged other leaders to emulate the Ogoni retired officers.

    Leader of the Retired Military and Paramilitary Officers of Ogoni Extraction, Rear Admiral John Nicholas Bakpo thanked Governor Wike for infrastructural development of Ogoni communities.

    He said that as retired military and paramilitary senior officers, they are willing to offer their services for the security of Ogoni land.

     

  • APC alludes plot by Gov. Wike to destabilize congresses

    The Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) said it has uncovered plan by a group allegedly sponsored by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to destabilize the APC’s Saturday Congresses in the State.

    According to a statement made available to TheNewsGuru, the State Chairman of the APC, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said the group is suspected to have some members of APC in their fold, and that they have already gone to work.

    “Information unearthed by the APC confirm that the group collected huge sum of money from the governor with the sole purpose of discrediting the congresses through wild allegations against leaders of the party especially the leader of the party in Rivers State and Honourable Minister for Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the State Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Davies Ibiamu Ikanya amongst others.

    “Details of the plan seem to have been rolled out already as the group has gone on air to accuse the Minister of hijacking materials for the congresses, an accusation that exposes the ignorance of the group and makes absolutely no sense at all,” the statement read.

    According to the statement, “Whereas the APC is working hard to fully expose the full dimension of the plot and the evil people that are hell-bent on destabilizing our party congresses, we urge party faithful and the general public to ignore the well-known antics of Gov. Wike, the PDP and their collaborators within and outside the APC who have sold their souls to blood money.

    “The party re-assures all members of strict adherence to the guidelines of the party congresses and not to be distracted by anyone or group under any guise. The party would like our members and the general public to refuse to be deceived by these agents of doom who are likely to employ diverse means to destabilize the party in fulfilment of the agreement between them and their sponsors”.

     

  • Peaceful Congress: Rivers APC expresses displeasure with Gov. Wike

    The Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed displeasure with the State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike over his statement wishing the State’s opposition party a peaceful congress outing.

    This is contained in a statement by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone, which finds it disgustingly hypocritical for Gov. Nyesom Wike to extend an advice on peaceful conduct of congresses to the APC.

    “We believe that the unsolicited advice by governor Wike is a script from his dubious and irresponsible politics to divert attention from the massive criticism of the unbridled violence, killing and destruction of property during the PDP primaries by well-meaning Rivers people and Nigerians.

    “It would have been far more important if Gov. Wike had preached peaceful primaries to his party men and women. It would have been quite needful if the governor walked the talk by not planting the seed of imposition, discord and deceit in his party which eventually led to the kind of unprecedented violence that marred their primaries. That surely would have been a more practical means of preaching peaceful congresses,” the statement read.

    According to the statement, the APC believes that Gov. Wike is jittery that at the end of its congresses, peace-loving Rivers people will have the opportunity to compare the activities of PDP and APC.

    “The governor fears that Rivers people will so easily confirm that PDP members as those responsible for the political violence in Rivers State against the peaceful disposition of the APC.

    “It is this fear that has propelled Gov. Wike to embark on offering his tainted advice. We say to him, “Physician, heal thyself,” it stated.

     

  • Gov. Wike wishes Rivers APC members peaceful congress

    Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has wished the All Progressive Congress (APC ) in Rivers State a peaceful congress outing and appealed members of the political party be law-abiding through the process.

    The Governor made this known is a statement made available to TheNewsGuru by his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu.

    TheNewsGuru reports the Rivers State APC is set to hold her congress this weekend.

    “Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is wishing all APC members, a successful and peaceful congress. Governor Wike appealed to all APC members in the state to be law-abiding and maintain the peace in the state,” the statement read.

    Meanwhile, Governor Wike advised all hoteliers in the state not to allow their hotels to be used to foment trouble as was the case during the party’s last congress when Novotel was negatively used by some persons, leading to the misconception across the country that Rivers State was in crisis.

    Governor Wike advised all APC members in the State to work towards a peaceful and successful congress, devoid of rancour.