TheNewsGuru

Tag: Nyesom Ezenwo Wike

  • Looters list: Gov. Wike berates Buhari’s government

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that Nigerians are experiencing the height of irresponsibility in governance with the APC Federal Government refusal to obey the rule of law.

    The governor also declared that INEC as presently constituted is setting the stage for the rigging of the 2019 General Election. He noted that Rivers people have the capacity to resist INEC and APC rigging machine in Rivers State.

    Speaking during a Courtesy Visit by Civil Society Organisations of Rivers State on Thursday at the Government House Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said publishing the list of persons standing trial in courts and calling them looters is an unfortunate act of irresponsibility by the Federal Government.

    He said that the act of irresponsibility was worsened by the fact that APC leaders standing trial were excluded by the APC Federal Government.

    “This is an irresponsible Federal Government that has no respect for the rule of law. They have become the judge, the prosecutor in cases before courts.

    “All they want to do is tie the hands of judges to ensure all those standing trial are convicted at all costs”.

    The Rivers State Governor pointed out that the irresponsible list of looters excluded the name of the immediate past Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who was indicted by the court-approved Judicial Commission of Inquiry for embezzling over N90billion state funds.

    On the plot by INEC, Federal Government and Security Agencies to rig elections in Rivers State, Governor Wike said that available credible intelligence indicate that strategies have been mapped out by these illegal agents.

    He noted that Rivers State Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Mr Akin Fakorede was indicted by INEC in her official report for the rerun elections, but the commission made no attempt to prosecute him.

    The governor said instead of prosecuting Fakorede, he was promoted by the Police High Command to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, posted to Yobe State and the posting cancelled for him to remain in Rivers State for planned electoral fraud.

    He said despite overwhelming evidence, INEC has refused to respond to the fraudulent release of two separate original Rivers East Senatorial District result sheets which led to use of Police for the theft of the people’s mandate.

    “Unfortunately for them, we have so much capacity to resist any attempt to manipulate the forthcoming elections”, he said.

    He noted that there is a plot to unleash violence on the state using SARS and other security agencies, so that the elections are not held alongside other states. He said this will pave way for their rigging plan.

    On the neighbourhood safety corps, he said that the Police and other security agencies will be involved in the recruitment of operatives.

    He wondered why some Rivers politicians derive pleasure in de-marketing the state, saying that they should re-direct their energies towards attracting projects to the state.

    Governor Wike affirmed that he will personally lead the charge to stop street trading in Port Harcourt beginning 12th April, 2018.

    On the issue of soot, he regretted that the APC Federal Government and her agencies have politicised the issue as they have refused to work with the Rivers State Government to curb the menace.

    “We have been fighting with the Federal Government that the military must find refined ways to destroy illegal refineries. We are not in charge of security agencies. They take their orders from Abuja”, he said.

    Earlier, the Leader of the Civil Society Organisations of Rivers State, Mr Sotonye George commended Governor Wike for fulfilling majority of his campaign promises.

    He said Civil Society Organisations of Rivers State will always partner with the Rivers State Government for the development of the state.

     

  • Gov. Wike bags international POS award

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has been nominated for the prestigious International Sports Press Association-Africa (AIPS) Africa Power of Power (POS) Award.

    In a nomination letter to the Rivers State Governor, dated 26th March, 2018, President AIPS Africa, Mitchell Obi said that Governor Wike is being recognised for his remarkable fidelity in raising the bar of sports matters and using sports as a catalyst for development.

    The AIPS Africa also recognised the role of Governor Wike in Nigeria through the use of sports as a tool to effectively engage the youth population in the continent.

    The letter read: “The decoration of this badge of honour will take place at the continental meeting in Brussels on the 8th/9th of May 2018”.

    The AIPS Africa also stated that Governor Wike is expected to deliver a lecture on the topic: “Peace and Progress through Sports in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria ” to the full house of the 94 year old International Sports Press Association (AIPS) comprising no fewer than 108 countries.

    While congratulating the Rivers State Governor, the AIPS Africa President praised his commitment to the growth of sports in the continent.

    It will be recalled that Rivers State recently hosted the African Wrestling Championship considered the very best.

     

  • Rivers to sanction businesses for failure to comply with tax reforms

    Rivers state government says any business in the State that fails to comply with its tax reforms would be appropriately sanctioned.

    The State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, made this known on Monday during the flag off of the Rivers State Tax Management (RIVTAMIS), which Wike said is a bid to enhance the ease of doing business and eliminate multiple taxations in the State.

    The Governor also launched the issuance of the Rivers State Tax Identification Number (RIVTIN) and received the First RIVTIN Card from the Executive Chairman of Rivers State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Adoage Norteh.

    Speaking at the Flag off of RIVTAMIS and RIVTIN, Governor Wike said that the innovations are part of his administration’s commitment to entrenching platforms for the ease of doing business.

    He said that the new tax reform packages will identify all formal and informal businesses in the state, noting that the details will help the State Government plan for development.

    According to the governor, with the digital platforms, tax payments can be made from anywhere.

    “From First April 2018, all businesses are required to obtain their RIVTIN to pay taxes, levies and fines to the Rivers State Government.

    “All banks have been mobilised to generate RIVTIN for all those who want to make payments to the Rivers State Government. Any business that fails to comply by June 1, 2018 will be appropriately sanctioned,” he said.

    Chairman of Rivers State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Adoage Norteh said the tax place has been sanitised to check multiple taxations.

    He said that the process will facilitate the tax payment process, enhance self service and improve the revenue of the state.

    “Right from the comfort of your office, you can obtain your tax clearance certificate and tax exemption “, he said.

    The Rivers State Internal Revenue Service Chairman said that the tax payer has a duty to reciprocate the tax friendliness of the State Government.

    President of Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Industry, Mr Emi Membere-Otaji said that the business community is pleased by the innovations that have eliminated multiple taxation.

    Spokesman of Heritage Bank, Mr FB Briggs assured the State Government that banks will cooperate to ensure that the programme succeeds.

    Highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of RIVTIN to Governor Wike and selected Commissioners and Special Advisers.

     

  • Wike commends T. Y. Danjuma, says Nigeria now completely directionless

    Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, while commending former Minister of Defense, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, for his recent comments on the state of the nation, has declared that Nigeria is now completely directionless.

    TheNewsGuru reports the former Minister of Defense, while speaking at the maiden convocation of Taraba State University in Jalingo, had accused the Nigerian military of collaborating with armed herdsmen to kill innocent Nigerians.

    While swearing-in four Judges of the Rivers State High Court and Customary Court of Appeal at the Government House Port Harcourt on Monday, Governor Wike said the elder statesman has said the obvious truth about the security architecture of the country.

    He said the country is permanently on a dangerous downward slide and that the politicization of governance has further entrenched despair across the country.

    He alludes that Rivers State security has been deliberately compromised by security agencies who work with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine security of lives and property.

    According to him, the recent deliberate crisis and threat to violence by the APC on the setting up of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps in Rivers underscores the devilish schemes to promote insecurity in the State.

    “Nigeria has gotten to a point that we don’t know where we are heading. I don’t use to fast, but I will fast for God to keep General Danjuma. General Theophilus Danjuma has said the obvious truth. It is happening daily in Rivers State.

    “We are setting up our Neighbourhood Safety Corps, but they are generating crisis. We only replicated what is in existence in Lagos State, but nobody queries that of Lagos State. Only recently, Nasarawa State launched her outfit, without being challenged”, Governor Wike said.

    He berated the APC Federal Government for abandoning the solemn duty of protection of lives and property in pursuit of 2019 re-election.

    On the swearing-in of the Judges, Governor Wike charged them to uphold the rule of law and be fearless in the dispensation of justice.

    He urged the judges not to allow themselves to be intimidated by agents of the political class, adding that if they fail in their responsibilities, they will be called to account by God.

    Governor Wike told the judges that they now have the opportunity to make the state a better place by enthroning justice.

    The Judges sworn-in by the Rivers State Governor include: Justice Godwin Ollor and Justice Uche K-Chuku of the Rivers State High Court and Justice Legor Senewo and Justice Frank Onyiri of the Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal.

     

  • Egbeda community endorses Gov. Wike for second term

    The Political and Traditional Leadership of Egbeda Community, the most populated community of Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality, have endorsed Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for a second term.

    This is as hundreds of APC leaders and members defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in appreciation of the outstanding developmental strides of Governor Wike.

    Egbeda Community is the maternal home of the immediate past Rivers State Governor, Mr Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

    The people of Egbeda Community endorsed the re-election of Governor Wike at a Mega Empowerment/Permanent Voter Cards Sensitization Programme on Sunday at State School 1 Field, Egbeda.

    Speaking at his palace, Traditional Ruler of Egbeda, Nyeweli Egbeda, Eze Christopher Didia said that the people of Egbeda Community support the re-election of Governor Wike because he has transformed the state.

    Eze Didia declared that beginning 2013, the people of Egbeda Community have always supported Governor Wike, saying that the support will continue in 2019.

    Leader of the PDP in Egbeda, Mr David Omereji assured Governor Wike of the unalloyed support of the Egbeda people in the 2019 General Election.

    Egbeda PDP Chairman, Comrade Humphrey Assor said that structures have been erected to ensure the victory of PDP and Governor Wike in the area.

    Responding, Representative of the Rivers State Governor and Chief of Staff, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke assured Egbeda people that the Rivers State Government will continue to improve on the security situation in the state.

    He said that the Neighbourhood Safety Corps will help protect all communities and also create employment opportunities for youths.

    According to the governor, those fighting against the Neighbourhood Safety Corps are agents of insecurity, who profit from violence.

    He said: “Never again, will any group of criminals be allowed to unleash mayhem on Rivers communities. What happened in January in Egbeda will never repeat itself again”.

    He said that the administration will continue to execute development projects in the area.

    He said that the State Government will invest in educational and water projects of Egbeda Community. He commended the Egbeda PDP leadership for sinking two boreholes for the area.

    He berated the immediate past Rivers State Governor for annexing huge parcels of land from Egbeda Community for his private farm.

    “The APC is just a party of lies and deceit. I commend the APC defectors for realising the truth and returning back to the PDP, where their future lies”, he said.

     

  • JUST IN: Gov. Wike swears-in 4 new commissioners

    To further strengthen the machinery of government, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Thursday swore-in four new commissioners.

    The Rivers State Governor also swore-in Chief Boma Dappa as the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Degema Local Government Area.

    Performing the swearing-in ceremony at the Government House Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said there would be a minor cabinet reshuffle.

    He charged the new commissioners to see their appointments as a privilege to serve the people of the state and not an opportunity for self enrichment.

    The governor urged the commissioners to establish themselves as persons who are known for the development of the state.

    He said: “These appointments are not opportunities for appointees to enrich themselves. If you attempt to enrich yourselves, there will be consequences.

    “Anyone who attempts to derail our vision, we will not notify the person before he is shown the way out. We are determined to move the state to the next level”.

    He called on all the new commissioners to show loyalty to the administration as they work towards a new Rivers State.

    “I demand total loyalty. If you divide your loyalty, you will not be in my cabinet. This administration is determined to actualize her vision for the state,” he said.

    The Commissioners sworn-in by the Rivers State Governor include Mrs Nancy Nwankwo, Mr Chinyere Igwe, Mr Michael West and Dr Reason Onya.

    He directed the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Degema Local Government Area to pay salaries and work with security agencies to maintain security in the area.

    He urged the Degema Council Chairman to ensure the regular payment of salaries, saying that salary payment should not be compromised.

     

  • Gov. Wike woos leading European investors

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that his administration has implemented sound economic policies and programmes that have made the state the investment destination of Nigeria.

    Speaking during a Special Investment Programme Organised for Rivers State by the Financial Times tagged: “Invest in Rivers State ” at their headquarters in London on Tuesday, Governor Wike told the select investors at the event that return on investment in the state is the highest in Nigeria.

    Governor Wike said: “The Government of Rivers State remains committed to making Rivers State the best place in Nigeria to live, work and do business through the implementation of sound policies and creating the enabling peaceful, secure and friendly environment for doing business in Rivers State. Investors are warmly welcomed, Rivers State awaits you “.

    Rivers State Governor assured intending investors that his administration has lined out incentives that has made the state investor friendly.

    According to the Rivers State Governor, the Rivers State Government under his leadership has provided visibility gap funding, minimum revenue guarantee, provision of land for development, provision of subsidies and reduction of/exemption from payment of taxes and levies.

    “There is a stable, focused and progressive government that is committed to the state’s economic objectives, which is to build a strong, balanced and growing economy for Rivers State.

    “The Government has created the most business friendly environment for Rivers State with unprecedented investments in infrastructure, tax reforms and related economic incentives to reduce cost of doing business “, Governor Wike explained on why European Investors should invest in Rivers State.

    Governor Wike added: “We have given unprecedented attention to security of lives and property, Rivers State is now safe and secure for businesses and investors “.

    The governor added that his administration has eliminated double taxation, instituted expeditious processing and grant of land documents, facilitation of investment processes and regulatory approvals.

    Governor Wike said that intending investors in oil and gas would benefit from the presence of the Oil and Gas Free Zone in the state, noting that the facility provides opportunities for the establishment of businesses across the oil and gas value chain.

    The governor declared that the Rivers State Government has institutionalised laws, processes and policies to protect investments in the state.

    He said: “Besides national laws, the Rivers State Government has also put in place appropriate legal framework to promote and protect investments in the state . ”

    Governor Wike said as a gateway into the South-South and South-East zones, Rivers State also boasts of immense investment opportunities in the area of information and communication technology.

    He added that there remarkable investment opportunities in the areas of tourism and hospitality, pointing out that as the destination of choice for organisers of events, conferences and sporting events, Rivers State investment climate will reward any foreign investor.

    He pointed out the successes recorded by establishing the innovative Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, which is now a regional centre of tourism, attracting several thousands of Nigerian and foreign visitors.

    Governor Wike informed the European Investors that investment opportunities exist at the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, where his administration has established framework for public-private partnerships , land subsidies and the development of infrastructure.

    He also stated that there are investment opportunities in the area of manufacturing where investors can take advantage of the Trans-Amadi Industrial Estate. He added that Public Housing and property development remain another profitable outlet because of the population of the state.

    The governor maintained that the availability of vast arable land and water, make Rivers State the national hub of agriculture and agro processing.

    He said: “The state’s population, including the middle class is increasing in geo-metric proportions. Besides, the availability of a young educated, skilled and semi skilled population eager for employment offers abundant workforce and large emerging and relatively untapped market for consumer products and services .

    Governor Wike said that Rivers State possesses abundant natural resources, two existing seaports, an international airport and Nigeria’s second largest economy, waiting for credible international investors.

    In his remarks, Commercial Director of Financial Times in charge of Africa and Middle East, Mark Cowardine assured the Rivers State Governor that the message of the investment potentials of Rivers State will promote economic growth in the state.

    Vice Chairman of Westminster Africa Business Group, Mr Tim Johnsen noted that the presentation of Governor Wike has highlighted key areas of investments to be explored by European Investors.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Invest Africa and United Kingdom Business Council for Africa , Karen Taylor said that the State Government has redefined the economic advantage of Rivers State, making it attractive to the world.

    Leyla Boulton, Editor, Special Reports of Financial Times said that Rivers State has become Nigeria’s leading economic destination due to the programmes initiated by Governor Wike.

    Imad Mesdoua, Senior Consultant at Control Risks expressed satisfaction with the quality of information and opportunities that Governor Wike has exposed to Europe on Rivers State.

    Governor Wike was accompanied by Senator George Sekibo, Commissioner of Information and Communication, Emma Okah, Chairman of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Chief Ferdinand Anabrabra, Commissioner of Sports, Boma Iyaye and Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Austin Opara.

     

  • Gov. Wike appoints acting Director-General for Neighbourhood Safety Agency

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has approved the appointment of Dr Uche Chukwuma as the Acting Director General of the Neighbourhood Safety Agency.

    A statement by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media noted that Dr Chukwuma who retired as an Assistant Commissioner of Police holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree and is a seasoned security professional.

    It will be recalled that the Rivers State Governor gave his assent to the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Law No. 8 of 2018 passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday.

     

  • Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic to become University of Environment

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has announced that the State Government will set up a committee to examine the prospects of upgrading the Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori into a University of Environment.

    The governor made the announcement while speaking during a courtesy visit by the Khana- Gokana-Tai- Eleme (KALGOTE) Group at the Government House Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    Wike said the idea for the University of Environment in the area cannot be overemphasized, noting that the committee will study the possibility of setting up the university in view of present day economic reality.

    He informed that the State Executive Council will discuss the idea of the University of Environment at its next meeting.

    Governor Wike announced that the State Government will construct a General Hospital in Tai Local Government Area to cater for the health needs of the people.

    “In the next few weeks, we shall be in Tai Local Government Area to commence a major project for the people,” he said.

    The governor said that every part of the state is entitled to projects, pointing out that the state government will continue to invest in state-wide development of projects.

    “By the time we finish the Sakpenwa-Bori Road and erect street lights along the road, we would have improve the economic value of lands on that route,” he said.

    He said that the State Government will resolve the boundary conflict between the Ogoni and the people of Ogo-Bolo.

    Commenting on the plan by the Federal Government to establish a maximum security prison in Bori, the governor said when the Ogoni people are talking about development of the area, the Federal Government is talking about prisons.

    He directed the Secretary to the Rivers State Government to set in motion the process for bringing back 800 Ogoni people stranded in Benin Republic.

    In his address, the President of Khana- Gokana-Tai- Eleme (KALGOTE), Mr Peter Nedee commended Governor Wike for his outstanding developmental strides in Ogoni land.

    He said that Ogoni leaders are in the Government House to thank the governor for key appointments to Ogoni sons and daughters in his administration.

    He called on Governor Wike to assist Ogoni Ethnic Nationality to prevail on the Federal Government not to erect a prison in the area. He said Ogoni people prefer developmental projects that will improve the lives of the people.

    The KALGOTE President pledged that Ogoni people will continue to support Governor Wike to develop the state.

     

  • Gov. Wike raises alarm over illegal vigilante groups in Rivers

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has alerted the country of the plot by some opposition politicians to set up “illegal vigilant” groups he said might clash with the State Neighbourhood Watch.

    Governor Wike, who stated that the move is to pave way for the police to ban his new security outfit, said such political plots will fail, adding: “the State Neighbourhood Watch has come to stay” and stressed that only a court of competent jurisdiction can stop the Neighbourhood Watch.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit by Usman Abubakar, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 6 Calabar at the Government House Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Governor Wike said that the Neighbourhood Watch is strictly a security organization that will support security agencies with intelligence to promote the security of the state.

    He said that the Neighbourhood Watch is fashioned in line with the operations of a similar agency set up in Lagos State to support security agencies.

    “In setting up the State Neighbourhood Watch, we adopted the process established in Lagos State. This is a replica of what is already in existence in Lagos State.

    “We are setting up the State Neighbourhood Watch for intelligence gathering. Policemen and other security agencies cannot be everywhere. They need the relevant support to maintain security across the state,” Wike said.

    Governor Wike announced that the State Government has acquired six gunboats for the State Police Command to help it fight criminals along the waterways.

    He warned against the politicization of security operations, saying that such actions will be detrimental to the stability of the country.

    He reiterated his advice to INEC and the Police to work towards the successful conduct of the 2019 General Election.

    He said that the police should not be used to indiscriminately arrest opponents of the ruling party ahead of the elections.

    In his remarks, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 6 Calabar, Usman Abubakar, said that the Zone 6 Police Command is fashioning out ways to reduce cultism, kidnapping and violent crime in the area.

    He appealed to stakeholders to work with the Police to reduce crime ahead of the 2019 General Election.

    The Assistant Inspector General of Police called on all groups to come to a round table to work for peace as the police will not tolerate lawlessness.