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Tag: Nysome wike

  • I will never support Fubara again- Wike vows

    I will never support Fubara again- Wike vows

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed never to support Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in any future political activities.

    In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wike accused Governor Fubara of making false statements against him.

    “I will never support Fubara in my political life again,” Wike declared. “Anybody knows me, it’s not about me. People laboured to put up a structure.”

    Wike elaborated on his sacrifices, saying, “People laboured, you wouldn’t have even taken the 50th position. I sacrificed to talk to the Ogonis, I sacrificed to talk to several other people that let us go this way.”

    He further criticized Fubara, stating, “You turned it that I am asking for N50 billion, N100 billion. You turned up lies against me, I brought you up, put you here. Today, I turned to be over demanding.”

     

     

  • Arrest Wike now – Edwin Clark tells IGP

    Arrest Wike now – Edwin Clark tells IGP

    Elder statesman and Niger Delta leader, Edwin Clark, has called for the immediate arrest of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his recent threat to instigate crises in some states.

    Clark made this call on Thursday during a press conference at his Abuja residence.

    He urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to promptly arrest the former Rivers State governor over his threat to “ignite unrest” in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) states if their governors transfer the party’s structure to Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

    Wike made the threat while addressing party members loyal to him in Port Harcourt.

    He said: “Some governors say they will take the structure from us and give it to someone else. I hear they’ve assured them they’ll take the party from us.

    “I pity those governors because I will set their states on fire. When God gives you peace, and you say you don’t want it…

    “Whether you’re in Bauchi or anywhere else, your hands will get burnt. You will never see peace again.”

    Clark noted that what Wike said demonstrates his flagrant disrespect for President Bola Tinubu.

    While saluting the IGP for his effort to make the country safe, he drew his attention to the threat.

    Clark told the police boss: “As your men who were in the audience would have reported directly to you, Nyesom Wike made this open threat to the other twelve PDP Governors while attending a Court barred Congress of the PDP, in Port Harcourt on Saturday 31st August 2024.

    There is a High Court ruling in Port Harcourt in Suit No. PHC/2282/CS/2024, against that exercise.

    “Instead of vacating that ruling through an appeal, Nyesom Wike’s group went to another court of co-ordinate jurisdiction in Abuja and got a ruling to hold the congress.

    “This is a completely wrong court process and should not be allowed to stand. For as long as the first court ruling is persisting, the PDP congress held by Wike and his men remains a nullity.

    “During this illegitimate PDP Congress, without caution and self-restraint, Wike openly voiced that he will ensure that the other Governors do not have peace in their states for their support for the incumbent Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminilayi Fubara, his erstwhile protege with whom he is having a running battle.”

    The leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) could not imagine that the words came out from a serving minister who he maintained showed “a flagrant disrespect on the person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who appointed him, and a threat to public peace.”

    Clark, a former federal commissioner for information, added: “Even more serious is the fact that this is a violation of the laws of the country as it stands now. Wike as a lawyer should have known better.

    “As one who has been in this same profession for more than 60 years, and as an elder statesman, | know that one of the greatest offenses that can be committed is to incite anarchy and threaten constituted authority of the state, as it is a sure means of inciting and causing unfavourable response in those States especially amongst the youths against the government in power either at federal or state level.

    “As a matter of fact, what Wike has done is a form of treason as he is inciting his supporters and those in the other State to rise up against constituted authority.”

    He said Wike had gone overboard, wondering what the police who have indicted  Omowole Sowore for #EndBadGovernance are now waiting for.

    Clark maintained: “What all these shows is the fact that this particular Minister, Wike, has gone overboard in his macabre dance. As we lawyers say, nobody is above the law and the law must take its course.

    “If you could in the past arrest Omowole Sowore for similar or less implicating threats against public peace and public officials, if you are right now leading prosecution in law courts against people who participated in the ‘End Bad Governance’ protest, what are you waiting to act in this case of Wike?

    “Remember that you are under oath to uphold the law, as the serving Inspector-General of Police, including the fact that you will not be partial.”

    Clark lamented that Wike had done everything within his powers to sabotage Governor Fubara’s administration.

     

  • PDP Governors reply Wike, describe comment as irresponsible

    PDP Governors reply Wike, describe comment as irresponsible

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have described a recent comment by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, as unacceptable and irresponsible.

    The PDP Governors after their meeting has declared support for the Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the party in Rivers State.

    The governors also promised to liaise with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to ensure that the governors take his pride of place in the politics of the state.

    But worried by the development, the FCT minister had threatened to “to fire in the state” of any governor who interferes in the internal politics of Rivers.

    Reacting to the development in Abuja on Tuesday, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, Director General, of the PDP-GF, said the “threats to peaceful coexistence made by Wike to “Put fire” in the PDP controlled States are unbridled, irresponsible and without ambiguity totally unacceptable as it undermines efforts to build and maintain peace, cohesion, collaboration and mutual respect amongst leaders and members of the party.

    “It is rather unfortunate that this is coming from someone who was once a member of this highly revered forum as a former governor.”

    Governors who insisted on their determination to ensure that Fubara remains the leader of the party in the state said, “We are irrevocably committed to working with the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party, the PDP, in ensuring that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is conferred with all the privileges he is entitled to as a Governor elected on the platform of our party, both at the state and national levels. ”

    They also emphasize that “neither is the position of the Forum personal nor does it by any stretch of the imagination undermine the relevance of any stakeholder in the party. Rather, as loyal party faithful, members of the Forum remain committed to that pristine practice that was intended to guarantee order, eliminate conflicting centres of loyalty epitomised by the situation in Rivers State and guard against distracting the Governor in the prosecution of his mandate. Wike benefitted wholly from that arrangement.

    “Our undiluted commitment to the unity of our party is paramount. The PDP has always been a party that values unity and collective progress. The recent actions of the governors, including their support for Governor Fubara, reflect their dedication to these values. It is crucial for all party members, including Wike, to work together towards common goals rather than pursuing personal vendettas.

    “The Forum insists that it is incumbent on the National Working Committee of the PDP to invoke both official provisions and unofficial good offices platforms to find an amicable solution to the crisis in its Rivers State chapter. Similarly, if indeed the larger interests of Rivers State is their individual motivation, the warring parties should allow themselves to be guided by a spirit of give and take and eschewing, at all times, the incendiary posturing that inflames passions among their followers.”

  • Wike to face disciplinary committee over anti party activities – PDP

    Wike to face disciplinary committee over anti party activities – PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is expected to face its disciplinary committee over alleged anti-party activities.

    The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed this on Monday on Channels Television’s programme, Sunrise Daily.

    According to Abdullahi, the PDP has written a letter to Wike inviting him to appear before the disciplinary committee set up by the party’s National Working Committee.

    “Three weeks ago, we put up two committees in place, that of reconciliation and disciplinary, and Nyesom Wike is one of the persons to face the disciplinary committee, which is headed by elder statesman Chief Tom Ikimi,” Abdullahi said.

    “The disciplinary committee will look into issues of anti-party activities. We’ve been receiving petitions regarding anti-party activities or sabotaging the party throughout the primary, leading to where we are now. These petitions against Wike and other party members have been aggregated and sent to the committee.

    “Some party members even felt that Wike shouldn’t have gotten to this level still as a member of the PDP and they have been writing to the leadership.”

    Over the weekend, Wike threatened to cause political crisis in the state PDP governors who interfere in the affairs of the PDP in Rivers State.

    The former Rivers State governor made the threat at the PDP secretariat in Port Harcourt on Saturday during the party’s state congress.

    “Let me assure all of you, not while we live will anybody take away the structure of PDP from us. But let me tell people, I hear some governors who say they will take over the structure and give back to somebody, I pity those governors because I will put fire in their states.

    “When God has given you peace, you say you don’t want peace – anything you see you take,” Wike had said.

    Reacting to Wike’s threat to the PDP governors, Abdullahi said that the party is disappointed at the statement by the minister, adding that it is wrong and unacceptable.

    “Wike should be able to manage his words carefully; that was a very disappointing remark. We weren’t expecting him to say that, and to be honest with you, we are not with him on that,” Abdullahi said.

     

     

  • Senator Kingibe denies sponsoring protests in Abuja

    Senator Kingibe denies sponsoring protests in Abuja

    The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe has denied sponsoring the ongoing protests in Abuja.

    FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, had raised the alarm that an unnamed senator was one of those behind the Abuja protests by supplying them with food and water.

    However, the Labour Party (LP) senator said the video being misconstrued was recorded six weeks ago during the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) protests at the National headquarters of the LP in Abuja.

    Kennedy Mbele, spokesman of the senator, quoted his boss as saying: “I am shocked and outraged by the blatant lies and misinformation being spread by mischief-makers!

    “The video being circulated is from over six weeks ago, during a Labour Party NWC meeting when the NLC was protesting outside the Labour Party office.

    “As stakeholders, including Senators, House of Reps members, and Mr Peter Obi, we went out to engage with the protesters and address their concerns.

    “Now, these deceitful individuals are trying to pass off this old footage as current, claiming that Mr. Peter Obi and I were leading protests in Abuja yesterday.

    “This is a malicious and desperate attempt to discredit us. Let me set the record straight: Mr Peter Obi is not in Abuja, and I haven’t left my house since Wednesday due to illness, much less distributed food and water at the protest grounds, though that would be noble for whoever did.

    “I condemn this orchestrated attempt to spread falsehoods and cause confusion, using it as the basis to claim I sponsored the Abuja protest.

    “It is a shameless and irresponsible act that will not be tolerated. We will not stand idly by while our names and reputations are dragged through the mud by these unscrupulous individuals.”

  • BREAKING: Court validates pro-Wike lawmakers’ seats

    BREAKING: Court validates pro-Wike lawmakers’ seats

    A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt on Monday affirmed that Martin Amaewhule and the 26 other members of the State House of Assembly who are loyalists of former governor Nyesom Wike are still members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The 27 lawmakers had announced their defection to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC in December 2023.

    Subsequently, there have been calls that their seats should be declared vacant because of their defection from the platform on which they were elected into office, especially by the camp of Governor Fubara who has been engaged in battle for control of political

    Fubara had also derecognized the lawmakers and is now dealing with a three -man assembly led by one Oko Jombo for the confirmation of his appointees and other necessary legislative inputs.

    However, Justice Okogbule Gbasam of the Rivers State High Court on Monday said its cannot be proved that Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers, had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The suit was instituted by Hycenth Amadi & others with Martin Chike Amaewhule & 24 others, the Governor of Rivers State, the Attorney General of Rivers State and Rivers State House of Assembly as defendants.

    The Judge ruled that the claimants have not been able to prove that the names of Amaewhule and the 26 other lawmakers are now in the membership register of APC.

    The Court ruled that the party’s register or membership card, and not television ceremonies and or verbal statements, were the only acceptable proofs of party members.

    The Court also ruled that the Claimants have failed to prove that Martin Amaewhule and 24 others have defected to APC as alleged as the Court cannot rely on newspaper and electronic media publications as enough evidence.

    The 27 lawmakers are still members of the PDP since their names are still in the PDP’s membership register as provided by the party, the court ruled.

    Furthermore, the judge ruled that the 25 members never lost their seats and everything they did are valid.

    Consequently, it ordered that Governor Fubara must comply with all the laws passed by the lawmakers.

    Federal High Court presided over Justice Kolawole Omotosho had previously ruled that Martin Amaewhule-led lawmakers loyal to Wike are still bonafide members of the Rivers House of Assembly.

     

  • I don’t have a plot in Guzape, only have the people’s mandate – Tinubu at inauguration of FCT road project

    I don’t have a plot in Guzape, only have the people’s mandate – Tinubu at inauguration of FCT road project

    President Bola Tinubu says his administration is prioritizing people-focused development by providing essential infrastructure and amenities that will improve the quality of life of citizens.

    President Tinubu made the remarks at the inauguration of engineering infrastructure in Guzape District Lot II.

    According to Tinubu, Wike has provided exceptional leadership at a trying time for the country. It has been a very challenging time  in the country.

     

    “You have demonstrated the capacity to build a team, lead a team, and deliver on promises. I commend you, well done.

    “To all of you here, to the District Head of Guzape, and the representatives, litigation is not the answer. Compensation is the answer.

    “Development that is focused on the people for economic prosperity and benefits is what we should pursue.

    “Of what value is a swathe of land that is blocked by hills and rocks, and that is inaccessible. Let us talk to our people and come together to help build Nigeria,” the President said.

    In a statement issued by
    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity said Tinubu emphasized that his commitment to providing infrastructure across the country is not for personal enrichment or aggrandizement.

    “I stand here as President; I do not have a plot of land here (Guzape District). But I have the people’s support and the mandate to deliver good quality of life and a living environment.

    “That should be enough for all of us to share in the joy of commitment, dedication, perseverance, and the little gifts God has endowed us,” the President said.

    In his remarks, the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, explained that the contract initially awarded in 2003 at the cost of N14 billion was divided into Lots 1 and 2 to Messrs Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Limited and Messrs Gilmor Engineering Limited.

    “Dantata had left the site for long. We had to bring them back after the President approved a memorandum to that effect,” Barrister Wike said.

    The Minister disclosed that the development of the district, which covers 32km of road, had been fraught with litigations, which, however, did not deter the progress of the project.

    He said shortly before the present administration assumed office, the cost of the project was revised to N18.17 billion.

    Barrister Wike commended the President for not abandoning the project owing to his belief in government as a continuum.

    “Since I assumed office as FCT Minister in August 2023, you have never interfered with our work. We are sincerely happy that you gave us the free hand to work,” he said.

    The FCT Minister, who appealed to the President to name major roads in Guzape District after literary giants, Chinua Achebe and JP Clark, hinted that the ‘diplomatic area’ in the district will be completed within one year.

    In a project overview, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad said the area being developed, Guzape District Lot II, is an urban fringe area covering 620 hectares, with 129 hectares encumbered by village settlements.

    He said the entire district, Lot 1 and Lot 2, was designed to provide residential, commercial, and recreational facilities covering an entire area of 1,070 hectares of land.

    “The Lot 1 area covers an area of 450 hectares, whereas the Lot 2 covers 620 hectares,” the FCDA Executive Secretary said.

  • Rivers: Court locks-out Pro-Wike Lawmakers

    Rivers: Court locks-out Pro-Wike Lawmakers

    The State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has issued an interlocutory injunction restraining lawmakers led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule from sitting and parading themselves as members of the state House of Assembly.

    Justice C.N. Wali granted the order in a suit filed by the pro-Governor Siminilayi Fubara lawmakers, led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo and two others, Sokari Goodboy and Orubienimigha Timothy. The suit listed 25 lawmakers as defendants, along with Governor Siminilayi Fubara, the Attorney-General, and the Chief Judge of the state as 26th to 28th defendants.

    The court had previously granted a similar order on May 10th, stopping the governor, attorney-general, and Chief Judge from interacting with the affected lawmakers. The latest injunction, granted on May 29th, restrains the lawmakers from sitting and parading themselves as members of the House of Assembly, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

    The court order specifically states: “An order of interlocutory injunction is granted restraining the 1st to 25th defendants from parading and holding out themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly… their legislative seats having been declared vacant pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”

    The court also restrained the governor, attorney-general, and Chief Judge from dealing with, interfacing, or accepting any resolutions or bills from the affected lawmakers, pending the determination of the suit. The matter has been adjourned to July 1st, 2024, for mention.

    This development is the latest twist in the ongoing crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days.

     

     

  • Perform or be sacked, Wike tells FCTA Perm. Secs.

    Perform or be sacked, Wike tells FCTA Perm. Secs.

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has advised the newly inaugurated Permanent Secretaries for the FCT Administration to perform, else, they will be sacked.

    Wike gave the warning after the inauguration of the Chairman and Commissioners of the FCT Civil Service Commission, FCT Head of Service, and the Permanent Secretaries in Abuja on Monday.

    “As a permanent secretary, you are not a political appointee, and you know the implication of that.

    “If you perform below our expectations, there is nothing like query him in accordance with civil service rules.

    “We have no time for that. We will just send you packing as permanent secretary,’’ he said.

    Wike added: “I don’t want to hear that files are unduly delayed.

    “We want you to support the government of President Bola Tinubu to realise the Renewed Hope Agenda’’.

    The minister reminded the FCT workers of the long struggle for the realisation of the FCT Civil Service Commission since enactment of the law in 2018.

    He said as President Tinubu had actualised the dream, it was only fair that workers pay back by being committed and work for the success of his administration.

    The minister said the newly inaugurated Head of Service would send out posting letters to Directors as part of his promise to reshuffle them.

    Wike also called on the Coordinators of Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Abuja Municipal Management Council (AMMC) and Abuja Infrastructure Investment Council (AIIC) to discharge their duties diligently.

    He particularly urged the STDD coordinator to pay close attention to the developments taking place in area councils in line with the directive of President Tinubu.

    Wike also urged AMMC coordinator to make sure the street lights are working, sanitation are done very well, and public buildings are well repaired.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those inaugurated are Mr Emeka Ezeh as Chairman of the Commission and with six commissioners representing the six geopolitical zones.

    The commissioners are, Ahmed Mohammed (North West), Anthony Okeah (South-South), Mohammed Ibrahim (North East), Miskoom Naantuam (North Central), Jide Jimoh (South West) and Barrister Azubike (South East).

    Also inaugurated is Mr Udo Atang, the pioneer Head of FCT Civil Service and 10 permanent secretaries.

    They permanent secretaries are; Adam Babagana (North East), Wanki Ibrahim (North East), Asmau Mukhtar (North West), Dogo Bodinga (North West), Olusa Olusegun (South West) and Adetoyi Kolawole (South West).

    Others are; Grace Adayilo (North Central), Olubunmi Olowookere (North Central), Ibe Chukwuemeka (South East) and Okonkwo Nonubari (South South).

    The minister also inaugurated Mr Abdulkadir Zulkarfi as Coordinator STDD and Mr Felix Obuah, Coordinator AMMC.

    NAN reports that Mr Oladiran Akindele who was appointed Coordinator, Abuja Infrastructure Investment Council (AIIC) was absent at the inauguration.

     

  • 2027: I don’t know of anybody who can challenge us – Wike

    2027: I don’t know of anybody who can challenge us – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said with the forces they have he doesn’t know of anybody who can challenge them in 2027.

    The minister spoke of his readiness for the 2027 elections during a thanksgiving service by Senator Barinada Mpigi in Koroma, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State on Sunday.

    He said, “With the forces we have I don’t know of anybody who can challenge us. I can tell you it is like tomorrow is 2027. For me it is still very far, I can’t wait. The two leadership of the party, APC is here, PDP is here; where can you find that leadership unity? Which state? It is only in Rivers that you can find that unity.

    “And that is what many people don’t like. When they see people united and working together, they find how to make sure they are divided but since we know, we have refused to be divided.

    “This is the only state where the leading party will win for president, the opposition party will take national assembly in election that was done the same time, same minute and same hour. That is uncommon.”