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Tag: Wike

  • This election will not be based on cabals assurance – Wike warns Atiku

    This election will not be based on cabals assurance – Wike warns Atiku

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has warned the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar not to rely on the cabal in the presidency to win the 2023 presidential election.

    Wike alleged that the cabals are backing Atiku to win the upcoming presidential election.

    Wike spoke at the Comprehensive Secondary School field, Ibaka Town, Okrika Island during the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party Campaign Flag-off Rally for Okrika Local Government Area on Friday.

    “I said they have been given assurance, but this election is not going to be based on that cabal assurance. It is on the people’s assurance,” he said.

    Wike has, however, insisted that they would still need Rivers State to win or they would lose the election.

    According to him, “whether you like it or not, you must need Rivers State. If you don’t need Rivers State you must fail. If you say you don’t want us, you’ll fail. There is no two ways about it.”

  • Wike approves venue for Atiku’s campaign, sends strong warning to PCC

    Wike approves venue for Atiku’s campaign, sends strong warning to PCC

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has approved the venue for the campaign rally of the pres­idential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, in the State.

    Wike said he had approved the PDP Presidential Cam­paign Council to use the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium for Atiku’s campaign.

    The governor disclosed this at the cam­paign flag-off rally by the Rivers State PDP Campaign Council in Oyigbo Local Government Area of the State.

    Disclosing that the approval was at no cost to the PDP PCC, Wike said the stadium would be accessible 48 hours before February 11, 2023, flag-off of the presidential campaign in Rivers State.

    He also cautioned the Director-Gen­eral of the PCC in Rivers State, Abiye Sekibo, over the move to possess the stadium one month before the event.

    Wike warned that Sekibo has no right to make such a move.

    “Let me also use this oppor­tunity to warn Abiye Sekibo. We have made approval for your pres­idential candidate to use Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, on Febru­ary 11. You have no right to be­gin to go to the stadium now. We cannot give you access to the sta­dium now. We can only give you access to the stadium two days to the occasion for you to prepare.

    “Nobody gave you one month. So, if you dare it again, to go and force yourself into the stadium, I will cancel the approval with immediate effect. Dare it again, I will cancel it. Heaven will not fall. In fact, if heaven falls now, we will be happy that it was in our time heaven came down,” he said.

  • 2023: ‘We will ring the bell’ – Wike gives hint on G-5 govs decision

    2023: ‘We will ring the bell’ – Wike gives hint on G-5 govs decision

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has given hints that G-5 governors of the Peoples Democratic Party will soon’ ring the bell’ on who to support in the February 25 presidential election.

    Wike spoke at St. Martin’s Anglican Church, Omagwa Town, venue of the Local Government Campaign Flag-off Rally of the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) in Ikwerre Local Government Area on Tuesday.

    The governor explained that Rivers people had been duly sensitised and told to vote the candidates of PDP for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly.

    He informed that the beauty of the forthcoming election is that it would leave no room for any form of electoral manipulation and intimidation from security personnel.

    Wike, allegorically, told them to be sure that all votes must be put in one basket in favour of candidates of the PDP in the State.

    “This time, no army will do anything. No Fakorode will do any thing. No police will do anything. Now, it is one man, one vote. All the votes must be in one basket from governorship to House of Assembly. The other one we are concluding. When we conclude, you will be told.

    “Nobody should intimidate you. Nobody should tell you any story. We are free born of this country. We are not second class citizens. Nobody can tell us anything. I dare them. Let anybody do any funny thing, We’ll tell them we are from Rivers State,” he said.

    He emphasised that it would be a case of one man, one vote and no blackmail could dissuade or thwart the collective resolve of the people on who to support with their votes.

    The governor, who urged the people to be calm, maintained that when the final decision of the presidential candidate the state would support will be taken, Rivers electorate would be notified.

    “As we finish from here now, you’ll go home and start working before the appropriate time when we will ring the bell. When you hear the bell being rang, know that the decision has been taken.”

  • PDP chair, Ayu breaks silence on meeting Wike to resolve party crisis

    PDP chair, Ayu breaks silence on meeting Wike to resolve party crisis

    Amid the ongoing crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, a viral photograph of the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu meeting with the Rivers State Governor has surfaced.

    Reacting to the trending photograph on social media over an alleged meeting with Wike in Port Harcourt to resolve the party crisis, Ayu said it was an old image

    However, Ayu’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Simon Imobo-Tswam said his principal never met with Wike in Port Harcourt or anywhere else.

    Tswam linked the image to mischief makers who are spreading a false narrative.

    A statement by Imobo-Tswam reads: “Dr. Ayu states clearly that: He never travelled to Port Harcourt and he has not set eyes on Gov. Wike lately.

    “The photograph trending on the social media is an old one. The story accompanying it is, therefore, false and mischievous.

    “For the purpose of factual accuracy, that he is in no way embattled.

    “The National Chairman is, rather, enjoying the New Year break with his family.”

    Wike had been aggrieved with Ayu following his refusal to step down as the party’s National Chairman.

    The governor and his group, G-5 demanded Ayu’s resignation in compliance with PDP rotational policy.

  • BMNA: Wike wins Governor of the Year Award

    BMNA: Wike wins Governor of the Year Award

    Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has won the Governor of the Year in the Fourth Edition of the Bayelsa Media Network Award (BMNA) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

    At the award held at Siseli Ikoli Press Centre, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat, Bayelsa State Council, Wike was honoured for his uplift in the standard of living in his state.

    He was also honoured for his giant development strides in infrastructure, good governance and his dogged role in his crusade against injustice, and lack of transparency in governance, among other parameters.

    The award was received on Wike’s behalf by the Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government of Rivers State, Evangelist Hope Ikiriko, who was himself awarded the Best LGA Chairman in the Southsouth geopolitical zone.

    Receiving the award on behalf of Governor Wike, Ikiriko thanked the organisers of the BMNA for honouring the governor, saying the award would spur Wike to do more in the uplift of the people of Rivers and Niger Delta.

    On his own part, he said the award would inspire him to do more for his people and promised not to relax on his laurels.

    Also honoured were the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; wife of Bayelsa State Governor, Dr. Gloria Douye Diri; Bayelsa Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah; Amayanabo of Opu Nembe, Josiah Biobelemoye.

    In all, 42 persons, who distinguished themselves in their areas of disciplines and professions, were honoured.

    While Mrs. Diri was honoured as ‘Quineseential Symbol of Hope for the Girl Child, Women and the Elderly, Ehwudjakpo was bestowed with ‘Quintessential Symbol of Humility, Integrity and Good Leadership’ and Emelah was honoured with the award of the ‘Public Servant of the Year’ in Bayelsa State.

    Speaking during the awards, the Project Manager, BMNA, Mr. Blessing Ozegbe, said the awards were a celebration of excellence, innovations, skills, acumen, ingenuity, expertise and philanthropy of men and women doing their best to better humanity and society at large.

    He said the motive behind the awards was to recognise Nigerians who had excelled in their fields of endeavours and impacted on humanity and society at large.

  • Tinubu breaks silence on secret meeting with PDP’s G-5 govs in UK

    Tinubu breaks silence on secret meeting with PDP’s G-5 govs in UK

    The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has debunked reports of an alleged secret meeting in London between him and the G5 governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    There have been reports that the G5 PDP Governors led by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state have been meeting with APC flagbearer, Tinubu in London on the possibility of their teaming up to work for his victory in the forthcoming presidential elections.

    Tinubu’s media aide, Tunde Rahman, said in a statement in Abuja that the former Lagos State governor was focused on his campaign objectives.

    “While in the United Kingdom, Asiwaju Tinubu noted some articles in some national newspapers in Nigeria, alleging a secret meeting was held in London between him and the G-5 governors who are members of Peoples Democratic Party,” Rahman said.

    “These reports, to say the least, are not only in bad faith but also evil intentioned. They were published to advance the political interests of the writers and their sponsors.

    “The Presidential Standard-bearer of the All Progressives Congress, HE Asiwaju Tinubu, is neither bothered by these articles nor by their sponsors who are well known.

    “He is resolutely focused on his campaign objectives which are geared towards achieving victory in the upcoming presidential election to deliver the APC’s Action Plan aimed at giving a Renewed Hope to our people in all facets of their lives.”

    The presidential hopeful however pointed out that he is entitled to meeting any political actor or stakeholder that is important to his campaign and plans for the country and who desires to engage with him.

    He asked the sponsors and writers of unsubstantiated articles and those peddling rumours about him to desist forthwith.

    Highlighting his London trip, the statement noted that the former Lagos State governor usually takes time off his busy schedule as the year comes to an end to rest before proceeding to Saudi Arabia to observe Umrah (Lesser Hajj).

    Rahman added: “Tinubu came to London on Boxing Day Monday, December 26, 2022, to spend a few days preparatory to his trip to Saudi Arabia.

    “After spending some time in London, he has now proceeded to Mecca where he is at present observing Umrah. He is scheduled to return to the country within the next two days to continue with the campaign.”

  • “G-5 activities are irrelevant to the victory of PDP presidential candidate”- Gov. Wike

    “G-5 activities are irrelevant to the victory of PDP presidential candidate”- Gov. Wike

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who is a member of the G-5 Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has informed supporters of the party that G-5 activities are irrelevant to the victory of PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

    He dared the party of expelling him for alleged anti-party activity.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that The G-5 Governors of the PDP returned home yesterday from their latest strategic talks in London and immediately launched into a fresh verbal battle with the party.

    Wike also denied that he and other members of the Integrity Group – Govs. Samuel Ortom (Benue), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ifeanyi Ugwanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) – had struck a deal with one of the presidential candidates outside of the PDP.

    He spoke on a day the PDP flag bearer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, called himself an elephant who cannot be taken by surprise by the G-5 governors.

    Atiku’s running mate and Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, said separately yesterday that God, and not the G-5, would determine the fate of the PDP in the election.

    Wike, who moved straight from the Port Harcourt International Airport to Igbo-Etche in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area to kick off the construction of Enekah-Igbo Etche road project, taunted Atiku’s loyalists for preoccupying themselves with the engagements of the G-5.

    He did not disclose details of their London meeting but wondered why Atiku’s supporters kept discussing every move of the G-5.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the five governors of the PDP had tagged G-5 ‘Integrity Group’ and reiterated that they are open to reconciliation talks.

    The G5 Governors include Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu).

    They met in Lagos at the residence of the party’s former Deputy National Chairman, Bode George and announced the formation of the Integrity Group.

    PDP chieftains present at the meeting included former governors Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State; Donald Duke of Cross River State; and Jonah Jang of Plateau. Others were Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Taofeek Arapaja; Chief Dan Orbih, Senator Olaka Nwogu, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Senator Nasif Suleiman, among others.

    At the end of the meeting, ex-governor Jang briefed journalists. He said the group is still open to consultations in resolving the crisis rocking the main opposition party.

  • G-5 is yet to take decision on preferred presidential candidate – Wike

    G-5 is yet to take decision on preferred presidential candidate – Wike

    Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has revealed that the G-5 governors have not taken a decision on who to support for 2023 presidency.

    Wike made this known on Friday in Rivers state during the flag-off of the construction of Eneka-Igbo Etche Road in the state.

    The G-5 include Wike, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Samuel Ortom (Benue). They have been in a running battle with Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate following the party’s presidential primary.

    Recall that the aggrieved governors are insisting that the National Chairman of the Party, Iyorchia Ayu, must resign from his position.

    But Wike has now explained that the G-5 governors haven’t reached a decision to back any presidential candidate for the forthcoming elections.

    “[They said] Wike had an interview with BBC and he said we have a deal with so and so. Meanwhile, no video, no audio. And some of you waste your time listening to such things.

    “So, my dear people, I just want to tell you that whatever decision I will take, I will let you know. I cannot take any decision without taking advice from you,” Wike said.

  • Wike exposes Atiku, accuse him of holding meetings with APC govs in Dubai

    Wike exposes Atiku, accuse him of holding meetings with APC govs in Dubai

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar of holding talks with APC governors in Dubai.

    There have been reports that the G5 PDP Governors led by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state have been meeting with APC flagbearer, Tinubu in London on the possibility of their teaming up to work for his victory in the forthcoming presidential elections.

    Speaking at the flag-off of the construction of Eneka-Igbo Etche road in River State, Wike said he has the right to meet with anybody in any part of the world.

    Reacting to the report, the governor urged the people of the state to avoid speculations on his adopted presidential candidate.

    He said: “Really, I don’t understand the problem with some people. “Just to unwind is a problem to them. Some people say ‘they (G5 governors) have moved on; don’t bother about them. Why is he bothered about where we go to or where we don’t go to? We go to a club, you’re worried. We go and sleep, you’re worried. Yet, you tell Nigerians you don’t bother.

    “There say there is trouble. There is no trouble; what we have is the introduction to trouble that will come. They said we had a meeting with so and so. What is your problem?

    “Assuming there was a meeting, has Atiku not been holding meetings with governors of APC? Ask him. As he is in Dubai, don’t we know what is going on? So, why do you bother about us? G5 that you said you can win without us, leave us alone.

    “I am not someone who will go and see somebody and hide. Hide for who? Who is that person that will threaten me?”

  • Wike recalls how Atiku gave Obasanjo stiff conditions to run for a 2nd tenure

    Wike recalls how Atiku gave Obasanjo stiff conditions to run for a 2nd tenure

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike going on a flashback recalled how Atiku Abubakar gave former president Olusegun Obasanjo stiff conditions to have a second tenure in office.

    Wike gave the narrative as he threw down the gauntlet while he was flagging off a new road in Rivers State.

    He said: “In 2003 when President Olusegun Obasanjo wanted to run for a second tenure―a whole president wanted to run for a second tenure―he knelt down before his vice and said, ‘my vice, please, allow me to run.’

    “You know one of the conditions he gave him? That Tony Anenih must be sacked as the Minister of Works and that Tony Anenih must not be in the presidential campaign council. Obasanjo obliged and sacked Tony Anenih as the Minister of Works and removed him from the presidential campaign council. This is a president,[and] his own vice giving him condition; a retired General knelt down and was given conditions.

    “We (G5) are not even doing that; we are not saying sack this one; we are only saying that the constitution of our party must be respected based on what the national chairman said and based on what you told me in my house.”

    The governor then dared the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to expel him from the party, saying “try and see how you will survive it.”