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Tag: Wike

  • N78bn refund: Adesina playing politics with Wike’s appreciation letter to Buhari – Rivers Govt

    N78bn refund: Adesina playing politics with Wike’s appreciation letter to Buhari – Rivers Govt

    Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, has lambasted Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, over some comments the presidential aide made about Governor Nyesom Wike of the state in a piece he wrote during the week titled ‘Wike vindicates Buharists’. He stated that several comments, interpretations, narratives and theories have greeted the recent letter written by Governor Wike to President Buhari, expressing the sincere appreciation of the Rivers State Government and people for the refund of the sum of N78.9 billion to the state, being monies expended by the State on federal projects in the state.

    “Most of these responses have either been mischievous, absurd, totally misleading and some even trying to conjure and configure fabulist narratives, celebrating the mystique and magical influence of the power of money on the human psyche. But the most remarkable of these is the one written by Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, titled: WIKE VINDICATES BUHARISTS,” the commissioner said while admitting that Adesina’s opinions attract considerable attention and commands tremendous weight. The commissioner however berated Adesina for allegedly trying to eke out political capital from Governor Wike’s letter of appreciation.

    “While Rivers people will not complain that the money was actually reduced from the original amount and that it even took so long for President Buhari’s fairness and justice to touch Rivers State, while he has been fair and just to other states, we are all still very happy and grateful that this approval for refund has been made, finally. Attempts by people like Adesina to make political capital out of the genuine stance of a statesman will not be bought by well-meaning Nigerians. What makes Adesina’s grandstanding more worrisome is that he will never comment or let the world know how much the South-West States received as refund for federal projects executed in that part of the country.

    “Governor Wike’s letter of appreciation and appeal for a presidential state visit is thus a clear indication that what the people thought was lost has now been recovered. All is well that ends well and Rivers people are happy. For the avoidance of doubt, the letter to Mr. President was delivered to Aso Rock, three weeks before it was published. Governor Wike is not like Adesina who knows how to speak from both sides of his mouth. In 2008, he said this about the Chief of Staff to the President: “Gambari enslaved himself to please his paymasters. Now 13 years after, the shackles are still tied around his neck, threatening to asphyxiate him. What an eternal lesson for fawning bootlicking grovellers to learn. Old sins indeed have long shadows.”

    “Now that Gambari is Chief of Staff to the President, people have been asking if Adesina still sees Gambari’s sins’ shadows or he (Adesina) has turned to a bootlicking groveller? There is no doubt that he is currently savouring the office of Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity as a compensation, having used his positions as former Editor-In-Chief of The Sun Newspapers and President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors to feather his own nest. Adesina should be told that no amount of political mischief will turn Governor Wike from a hero to a villain in this matter. The Wike that I know cannot be swayed by pecuniary interests. He will always stand for the truth and defend the interests of Rivers people,” Nsirim said.

    The commissioner also made it clear that the monies were neither generous loans, gift or a desperate bailout package as people like Femi Adesina are shaping the narrative to sound, as the refund was sequel to a huge bill sent to the federal government by the entire 36 states of the federation in 2016, seeking a refund of funds they expended on the repair of some federal roads in their respective states. “Considering the fact that the approval for the refund was also made for monies expended by Rivers State for Federal Projects, isn’t it equally apt that Governor Nyesom Wike should invite Mr. President to come and at least see the work for which the refund was made? Indeed, it will also provide Mr. President the grand opportunity to see firsthand, the amazing and fantastic infrastructural wonders which Governor Wike is delivering in Rivers State. This is absolutely the right thing to do by a grateful recipient,” the commissioner said.

  • JUST IN: PDP appoints Wike head of Edo governorship campaign

    JUST IN: PDP appoints Wike head of Edo governorship campaign

    The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, to head its campaign council in the governorship election in Edo State.

    The party also appointed his Adamawa counterpart, Umar Fintiri, as the deputy campaign chairman.

    The PDP candidate in the election, Godwin Obaseki, won the primary election unopposed after his opponents stepped down.

     

    Details shortly…
  • Why Buhari failed to deal with Fayose, Wike – Adesina

    Why Buhari failed to deal with Fayose, Wike – Adesina

    Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Muhammadu Buhari , has said his principal chose to disregard the “combative, truculent, if not at times insulting” disposition of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

     

    The spokesperson said the President would have dealt with Wike and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, for their “anti-Buhari tendency” but he chose to tolerate the duo as a father of the nation.

     

     

     

    Wike, who belonged to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, had recently appreciated the President for approving the refund of N78.9bn to Rivers for the repair of federal roads. A total sum of N148bn had been approved by the Federal Executive Council to five states including Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa, Ondo, and Osun.

     

    In a piece published on Friday on his website and entitled, ‘Wike Vindicates Buharists’, Adesina described the recent action of Governor Wike as one that was in a “completely different direction compared to what he had always said of President Muhammadu Buhari”.

     

    Adesina wrote, “The Wike we knew was either usually crying wolf where there was none, alleging that the Federal Government wanted to kill him, or claiming that he was not answerable to the central government at Abuja in any way, or even pontificating that the President and his political party, the All Progressives Congress, had failed the country in diverse ways.

     

    “If not for the maturity, and the avuncular attitude of President Buhari to all state governors, it would have been easy for one to conclude that he and Wike were enemies. Forsworn ones.

     

    “There was also the then Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, who had formed a tag team with Wike in the anti-Buhari tendency. The President could have dealt with them in many ways, either overtly or covertly, but he let them be. He was a father ready to tolerate his many children, irrespective of their differing idiosyncrasies, propensities and predilections.”

     

     

     

    On the invitation extended by the Rivers governor for the President to visit the state to see what the money was used for, the President’s spokesperson said, “In January 2018, there had been vicious killings in some parts of the country. States affected were; Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Yobe, Rivers and Zamfara. The President decided to embark on sympathy and solidarity visits to the states. All the Governors were receptive, except Wike, who said the visit was a smokescreen, meant to revive the dying APC in Rivers State.

     

    “When about 20 people were killed on New Year Day 2018, in Omoku area of the state, and the President wanted to visit, Wike demurred. He said there were killings everyday all over the country, and it meant the President must visit every State on a daily basis.

     

    “The circle has turned fully round, and Governor Wike is inviting the President to visit. He says he’s “a President for every State of the Federation and all Nigerians.” Wonderful!

     

     

     

    “Some people say it is N78.9 billion that is working, and the Governor is clearly inebriated by that windfall. But I don’t think so. Rivers is by no means a poor state. The amount is handsome, no doubt, but the state is oil rich, and can hold her own when it comes to finances. I rather choose to believe that Governor Wike had been playing a curious kind of politics all along, and now, fairness and justice have touched him in a positive way.”

     

     

  • BREAKING: Wike orders compulsory COVID-19 tests for all Govt House employees

    BREAKING: Wike orders compulsory COVID-19 tests for all Govt House employees

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has ordered all employees in the Government House to go for COVID- 19 tests.

    Wike said the ongoing increased testing for coronavirus in the state was part of his government’s commitment to save more lives.

    A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, said the governor spoke when the Executive Director of BUA Foundation presented three ambulances to him at Government house, Port Harcourt.

    The governor insisted that more testing would reveal more covid-19 cases to enable the vovernment dedicate prompt medical attention to the people.

    He said: “The more we test, the more the number will increase and we are willing to continue to test. Let our people know that this not the kind of sickness to be ashamed of. Nobody knows who you have shook hands with.

    “I’m sure, in Rivers State, we have lost not less than 38 lives on the record. Nobody will be happy that each day you wake up, you hear that somebody, probably a bread winner of the family, is no longer there because of covid-19 pandemic.

    “In fact, I have given a directive that all staff of government House must go for testing, Nobody knows who is a carrier and we must save everybody as much as we can.”

    Wike lauded the sustained support from BUA Foundation to the Rivers state government particularly at the period of covid-19 pandemic.

    He said most companies in the state were only interested in making profit but would not support the government to save lives.

    He said: “BUA group has not only come to support us at this critical period but they have shown that really, they are part and parcel of the state. I sincerely commend you.

    “So many companies shy away from identifying with the state where they operate because of lack of understanding. Making profit alone is what is important to them but to support government to save life is very difficulty for them.

    “You have donated to the Rivers state government the sum N100million before, you have given us a lorry load of other items. Today, you have given us three life support ambulances.

    “I want to sincerely say that Rivers State government will continue to identify with you and to make sure that we make the environment easy for you to continue to do your business.

    “All those who are here and not supporting us to save life in the state should not also expect to get cooperation from the Rivers state government. Those I consider as brothers and sisters are persons who identify with me when I’m in trouble.

    “Do not relent in supporting the government of the state. This is where you’re doing business. We are a peaceful people and have fought insecurity to the lowest ebb. You can attest to the fact today that, apart to covid-19, Rivers state is safe,” he added.

    In his remarks, the Executive Director of BUA Foundation, Khalifa Rabiu expressed appreciation to Wike for creating conducive business environment for their operations.

    He said, they had donated N100 million and a lorry load of covid-19 preventive items included the three ambulances.

    Rabiu said the donation was a show of their support to the Rivers state government to enable it succeed in the fight against covid-19.

    Also, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Princewill Chike said 3,434 samples had been tested and that the state treatment centre successfully managed and discharged about 584 patients.

    Chike also said there are about 284 medical personnel engaged and catered for by the state government at the treatment centres, and surveillance offices.

    “This is exclusive of those sponsored by the international oil companies. The state government also released over 40 ambulances to strengthen the response capacity of the team”, he said

  • EDO 2020: Wike blasts PDP NWC, denies masterminding plot against Obaseki’s governorship bid

    EDO 2020: Wike blasts PDP NWC, denies masterminding plot against Obaseki’s governorship bid

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has said he did not influence the decision of a Federal High Court in State that blocked Governor Godwin Obaseki from participating in the Peoples Democratic Party’s Edo State governorship primary.

    Wike’s denial was made public by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, who quoted the governor in a statement as also describing some members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) as tax collectors.

    Nsirim said Wike has decided to pull out of the ongoing moves to reconcile aspirants of the party in Edo State insisting that he’s been blackmailed with lies by “sycophants” in the NWC.

    He said instead of the NWC to carry everybody along in Edo state, they resorted to using the media to blackmail him.

    Wike said: “I told them that in Edo State, we must handle the issue carefully and carry everybody along. They must respect human beings and not behave like tax collectors.

    “They said because an order was obtained from a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, then I am responsible.

    “I have had sleepless nights to resolve the issue in Edo state. The Governors of Edo, Adamawa, and Delta states, know what I have done to resolve the issues in Edo state.

    “As a result of this senseless accusation, I have pulled out of Edo State settlement. My integrity matters. I have also directed my lawyer to write Thisday Newspaper on the publication they made against me in their Tuesday, 23rd June, 2020 edition.

    “I know the members of the National Working Committee of PDP who connived with Thisday. They are tax collectors. Let them challenge me and I will come out with more facts. Nobody will rubbish me by raising false accusations against me. I will fight back,” the Governor said in the statement.

    Wike said he would no longer participate in any reconciliation and wondered why the NWC wanted to consult governors of the party.

    He questioned why the NWC did not consult with governors in the case of Bayelsa State.

    The governor warned that if PDP was not careful, the crisis in the All Progressive Congress (APC) would be a child’s play.

    “I am brought up not to accept injustice, and that is why I keep speaking out on national issues. Nobody in PDP can intimidate Rivers State.

    “Nobody can threaten me because I said things must be done constitutionally. I will always continue to satisfy my conscience.

    “From now on, I want to concentrate on the development of Rivers State.”

  • Wike locks down Bonny LG, Onne communities over rising COVID-19 figures

    Wike locks down Bonny LG, Onne communities over rising COVID-19 figures

    The Rivers State Government has imposed a total lockdown on Bonny Local Government Area and Onne Community in Eleme Local Government Area with effect from June 21 to check the spread of coronavirus in the state.

    The State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in a state broadcast on Saturday evening said all residents of Bonny and Onne community, except those on essential services, must stay at home.

    Wike said: “Pursuant to the fundamental objective of stopping the spread of coronavirus, we have reviewed the situation in Bonny Island and Onne communities and come to the conclusion that a total lockdown is necessary at this time to shut down the continuing spread of the virus in these communities.

    “By this measure, all shops, offices and business places must remain closed. All gatherings, including religious, burial and wedding activities are prohibited. All entry and exit into the two communities, except those on essential services and duly permitted, are also banned.

    “Security agencies have been directed to enforce the lockdown by arresting and prosecuting anyone who dares to disobey these directives”.

    The governor noted that with a total of 866 positive cases out of 2572 tested samples, the state was gradually becoming the next epicenter of the virus in the South-south region of the country.

    The governor in a statement signed by his Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, said that within the period, the state also recorded 30 deaths, including prominent persons while 356 persons recovered and were discharged from treatment centres.

    “Only today, the state recorded 127 new cases, leaving the isolation and treatment centres overwhelmed,” the governor said.

    As the number of new cases and deaths continued to increase, the governor said there was no more denying that coronavirus was both dangerous and deadly.

    He said: “We cannot also deny that the transmission of the virus in our state is currently on a steep upward trend. This being so, we must all brace up to the reality of having new infections and a couple of deaths in the coming weeks and months.

    “When we recognized that effective early response was key to preventing the virus from progressing deep, we introduced drastic measures to protect our citizens.

    “Unfortunately, some people deliberately twisted our intentions, maligned our timely measures and exploited the attendant temporary hardship on our people to further their selfish political drives.

    “Today, I am sure with the daily worrisome number of new infections and the fear of possible calamitous community transmission, everyone is now seeing the needless politicization of the fight against coronavirus.”

    Wike regretted the nonchalant attitude of those, who blatantly violated the rights of people to good health and public safety by refusing to comply with established guidelines.

    He appealed to all residents and visitors to treat the spread of coronavirus with all seriousness by staying at home as much as possible; avoiding contacts with others when outside avoiding gathering in groups regularly washing hands; and regularly wearing face masks in public places, including transport mediums.

    The governor also warned that residents of the state should be prepared for a statewide lockdown if the number of new infections continue to increase unabated.

  • Edo 2020: Obaseki disqualified by someone without certificate – Wike

    Edo 2020: Obaseki disqualified by someone without certificate – Wike

    Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has reacted to the disqualification of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, from contesting in the All Progressives Congress’ primaries slated for June 22.

    In a tweet on Monday, Wike, mocked the APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, whom he did not mention by name but referred to with the certificate saga which sprang up days leading to Obaseki’s disqualification.

    This is coming less than 24 hours after Wike hosted Obaseki on Sunday in Port Harcourt.

    Wike tweeted; “Obaseki was disqualified by someone who doesn’t have a certificate, what an irony!”

    He further wrote; “The Governor’s Forum has become a voiceless beggarly group.”

    Obaseki, who is seeking a second term in office, was on June 12 disqualified from partaking in the party’s primary over discrepancies in names on his certificates and for dragging the party to court which was in violation of party rules.

    Following his unwillingness to appeal his disqualification, Obaseki says he will make his next move public after consulting with his supporters and meeting President Muhammadu Buhari.

  • BREAKING: Obaseki runs to Governor Wike in Port-Harcourt … [PHOTOS]

    BREAKING: Obaseki runs to Governor Wike in Port-Harcourt … [PHOTOS]

    The embattled governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, is presently meeting with the governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.

    The meeting may be connected with Obaseki’s defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contest the Edo state gubernatorial election billed for September 19 under the party.

  • COVID-19: Wike decries disrespect for safety rules, threatens to impose fresh lockdown

    COVID-19: Wike decries disrespect for safety rules, threatens to impose fresh lockdown

    Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on Friday warned that a fresh coronavirus lockdown was imminent in the state if residents continued to disobey the safety rules of physical distancing and wearing of face masks.

    The governor, in a broadcast to mark the first year of his second term in office, decried the spread of the virus despite the strict measures he put in place to contain it.

    He said 12 people have so far been killed in the state by the virus.

    He called for the cooperation of all residents with his administration in building a stable and vibrant economy.

    “As at today, we’ve painfully lost 12 persons, and probably more, to the death pangs of the coronavirus,” he said:

    Continuning, he said: “For us, every life matters and every life lost is a monumental tragedy, not only to the immediate families, but also to all of humanity.

    “Regrettably, we have observed that the advisories, directives and regulations on social distancing and the compulsory wearing of face masks are being ignored at alarming proportions in the state, much to our collective discomfort and peril.

    “So many people are moving about on our streets and into other public places without face masks.

    “We have sighted businesses, including banks and shopping centres attending to customers without face masks or maintaining physical distancing.

    “We have also seen people on our streets buying and selling without face masks or observing social distancing in clear disregard of the ban on clustered trading activities and unauthorized social gatherings.

    “These are all very irresponsible and risky behaviours in the face of the invisible and ravaging pandemic and the enormous threat it poses to public health and the safety of human lives.”

    Soliciting the support of residents, he said: “As a government, we welcome constructive criticisms devoid of politics and mischief, because they serve to make us better performers.

    “This is a time for governance, not politics, and we welcome everyone on board to create an environment that promotes balanced economic growth, thriving private investments, boundless opportunity and a State we can truly call our pride and heritage.

    “For us, nothing matters more than Rivers State, our people, our interests, our treasures, our enormous resources and assets, our accomplishments and our greatness.”

  • COVID-19: Rivers cuts 2020 budget by 48 percent

    The Rivers State Executive Council has approved the review of the 2020 Budget in line with the present economic realities occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic.

    Accordingly, the State’s 2020 Budget has been reviewed by 48 percent from N530,813,357,619.00 to N300,370,071,183.00.

    The State Commissioner for Finance and Supervisory Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Isaac Kamalu announced this on Friday while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council Meeting presided over by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike at Government House, Port Harcourt.

    Kamalu stated that the State Executive Council also gave approval for the review of the 2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, accommodating a downsizing of the budget, pointing out that the decision was taken in consideration of all necessary parameters geared towards offering the state purposeful service and effective leadership.

    Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Sunny Ejekwu said the State Executive Council also approved a Free Bus Scheme with a fleet of 28 Luxury Buses to convey commuters free of charge during this COVID-19 period.

    He said the Scheme which would start from Monday, June 1,2020 is part of measures introduced by government to ameliorate the sufferings faced by those living and doing business in the state.

    Mr. Ejekwu announced that the Free Buses would convey commuters in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt, Eleme and Oyigbo Local Government Areas.

    The Commissioner also stated that wearing of face masks would be a compulsory requirement for any commuter who would want to enjoy the free service.

    Earlier, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Paulinus Nsirim announced the setting up of an Executive Council Committee to work out modalities that would outline conditions that would be met by those who intend to bury their loved ones during this period.

    According to him, the Committee is headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo while the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zaccheus Adangor, Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Thomas Bariere, Commissioner for Youths, Mr.Prince Ohia and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Projects, Mr Dax Kelly are to serve as members.