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Tag: Wike

  • N10bn COVID-19 fund: Presidency replies Wike over allegations of favouring only Lagos out of 36 states

    N10bn COVID-19 fund: Presidency replies Wike over allegations of favouring only Lagos out of 36 states

    The Federal Government has swiftly reacted to the allegations of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State accusing it of politicising the fight against coronavirus by assisting Lagos, leaving out Rivers as diversionary tactics.

    The Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Public Affairs, Aguri Ngelali, accused Governor Wike of adopting a knee-jerk reaction to the reported index of Coronavirus in the case in Rivers State.

    Ajuri Ngelali who is also a Rivers indigene said: “Governor Wike is not happy with the reactions of the people for the lockdown and closure of markets that would not allow people to access to food, goods and services. You even hear key PDP members distancing themselves from the closure of markets without alternatives. To distract the attention of the people, he decided to blame the Federal Government that it is giving Lagos money and none to Rivers,” Ngelali said.

    Ngelali who spoke to the CoolWazobiaInfo FM in Port Harcourt by telephone also clarified that the Federal Government is building Isolation Centres in Port Harcourt in conjunction with the private sector even without a request by the State Government.

    “As we speak, the Federal Government is establishing a-210 bed Isolation Centre in conjunction with the private sector. The Governor didn’t ask for it. It is being done because of the proactive nature Presidential Taskforce on Covid19.”

    Meanwhile, Rivers residents have questioned the rationale for the Governor’s order that only 5 hours will be allowed for all markets to reopen for them to restock for only Tuesday, April 7 and 8 for the Easter and later shut down again. They pointed out that the short period will give room for marketers to restock to consumers to buy. Again, they argued that the short period will give rise to panic buying and rushing, defeating the social distancing policy.

    Governor Wike had announced that in a broadcast on Sunday night that all markets will be opened except Oil Mill Market, Slaughter Market and Mbiama Markets that will remain shut.

    In a broadcast on Sunday, Governor Wike condemned the exclusion of Rivers State from the Federal Government grants in the fight against coronavirus. He noted that despite the exclusion of the state, the Federal Government has continued to endanger the State by flying expatriates into Rivers State.

    He said: “It is quite unfortunate that the containment of coronavirus has been politicized by the Federal Government. While Lagos State received a grant of N10billion as a commercial hub, Rivers State as the nation’s oil and gas hub that produces a greater percentage of the nation’s wealth has not received any support from the Federal Government.

    “One wonders why the Federal Government should single out a state out of 36 States to give support. Does it mean that support will come when a State has a record of over 50 infected persons before it gets support? No state should be seen as more important than any other state. This is a Federal Republic. No state is superior to others.

    “Rivers State is entitled to support from the Federal Government. Every day, we are inundated with letters from the Federal Government to allow oil companies to fly in expatriates to drill oil. Then we ask, what is the status of those coming from Lagos? Nobody has told us their status as regards Coronavirus”.

  • Covid-19: FG biased for giving Lagos N10bn, Rivers nothing – Wike

    Covid-19: FG biased for giving Lagos N10bn, Rivers nothing – Wike

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has berated the Federal Government for ‘politicizing the fight against the spread of coronavirus’, describing what he described as selective support to states as unfortunate.

    In a broadcast on Sunday, Governor Wike condemned the exclusion of Rivers State from the Federal Government grants in the fight against coronavirus. He noted that despite the exclusion of the state, Federal Government has continued to endanger the State by flying expatriates into Rivers State.

    He said: “It is quite unfortunate that the containment of coronavirus has been politicized by the Federal Government. While Lagos State received a grant of N10billion as a commercial hub, Rivers State as the nation’s oil and gas hub that produces a greater percentage of the nation’s wealth has not received any support from the Federal Government.

    “One wonders why Federal Government should single out a state out of 36 States to give support. Does it mean that support will come when a State has a record of over 50 infected persons before it gets support? No state should be seen as more important than any other state. This is a Federal Republic. No state is superior to others.

    “Rivers State is entitled to support from the Federal Government. Every day, we are inundated with letters from the Federal Government to allow oil companies to fly in expatriates to drill oil. Then we ask, what is the status of those coming from Lagos? Nobody has told us their status as regards coronavirus.

    “If they come to Rivers without us knowing their status, what will be implication assuming they have the virus?,” he asked

    Governor Wike also announced that all markets in the state shall operate between 7am and 12noon on April 7 and April 8, 2020 to allow residents shop for Easter and also replenish their stock of foodstuffs.

    He declared that Oil Mill Market, Mbiama Market and Slaughter Market will remain closed till further notice.

    He said: “All markets in the state except Oil Mill Market, Mbiama Market and Slaughter Market at Trans-Amadi shall be open on Tuesday April 7 and Wednesday, April 8, 2020 from 7am to 12noon. After those two days, the markets will remain closed. This is to enable residents shop for Easter and also replenish their stock of foodstuffs.

    “Oil Mill Market, Mbiama Market and Slaughter Market at Trans Amadi shall remain closed till further notice. “

    The Governor announced the dissolution of the board of RTC for the notorious operation of illegal franchise scheme.

    “The Board of the Rivers State Transport Company (RTC) has been dissolved with immediate effect. All those operating a franchise scheme in the name of the company are advised to desist forthwith. Anyone who violates this directive, will be arrested and prosecuted. Government took this measure because the franchise scheme of RTC has become notorious for illegal activities that compromise the interest of the state,” he said.

    Governor Wike directed security agencies to fish out and prosecute persons who slaughter animals in the bush for public consumption.
    He said:” Our people must understand that lives are more important than profit.

    “We are constrained to note again that despite our directive, commercial vehicle operators have refused to maintain social distancing. Their action portends grave danger because they place the entire society at risk of the virus. “

    The Governor announced the setting up of a committee to work out modalities for implementation of the State Government’s palliative programme.

    “In line with our decision to provide palliatives to cushion the hardship being faced by our people, Government has decided to set up a committee to work out modalities for the smooth implementation of this directive. This committee reflects all interest groups.

    “The members are: Ambassador Desmond Akawor (Chairman), Mrs Inime Aguma , Dr Bariere Thomas, Chief David Briggs, Mrs Florence Amiesimaka, Mrs Stella Ichenwo, Mrs Anthonia Kpakol, Hon. Edison Ehie, Mr Samuel Nwanosike, Hon Hope Ikiriko, Mr Latteh Loolo, ACP Innocent Umerie (Representative of Nigeria Police Force), Hassan Yahaya (DSS), Lt Col Bello (Nigerian Army), AC Mathew Pama (Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps), Wing Commander Comfort Visah (Nigerian Air Force) , Lt Commander CJ Udeh (Nigerian Navy) Venerable Richard Opara, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Diepriye, Monsignor Pius Kii, Archbishop Felix Ezebunwo, Mrs Vivian Braide , Prince Ohia and Paulinus Nsirim (Secretary).

    “This committee will be inaugurated tomorrow, Monday April 6, 2020 at the Government House, Port Harcourt by 12noon. Attendance of the inauguration ceremony will be strictly for members of the committee,” he said.

    Governor Wike gave an update on the state’s index case, saying that she will be discharged soon.
    He said: “We are grateful to God that the index case of the virus is now negative. As soon as we receive the confirmation result, she will be discharged from the treatment centre. We also thank our frontline health professionals who have displayed a deep sense of professionalism and patriotism during this trying period.

    “The State Government is also grateful to all Rivers people and private individuals who have contributed to support us in this fight. At the appropriate time, Government will publish the names of these individuals.

    “May I urge our religious leaders to continue to intercede on behalf of the state as we fight to contain this virus.
    Once again, let me restate that with your continued support, Rivers State will remain safe. “
    Governor Wike emphasised that all boundaries of the State remains closed.

  • COVID-19: Wike imposes dusk to dawn curfew

    COVID-19: Wike imposes dusk to dawn curfew

    Residents of parts of Port Harcourt were forced off the streets on Tuesday by security personnel as Gov. Nyesom Wike imposed a dusk to dawn curfew in parts of the state.

    Residents who went out as early as 6am were driven back by security personnel in Obiri-Ikwerre Junction (Ozuoba, Rumualogu) – Choba and from Education Bus Stop – Agip Junction.

    Some residents in the affected areas told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that they woke up to see that stern-looking security personnel had taken over their streets.

    “Anybody who ventured to go out was driven back except those who can identify themselves as essential workers,’’ Pius Edemeka, a resident of Ikwere Road said.

    NAN reports that Wike had in a statewide broadcast on Monday night announced that the curfew followed violations of the market closure order by the State Government.

    The state government’s order is part of preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

    The governor said that the State Security Council reached the decision after monitoring compliance with the directive.

    According to the governor, all beer parlours and public drinking joints have been closed because “they have suddenly become an extension of night clubs that were earlier shut down’’.

    He stated that any beer parlour or public drinking joint found to be open would be acquired by the state government.

    Wike said: “All landlords are advised to warn their tenants who use their property as beer parlours or public drinking joints to adhere to this directive.

    “Traditional Rulers, Youth Leaders and Community Development Committees are to ensure that beer parlours and public drinking joints in their areas remain closed. Any Traditional Ruler who allows markets to be open in his domain will be deposed.

    “Government is investigating the illegal operation of markets at night at Woji and Elelenwo Communities. Further violation by residents of these two communities will attract declaration of curfew.’’

    Wike said further violation of the directive for markets to remain closed would attract a state-wide curfew.

    He also announced waivers to different categories of persons in view of the directive of the state government.

    “They include Medical and Pharmaceutical Personnel, Food and Beverages, Essential Oil and Gas Staff, Petroleum Products and Media Workers and Newspaper Distributors.

    “All these categories of staff must identify themselves with valid identity cards,’’ Wike said.

    Wike stated that based on suggestions by well-meaning Rivers people, government was considering to set up food markets across the state.

    He also announced the immediate suspension of the Council Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and his Deputy for failing to implement government’s directive on the closure of markets.

    He said: “Let me reiterate that this government will continue to do what is right no matter who is involved. As you are all aware, no conventional war has grounded global life and economy like coronavirus.

    “Everybody is affected. Therefore, all hands must be on deck to defeat coronavirus. I want to sincerely express my heartfelt gratitude to our health professionals on the frontline of this fight.

    “Let me also thank all the security agencies, individuals and organisations who are collaborating with us to make Rivers State safe.

    “I am confident that with our collective resolve our dear state will contain the spread of this virus.”

  • COVID-19: Wike Suspends LG Chairman, Deputy indefinitely over violation of ‘sit-at-home’ order

    COVID-19: Wike Suspends LG Chairman, Deputy indefinitely over violation of ‘sit-at-home’ order

    Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has threatened that the state government will not hesitate to acquire any beer parlour or public drinking joint caught operating.

    On Thursday, March 26, 2020, the Governor in a television broadcast directed closure of all businesses in the state and ordered residents to sit at home.

    This was part of efforts to protect the state from the coronavirus pandemic, which eventually found its way into the state some hours after the televised address.

    On Monday (yesterday), Mr Wike, in another broadcast, expressed his displeasure over the non-compliance of the state government’s directive.

    He said some markets have continued to violate the sit-at-home order, saying, “We have no choice than to make some painful, but necessary decisions to further prevent the spread of coronavirus in the state.”

    According to him, after a meeting of the State Security Council, it was agreed that, “With effect from Tuesday March 31, 2020, there will be a dusk to dawn curfew from Obiri-Ikwerre Junction (Ozuoba, Rumualogu) to Choba and from Education Bus Stop to Agip Junction, Ikwerre Road.

    “All beer parlours and public drinking joints are hereby closed because they have suddenly become an extension of night clubs that were earlier shut down.

    “Any beer parlour or public drinking joint found to be open shall be acquired by the State Government.

    “All landlords are advised to warn their tenants who use their property as beer parlours or public drinking joints to adhere to this directive.

    “Traditional Rulers, Youth Leaders and Community Development Committees are to ensure that beer parlours and public drinking joints in their areas remain closed.

    “Any Traditional Ruler who allows markets to be open in his domain will be deposed.

    “Government is investigating the illegal operation of markets at night at Woji and Elelenwo Communities. Further violation by residents of these two communities will attract declaration of curfew.

    “Further flagrant violation of the closure of markets will attract a state-wide declaration of curfew. We must understand that people must be alive before they eat food.”

    However, he said those in the medical and pharmaceutical, food and beverages, essential oil and gas, petroleum products, and media sectors would be exempted from the lockdown.

    He noted that, “All these categories of staff must identify themselves with valid identity cards.”

    According to him, to make this easy for people in the state, “government is looking into the setting up of food markets across the state.”

    “As a result of the flagrant violation of the closure of markets in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, the Local Government Council Chairman and his Deputy, are hereby suspended indefinitely,” he declared.

    Concluding, the Governor said “government will continue to do what is right no matter who is involved. As you are all aware, no conventional war has grounded global life and economy like coronavirus has done.

    “I want to sincerely express my heartfelt gratitude to our health professionals on the frontline of this fight. Let me also thank all the security agencies, individuals and organisations who are collaborating with us to make Rivers State safe.

    “I am confident that with our collective resolve our dear state will contain the spread of this virus.”

  • Coronavirus Pandemic: Gov Wike should stop acting in panic and set up a strategic action plan for the state

    Coronavirus Pandemic: Gov Wike should stop acting in panic and set up a strategic action plan for the state

    By Achinike William-Wobodo

    As the Government of Rivers State had announced, residents woke up in morning of Saturday 28th March 2020 to a vigorous enforcement of the closure of all markets in the State. At first, I was struggling to come to terms with the reasoning of the Governor for announcing the indefinite closure of all markets in Rivers State (till further notice), so soon after he had proclaimed a complete lockdown of the State. However, after listening to the Commissioner for Information in Rivers State, Mr. Paulinus Nsirim on a Saturday Radio Programme (View Point) at 93.7FM in Port Harcourt, I come to the conclusion that the Governor and His Medical Team have no strategy in place to tackle the pandemic. They are merely reacting to every impulsive advice from Tom, Dick and Harry, without putting the advice to critical and analytical tests.

    The subsequent decision of the State Government to close down all markets in the State was baseless. It was a decision reached purely in panic, and arising from lack of leadership, lack of basic framework and preparedness to confront the challenge. The Government’s actions so far are diversionary and are intended to cover up the Governor’s failure to appreciate the magnitude of problem at hand and the ability to give direction to the problem.

    The Governor during the broadcast in which he announced the Executive Lockdown Order painted a picture of near certainty: that Covid-19 was not in Rivers State, thanks to the efforts of some security agents that fished out a lady who tried to smuggle herself (and the disease) into the State, according to him. This being the case, and with the complete lockdown of the State (which by the way I had commended in another piece), what then was the rational for closing down all markets in the State?

    So far, Rivers State has no established case of Covid-19. On the other hand, Lagos State has more population than Rivers State, with established root of over fifty percent (50%) of the Covid-19 cases in the Country and ninety-five percent (95%) of all confirmed cases currently residual in Lagos where they are receiving treatment. Curiously, Lagos is yet to close down markets. Whilst the Governor of Lagos was addressing his State a few days back, he said the numbers that would warrant the decision to close down the markets were not there yet. If at that, the State was already pondering on how to mitigate the pains of residents, by creating makeshift markets around the State.

    The opposite is the case with Rivers State. The decision of the Government to close down markets was informed more by fear and the desire to cover up failure, insensitive and irresponsibility on the part of Rivers State Government than it was of strategy. The times are critical and every minute counts. There is no time to waste playing ostrich or pondering if one would be reprimanded or shamed for “not-knowing” the right actions to take.

    Should that be the case, I remind the Governor that Rivers State has so many brilliant Administrators and Medical Services Managers, even within the private sector, that could be brought on board in the campaign against Covid-19 in Rivers State. If the Governor thinks otherwise also, he may opt for Lagos, to understudy how and what Lagos State is doing differently in addressing the situation instead of aggravating anxiety in the State by taking thoughtless decisions and actions.

    Dear Governor Wike, it is time to seek better counsel and to reassure the residents of the Government’s commitment to address their concerns. Residents are making the necessary sacrifices (staying at home, some without salaries or means of livelihood), believing that the Government is preparing for when or should the disease breakout in the State. Therefore, the State Government must go beyond mere rhetorics and establishment of ill-empowered Task Force to walk-the-talk. Government should organize the markets, come up with action plans that would minimize human contacts and allow the residents shop for food and enable those who depend on daily incomes from the markets to eke out a living for themselves.

    Meanwhile, we shall continue to advise and encourage residents to STAY SAFE by STAYING at HOME, except when going out becomes unavoidable, i.e to shop for food or drugs and those providing essential services.

    We urge Rivers State Government to rise up to the occasion. Long live Rivers State

    Achinike William-Wobodo
    Lawyer & Public Policy Analyst
    Writing from Port Harcourt.

  • Bayelsa judgement: Oshiomhole reacts to Wike’s accusation of sponsoring attacks against Justice Odili

    Bayelsa judgement: Oshiomhole reacts to Wike’s accusation of sponsoring attacks against Justice Odili

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has said that the allegation that he sponsored thugs to attack the residence of former Rivers State governor, Dr. Peter Odili, was an insult and an assault on his reputation.

    Recall that the Rivers State Government had on Wednesday accused the APC chairman and the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, of being responsible for the attack on the Abuja residence of the Odilis.

    According to a statement signed by the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Paulinus Nsirim, the attacks were carried out because Justice Mary Odili was a member of the Supreme Court panel that gave a unanimous verdict against the APC governor-elect in Bayelsa State, David Lyon.

    Describing the unsubstantiated allegation as a reckless defamation of his character, the APC National Chairman, according to a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Simon Ebegbulen, said the allegation was unbecoming of a state government that is supposed to operate under the rule of law, including fairness and justice to all.

    Oshiomhole said it is the police that should give account of what happened at the residence of Dr. Odili, based on investigation; not the Rivers State Government in Port Harcourt.

    According to the statement, the allegation is “an egregious assault on the reputation that has taken Oshiomhole a life-time to build.

    “For clarity, Oshiomhole was not in any way involved in the action that took place at the residence of Dr. Odili, a gentleman for whom Oshiomhole has tremendous respect as a friend of many years despite political differences.

    “As a matter of principle, Oshiomhole condemns any harassment Hon. Justice Mary Odili had suffered for a judgment she gave within her powers as a judicial officer.”

    The national chairman claimed that as a one-time beneficiary of judicial redress of injustice, he always holds the judiciary in the highest esteem and obeys court orders.

    The statement noted that the APC has since returned to the Supreme Court to seek a review of the judgment in accordance with the democratic culture to which the national chairman subscribes.

    Oshiomhole called on the Rivers State Government to toe the path of decency and withdraw the defamatory statement with due apologies.

  • Sylva to Wike: Count me out of attack on Odili’s residence

    Minister of Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, has accused Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, of adding “salt to injury” with the allegation that he has a hand in mob attack at the home of Supreme Court justice, Mrs. Mary Odili.

    In a statement yesterday, in reaction to the allegation by the Rivers State Executive Council that Sylva and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, sponsored the attack on Justice Odili, the minister said such insinuation was wicked.

    According to him,”there is no truth in that strange and weighty claim. Governor Wike should know in what high esteem I hold Governor Peter and Justice (Mrs) Odili whom I have known and worked with long before Governor Wike came into the picture.”

    Sylva said he would not occur to him, “under any circumstance, to malign the person and image of people I hold up as role models.”

    He expressed hope that, “Governor Wike or those working with him have not organised this protest with the intention of hanging it on my person and our party; in an effort manipulate the Supreme Court against our impending appeal for a review at the apex court.”

    The minister said what Wike did was “akin to deciding a matter bordering on criminality by way of Originating Summons where the issues have not been investigated and the accused given an opportunity to defend himself, ” wondering why a governor, “who should be the guarantor of justice to all hasten to such weighty conclusions without an iota of evidence. Under the circumstance, Governor Wike’s unverified and wicked allegations can best be described as the proverbial adding salt to injury. A most unkind behaviour from someone who should know better.”

    Sylva said the Supreme Court judgment of February 13 had made him speechless, “that I could not even contemplate any other course of action than to approach the Supreme Court again. I am a man of peace and would not support any action that can cause a breach of the peace. My appeal for peace and calm to the people of Bayelsa which was widely circulated last week attests to this.

    “I have had several encounters with the Supreme Court of Nigeria since 2012. I have never, at any time, attempted to protest its judgment. Why would I do that now?”

    Addressing the issue of securing former Governor Peter Odili and Justice Mary Odili, Sylva said: ” Governor Wike as Governor of Rivers State has the duty to protect all Rivers people including the Odilis. I hope he has lived up to this duty creditably. It is for Rivers people to judge. As for the threat to me, ultimately it is God that secures not man or even a Governor.”

  • Bayelsa: You’ll be held responsible if anything happens to Odili, Wike warns Oshiomhole, Sylva

    Bayelsa: You’ll be held responsible if anything happens to Odili, Wike warns Oshiomhole, Sylva

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has warned that the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and former Governor of Bayelsa State and Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva will be held responsible if anything should happen to former Rivers Governor, Dr. Peter Odili and his family.

    Mary Odili, wife of Peter Odili headed the five-man panel of justices that that sacked Bayelsa Governor-elect, David Lyon less than 24 hours to his swearing-in.

    The Peoples Democratic Party candidate Douye Diri had since been sworn-in as governor of Bayelsa State.

    After an emergency State Executive Council meeting presided over by Wike on Wednesday, the Rivers State Government condemned the recent attacks on the residence of Odili as a result of the Supreme Court judgment which nullified the election of Lyon.

    In a statement issued on behalf of the state government and signed by Paulinus Nsirim on Wednesday, the Wike-led government said the Federal Government seemed not to show interest in the sponsored threats to the lives of Odili and members of his family.

    It condemned the barricading of the residence of Odili in Maitama, Abuja by alleged sponsored thugs of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The government wondered why Odili’s family should be singled out for the unwarranted attack, when the judgment that ousted Lyon as Governor of Bayelsa State was a unanimous decision of a five-member panel of Supreme Court Justices.

    The State government went further to warn Sylva, Oshiomhole and their alleged agents to desist from the violent attacks against Odili and members of his family.

    “That the Rivers State Government will hold Timipre Sylva and Adams Oshiomhole responsible if anything happens to Dr Peter Odili and members of his family.

    “That the Rivers State Executive Council noted that in the past Rivers State suffered unfavourable Judicial Pronouncements and never resorted to self-help as being promoted by APC leaders in the case of Bayelsa State,” it said.

    The Wike-led government vowed that it would employ all legal means to protect Odili and members of his family and protect Rivers State Indigenes who were serving Federal and State Judicial officers.

    “That the Rivers State Government warns that should this harassment and intimidation continue, it will have no alternative than to retaliate,” the statement said.

    The government vowed it would defend the lives and property of Rivers people at all times, saying, “Enough is enough.”

  • Court reinstates 14 Perm Secs sacked by Wike

    Court reinstates 14 Perm Secs sacked by Wike

    …Orders payments of salaries, other entitlements from 2015

    The National Industrial Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has reinstated the permanent secretaries sacked in 2015 by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

    The court declared the action of removing and compulsorily retiring the affected senior civil servants by the governor as unconstitutional, ultra vires, null and void.

    Ruling on the case brought before him by the aggrieved permanent secretaries, the presiding judge, Bashar Alkali, held that the state government overstepped its constitutional bounds by treating the civil servants as if they were his political appointees.

    Alkali held that all their entitlements, salaries and other privileges should be restored within 30 days adding that their salaries must be paid from November 2015 till date.

    “They should not lose their entitlements if their appointments were wrongly terminated. They are entitled to their salaries from the day of the termination till date”, he said.

    Alkali further condemned the eviction of the affected permanent secretaries from their official quarters despite the order of the court that all the parties should maintain the status quo.

    He said: “The action is unacceptable and is totally condemned. It is unlawful, illegal and null and void. I declare that the claimants remain permanent secretaries. I set aside the purported approval of compulsory retirement. Pay them all the arrears. They should be paid”.

    Wike in a statement issued by his government in November 2015 removed and compulsorily retired 14 permanent secretaries.

    Aggrieved by the action of the governor, the permanent secretaries approached the INC praying the court to declare the action of the governor as illegal and unconstitutional.

    Among other reliefs, the claimants also prayed the court to make orders setting aside their compulsory retirements, reinstating their salaries and other entitlements as well as awarding them N600m as damages.

    Alkali while determining the case, first dismissed the submission of the lawyer to the defendants that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter and that the matter should be dismissed following the decision of the claimants, who were not employed on the same day, to join the case.

    But the judge, who held that the court had jurisdiction to adjudicate over the case, added that the matter was rightly instituted since despite their different dates of employment, the permanent secretaries had shown the existence of common grievances.

    “This suit is rightly instituted and the court has jurisdiction to adjudicate over this matter. It is crystal clear that all the claimants have shown existence of common grievance so that the judgement will be given jointly and severely”, he said.

    On whether the governor had the right to compulsorily retire the permanent secretaries, Alkali, who cited many judicial precedents, said the claimants were civil servants under industry rules and not under the whims and caprices of the governor.

    He said as civil servants, the permanent secretaries were employed under the civil service regulations to work for 35 years before retirement or quit after attaining 60 years of age.

    He said the case of compulsory retirement only applies when a public servant is indicted of wrongdoing, which must be handled by the civil service commission through an established procedure.

    Alkali said though the governor had powers based on Section 281 of the 1999 Constitution to appoint a permanent secretary, he lacked the power to remove and retire such public servant without recourse to the established procedure in the civil service.

    He said: “The power of the governor to remove does not include retirement. The government of Rivers State having appointed them must adhere to the civil service guidelines. Only the civil service commission is vested with the powers to discipline the civil servants.

    “The power of the governor to appoint is not absolute. Civil servants do not hold their offices at the mercy of the governor. Even if they are removed, they should be returned to the civil service. They are not like commissioners or special advisers, whose tenures are tied to the governor.

    “Civil servants cannot be removed at will without compliance to the rules. If the governor doesn’t want them as permanent secretaries, they should be returned to the service as directors.

    “The security of tenure and rights of the civil servants are determined by the civil service Commission. The claimants are not political appointees and cannot be retired by the governor”.

  • Why Nigeria can’t afford to drift to one party state – Wike

    Why Nigeria can’t afford to drift to one party state – Wike

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has stated that being members of different political parties should not deny the country the much needed development.

    He said under no circumstances should the country drift towards a one-party state because all political parties need to exist for the people to explore all alternatives.

    He spoke on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the new leadership of KAGOTE, an elite socio-cultural organization for the Ogoni Ethnic Nationality at the Government House Port Harcourt.

    He said: “Party is a vehicle to a political position. When you get to that destination, you alight and work towards development. It should not stop us from seeking the development of our communities, irrespective of our political affiliations.

    “We will not support a one-party State under any guise. Though people belong to different political parties, we should work together for development. There is no law that says everyone must belong to one political party.”

    The Governor called on KAGOTE to work towards ensuring peace in Ogoni communities to create environment for peace.

    “We should work for peace in Ogoni communities. The situation where there is insecurity in some communities is affecting development.

    “I urge you to use your good offices to ensure that there is peace in Ogoniland. We must not allow criminals to speak on behalf of communities”, he said.

    Wike assured KAGOTE that the Rivers State Security Council will work hard to resolve the security issues in Bodo City and its environs.

    He said: “I will take up the issue of Bodo City with the State Commissioner of Police. We will work to bring peace to Bodo City.”

    The Governor assured Ogoni people that his administration will ensure the completion of all ongoing projects in Ogoniland.

    He expressed happiness with the calibre of persons who are members of the new Executive Council of KAGOTE.

    “I am quite impressed with the caliber of persons who are members of the KAGOTE leadership. These are men and women who crave development for their area.

    “We are ready to partner with any organisation that is committed to development. There is no need fighting ourselves, as we need to work for development”, he said.

    Earlier, President of KAGOTE, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Deeyah offered the support of the organisation to the Wike Administration for the development of Rivers State.

    He said: “We have come to offer support to your administration to better the lots of our people. We wish to join you in a fruitful partnership in your efforts to bring to our people and indeed all Rivers men and women of goodwill, good governance, improved security, infrastructural as well as human capacity development”.