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Tag: Wike

  • BREAKING: Gunmen kidnap Wike’s SA, Onuoha

    The Rivers State Police Command have confirmed the Kidnap of the Senior Special Adviser to Governor Nyesom Wike on Lands and Survey, Chief Anugbom Onuoha.

    Onuoha was kidnapped Thursday night by heavily armed gunmen after exchange of gunfire at his Hotel around Ada George area of Port Harcourt.

    The gunmen, it was gathered overpowered 4 armed Mobile Police officers attached to the SA who is a strong ally of Governor Wike.

    Confirming the kidnap, Spokesman for the Command, DSP Nnamdi Omoni said the gunmen had military uniforms.

    Omoni in the statement said, “This is unfortunate, and as a command, we are touched by this development and will go all out to ensure his speedy and timely release.

    “The CP has given a marching order to all the Tactical Units, including the IGP Monitoring Unit to work round the clock and ensure that the victim is released in record time.

    “Contacts have been made with Sister Security Agencies and other security stakeholders in this direction.

    “The Command wishes to appeal to members of the public, to avail us with useful information that can lead to his unconditional release.”

  • Ogoni: Buhari, APC deliberately neglecting Niger Delta – Wike

    Ogoni: Buhari, APC deliberately neglecting Niger Delta – Wike

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has decried the deliberate neglect of the Niger Delta, despite the fact the region is suffering untold environmental hardship for keeping the country afloat.
    Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Environment, Mr Suleiman Hassan Zarma at the Government House Port Harcourt on Friday, Governor Wike said that environmental degradation caused by oil exploration is worse than insurgency.
    He said: “While we support the fighting against insurgency, nothing is worse than environmental pollution. We suffer because we are allowing Nigeria to survive. We are suffering for Nigeria to survive. It is through our oil that Nigeria is surviving.
    “We are dying because we are keeping the country alive. Nobody gives wants to give us the attention required. These people who are suffering because of the nation’s survival, why not give them priority to survive? “
    He urged the Federal Government to withdraw funds from the Excess Crude Account to address the environmental challenges in Ogoni-land. The governor said it should be done in same manner that funds were withdrawn to tackle insurgency.
    “They took $1billion from the Excess Crude Accounts to fight insurgency. I say they should take $500million from the Excess Crude Accounts for the Ogoni Clean up Exercise “.
    He assured the Federal Ministry of Environment of the support of the Rivers State Government to achieve the goals of remediation of the Ogoni Environment.
    “If you had told me earlier that you were coming, I would have provided a helicopter for you to fly over Ogoni land. You will weep at the level of environmental damage “, the governor said.
    The governor regretted that the Ogoni Clean up Exercise has been politicised, pointing out that the Ministry of Environment is handing over sites to contractors three years after Vice President Yemi Osinbajo flagged off the exercise. He said the two activities took place as elections approached.
    “Three years ago, the President represented by the Vice President flagged off the clean up during the rerun elections. One month to the general elections, the Minister of Environment has come to hand over the sites.
    “If I tell you I believe sincerely that you people want to clean up Ogoni land, I am telling you lies. Surprise me and prove me wrong “, he said.
    He called on the Minister of Environment to investigate cases of deduction of funds from contracts awarded for the clean up Exercise.
    The governor urged the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure the benefiting communities are patronized during the clean up and all approved steps taken by HYPREP.
    In his remarks, the Minister of Environment, Mr Suleiman Hassan Zarma assured that the Ministry working with Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) will ensure that the clean up of Ogoni land is carried out.
    He said that the Ministry will take deliberate steps to address the concerns raised by the Rivers State Governor.
    He said: “We are here to set the tone to enable the foundation laying of a robust inter-governmental collaboration which you have been doing especially in the environmental sector “.
    He informed the Rivers State Governor that he was in the state to commence the hand over of sites for the commencement of the clean up Exercise.

  • Rivers 2019: Wike terminates sale of state-owned power plants to Tonye Cole’s companies

    The Rivers State Government says it has approved the termination of the share sale contract for 70 per cent equity of the state-owned power generation assets.

    The state Commissioner for Information, Mr Emma Okah while addressing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting in Port Harcourt, said the contract held by First Independent Power Limited in Omoku, Afam, Trans-Amadi and Eleme Gas Turbines to NG Power-HPS Limited had been terminated.

    The Commissioner said that the government also terminated the concession of the Rivers and Bayelsa States-owned Olympia Hotel to Cenpropsaroten Hotel Management Limited.

    He stressed that the State Government had also terminated the concession agreement between it and Kild concession Limited in respect of the construction of a Toll road and Secondary developments at Abonnema Wharf, Port Harcourt.

    Okah said the decisions were part of the resolutions taken at the council meeting, presided over by Governor Nyesom Wike at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

    The commissioner said that the three companies whose contracts and concessions were terminated were subsidiaries of Sahara Energy Limited.

    The Commissioner stressed that the government made the resolutions in line with recommendations of the White Paper on the Report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry for the Investigation of the past administration’s sale of Valued Assets of the state and other related matters under the chairmanship of Justice George Omereji.

    He said that the government had directed the Attorney –General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Zaccheaus Adango, to take further steps as contained in the White Paper.

  • Nigeria may cease to exist after 2019 election – Wike

    Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has raised the alarm that Nigeria may not exist beyond the 2019 general election.

    Wike noted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal to sign the amended Electoral Act will cause tension in the country and is a threat to its existence.

    He said this on Yesterday at the Government House in Port Harcourt when Anglican Bishop of Niger Delta North, Wisdom Ihunwo visited him.

    “This present administration does not not want the existence of one Nigeria,” Wike added. “We don’t know if there will be Nigeria after the 2019 General elections.

    “The National Assembly tried to cure the defects of the Electoral Act that led to controversies during the 2015 elections.

    “After the passage, the President kept on giving countless excuses why he wouldn’t sign the amended Electoral Act.

    “The whole essence of not signing the Electoral Act is to rig the 2019 General elections. And in the plot to rig the 2019 elections, Rivers State comes first and Akwa Ibom State is the second on their list.”

    He alleged that “they don’t want to use the smart card readers because they want to sit down and write results.

    “It is painful that the President that says he is fighting corruption is leaving room for the rigging of the 2019 polls. There is no corruption worse than rigging. The President cannot set this country on fire.”

  • 2019 poll: Atiku meets Wike ahead of campaign kick off

    2019 poll: Atiku meets Wike ahead of campaign kick off

    Ahead of the opening of his campaign today, Peoples Democratic Party( PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar yesterday met with Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, who resigned as the Southsouth co-ordinator of the campaign.

    Atiku was begging Wike, assuring the governor that he will henceforth be involved in key campaign decisions.

    The governor said he had no grouses against Atiku, but the leadership of the PDP which was trying to sideline him.

    Wike may today rescind his decision to resign as the Southsouth Coordinator of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council.

    Wike has ruled out leaving PDP, said a cabinet source.

    Atiku may also reconcile the leadership of the party and Wike on issues raised by the governor.

    But Atiku’s Special Assistant, Public Communications, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, said: “The PCC is intact; there is no cause for alarm.”

    He insisted that the purported resignation of Wike was “speculative”.

    A source who revealed details of the meeting to news men said: “Atiku and Wike met on Sunday (yesterday) in Abuja and they had fruitful and frank discussions. We are good to go with our campaign as from Monday (today).

    “The governor used the opportunity to list his grouses against the leadership of PDP, especially the emerging trend of marginalising him in key decisions connected with the campaign.

    “At the session, Atiku promised to address the challenges identified by Wike and he also assured him that he will facilitate a reconciliation with the party hierarchy.

    “Atiku implored him to withdraw his purported resignation by putting the nation, 2019 poll battle and the interest of the party above other interests.

    “Based in the soothing words from Atiku, the governor may today rescind his decision to resign as the party’s Southsouth coordinator.”

    An executive council source in Rivers State, who spoke in confidence, said: “I have not been able to link up with the governor today but one thing is certain, Governor Nyesom Wike will not leave PDP no matter how rough the situation is.”

    “The so-called deepening face-off between Atiku and Wike should be regarded as a mere cliche, figment of the imagination of the writers of such fiction, because there is nothing as such.

    “ Governor Wike’s purported resignation as Southsouth PDP Presidential campaign co-ordinator is still in the realm of speculation.

    “Wike is a solid and unshakable PDP leader. His contributions to the survival and sustenance of the party to become the formidable force it is today have been unsurpassed.

    “As a total party man, his first priority in the 2019 election is to secure Rivers state for the PDP and he knows that with the Presidential election coming first, all hands must be on deck and no stone must be left unturned to ensure that the bandwagon effect of a PDP presidential election victory will flow into his own governorship election in March.

    “However, should the speculation of his resignation as a regional campaign coordinator have any real meaning, then Governor Wike must have very good and impeccable reasons for his decision which must be in the overall interest of the party.”

  • 2019 election: You can’t intimidate me – Wike tells Buhari

    2019 election: You can’t intimidate me – Wike tells Buhari

    The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has declared that no level of illegal use of force by the Federal Government’s security agencies will intimidate his government and people of the state.

    Wike said his administration remained committed to the legal use of the people’s mandate to advance the course of development.

    The Governor spoke during the commissioning of Anaka multi-million naira multi-purpose community hall Ogbogoro town on Sunday.

    Wike was represented by his Chief of Staff, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke.

    He called on people of the state to remain peaceful and calm despite the provocative actions against their interest.

    Wike said the recent invasion of the Rivers State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency training camp by the Army was done in bad faith.

    He said, “The Rivers State House of Assembly passed a bill establishing Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency.

    “The Governor of Rivers state signed that bill and it became a law of the state. If anybody or any organization or institution has anything against that law, what is natural, is to go to Court of law and challenge that law.

    “You are aware and have seen the level of provocation by federal agencies. Only last week, they invaded the training camp of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency.

    “But we are urging Rivers people to remain firm and strong. I tell you as far as Rivers state is concerned, we cannot be intimidated. No amount of federal might can intimidate us.

    “I thank you again for the peaceful atmosphere that we witnessed here since the week-long celebration. It shows that this community is in peace and everybody is living in peace.

    ” There cannot be any meaningful development in any community where there is no peace.

    “Let me also thank the youths of this community because I am aware that this project would have not come to this stage of commissioning , if the youths did not maintain peace in this community.

    “I urge other communities in Ikwere ethnic nationality and indeed Rivers state at large to emulate the conduct of Anaka community.”

  • Collapsed 7-storey building: RSG constitutes judicial commissions of inquiry

    Collapsed 7-storey building: RSG constitutes judicial commissions of inquiry

    The Rivers State Government has appointed members of two judicial commissions of inquiry into the collapsed 7-storey building located at Woji Road, GRA 2, Port Harcourt as well as the management and affairs of Integrated Medical Industries Limited (Auto Disable Syringe Factory)

     

    The members are as follows:

     

    1. COLLAPSE OF 7-STOREY BUILDING

     

    1. Hon Justice Adolphus Enebeli – Chairman.
    2. Engr Iboroma Z.S. Akobo – Member
    3. Emmanuel Asawo (FNIQS) – Member
    4. TPL Ngozi Oliver Worgu – Member
    5. Arc. Tim Otukeh Orji – Member

     

    1. MANAGEMENT AND AFFAIRS OF INTEGRATED MEDICAL INDUSTRIES LIMITED

     

    1. Hon Justice Douye Green – Chairman
    2. Dr Vetty Agala – Member
    3. Ven. Enoch Atuboyedia – Member
    4. Oliver Amadi – Member
    5. Daniel Kene – Member

     

    Chairmen and members of the two Commissions will be inaugurated on Tuesday 4th December, 2018 at The Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt at 11.00am by the Governor of Rivers State His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON, GSSRS, POS

     

    They are however to be seated at 10.30am.

     

     

  • 2019: Wike allegedly resigns as Atiku’s campaign zonal coordinator

    2019: Wike allegedly resigns as Atiku’s campaign zonal coordinator

    A major upset may have hit the presidential campaign of former vice president, Atiku Abubakar as the Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike allegedly resigned his appointment as the south south zonal coordinator of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP presidential campaign council.

    According to a report by The Sun, Wike’s letter of resignation as Atiku’s campaign coordinator for the south south is ready and would be submitted today, Saturday.

    Recall that the PDP had in October named Senate President, Bukola Saraki, as Director-General of the Atiku Presidential Campaign Council along with prominent leaders of the party as zonal coordinators.

    Announcing their appointment, the party’s national chairman, Uche Secondus, had said “After due consultation with party stakeholders, PDP, under my leadership has approved the following as members of Atiku Presidential Campaign Council.”

    Apart from the Senate president, Ayo Fayose, Aminu Tambuwal, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Samuel Ortom, Nyesom Wike and Dave Umahi were named as zonal coordinators.

    While Governor Aminu Tambuwal was named as the Zonal Coordinator for NorthWest, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo was appointed Zonal Coordinator for North-East, Governor Samuel Ortom for North-Central, Governor Dave Umahi for South-East, Nyesom Wike for South-South and former Governor Ayodele Fayose as Zonal Coordinator for the SouthWest.

    However, barely a month after the appointments, it was gathered that Wike was not comfortable with the way things are going in the campaign especially lack of consultations of appropriate party leaders before vital decisions and appointments are made.

    A close source to the governor however said notwithstanding the resignation by the governor, he remains committed to the party and the 2019 campaigns.

    Efforts by TNG to get the former Vice President’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe for comments did not succeed as at the time of filing this report.

  • Gov. Wike, Musa, others emerge winners at 2018 Nigerian Sports Awards

    Gov. Wike, Musa, others emerge winners at 2018 Nigerian Sports Awards

    Rivers State Gov. Nyesom Wike and Nigeria’s Super Eagles stand-in captain Ahmed Musa, among others, were winners at the 2018 Nigerian Sports Awards held in Lagos on Friday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the annual award’s seventh edition was held at the Eko Hotels and Suite, Victoria Island in Lagos.

    The event had in attendance the top men and women in the sports circle in Nigeria, such as Hakeem Olajunwon, Daniel Igali, Odunayo Adekuoroye, among others.

    Wike emerged winners as the Sports Governor of the Year for his unrelenting support to sports in Nigeria, beating Lagos State counterpart Akinwumi Ambode and Delta State’s Ifeanyi Okowa.

    For the Sportsman of the Year, Africa’s highest-ranked table tennis player, Aruna Quadri who is world-ranked 20th, won to beat D’Tigers player Ike Diogu and Musa.

    In the Sportswoman of the Year category, Evelyn Akhator got the gong, as she warded off opposition from Odunayo Adekuoroye and Simidele Adeagbo.

    Eagles sensation Musa stole the show for the Footballer of the Year award, by beating teammate Kenneth Omeruo and Super Falcons sensation Rasheedat Ajbade.

    For the Basketball Player of the Year, team captain, of the all-conquering DTigress team, Evelyn Akhator, took the gong beating Nigerias basketball player Ike Diogu and fellow teammate, Adora Elonu.

    The Sports Administrator of the Year, the President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih took the lead beating Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick, President of Nigeria Basketball President Musa Kida and Boye Oyerinde.

    The Wrestler of the Year went to the Silver medalist at the just concluded Commonwealth games in Austria, Odunayo Adekuoroye as she beat others, John Emmanuel and Blessing Oburududu.

    For the Coach of the Year, the Para-Lifting Coach, Are Feyisetan beat the Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr and DTigers Coach, Otis Hugley.

    The Racket Sportsperson of the Year award went to ace badminton player Yemisi Olatunji, just as Seam Master Lagos ITTF competition winners, Aruna Quadri and Marylove Edwards.

    The Para (Special) Sports Person of the Year award went to ace para lifter and Commonwealth gold medalist and world record holder Esther Oyema, beating Bose Omolayo and Paul Kehinde.

    Also, while the track and field star of the year award was won by ace sprinter, Tobiloba Amusan, who saw only Ese Brume and Joy Udoh-Gabriel.

    For the team sports person of the year, a member of the Bobsled Team at the Winter Olympics, Seun Adigun beat Kingsley Okubuike to emerge winners for her efforts at the Winter Olympics.

    The Discovery of the Year Award went to Joy Udoh-Gabriel who beat Simisola Balogun and Rasheed Omidiji.

    In the Media Category, for the Journalist of the Year (Print), Gowon Akpodonor of The Guardian Newspaper emerged winners.

    He beat others in the category,Tana Aiyejana of the Punch, Chibike Chukwu and Shina Okeleji.

    The Photo Journalist of the Year went to Akeem Salau who beats Segun Aderinto and Ganiyu Yusuf.

    The Journalist of the Year Award (Radio) went to George Essien of Akwa Ibom Radio to beat Kayode Hammed and Olawale Adigun.

    2018 Sportswomen of the Year Akhator said the award was a big motivation for her, adding that her team, DTigress would not let the fans down.

    “This award will surely encourage me to do more for the country because that means people are putting notice on our achievements and I can only get better.

    “For the team, DTigress we have promised to put more efforts at making the team the best in Africa, and we will not relent in our efforts at qualifying for the Olympics,’’ she said.

  • Tonye Cole knocks Wike for ordering immediate closure of IDP camps in Rivers

    Gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tonye Cole has reacted to Governor Nyesom Wike’s order to close all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps presently housing victims of ravaging flood in parts of the state.

    Cole in a statement by his campaign organisation, The Tonye Cole Campaign Organisation (TCCO) condemned the sudden directive describing it as anti-people.

    Reacting on Thursday in Port Harcourt, the Director-General of the TCCO, Chief Chidi Lloyd, blasted Wike for ordering the immediate closure of the camps instead of visiting the people and providing them much succour. He also added that the actions of the governor would increase the sufferings of the flood victims in the state.

    “It is condemnable for Gov. Wike to ignore calls by well-meaning people to visit suffering flood victims in the Orashi and other areas in Rivers State. Instead, the governor has ordered that the IDP camps be closed down even when communities like Odiereke, Akinima and others are still submerged in water with reptiles roaming freely and occupying homes.

    “We expect a responsible government to cater for the needs of the flood victims and when the water has completely receded, carry out a comprehensive health audit and possible fumigation before the victims move back to their homes. These our brothers and sisters are likely to face several challenges such as waterborne diseases, rodents and possible snake bites. Even some of their homes may have weakened to the point of collapsing with all the attendant dangers to life.”