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Tag: Wike

  • Follow footsteps of Fayose, own up to audio recordings – APC tells Gov. Wike

    Follow footsteps of Fayose, own up to audio recordings – APC tells Gov. Wike

    The Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, said it received with satisfaction the confirmation by Gov. Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State that the telephone discussion clip between him and Gov Nyesom Wike published by Saharareporters is authentic.

    “Gov Fayose’s only grouse is that it was allegedly recorded and leaked by the Department of State Services [DSS], an accusation he is yet to provide the evidence.

    The APC finds Gov. Fayose’s position very significant in several aspects. The most important significance of that admission is that even among criminals, some level of honour especially in telling some truth and owning up to the obvious are necessary” the APC said in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Senibo Chris Finebone.

    The opposition party in Rivers State recalled that when the audio recordings of Gov. Wike’s conversations with his people on rigging the last December 10 rerun elections surfaced in public space, the governor rather than own up and raise other issues about the clips chose to discredit them even if they were as clear to the deaf and dumb as could be.

    According to the statement, the APC expected Gov. Wike to take advantage of the panel set up by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris to help unravel what happened during the elections including the authenticity of the alleged audio recording clips and his many accusations against security agencies, INEC and our party. Instead the governor defiantly announced that he and the Rivers State Government would not cooperate with the IGP panel – something that tend to suggest that the governor has a lot to hide.

    The APC notes that having been unsuccessful in discrediting the audio clips Gov. Wike decided to deflect attention from himself and the criminal nature of the clips by setting up his own panel to investigate events surrounding the last December 10 rerun elections in Rivers State.

    The APC and its leadership believed that the decision by Gov. Wike to set up a parallel judicial panel on the December 10 rerun elections, as laughable as it appears, is not only to conceal his malfeasance in the rerun elections but to attempt to pin contrived wrong doings on his political opponents, a move doomed to die on arrival.

    The APC reminded Gov. Wike that while immunity shields him from prosecution, it does not protect him and indeed any governor from investigation. He must know that immunity has expiration date and that day must come.

    The APC also called on Gov. Nyesom Wike to tow the line of his Man Friday, Gov. Ayo Fayose and recognise that even among thieves some level of honour is necessary.

    “He should own up that the audio recording of him is authentic instead of continuing to live in denial. Better still, the governor should take advantage of the IGP panel to tell all he knows about the December 10 rerun elections and possibly exonerate himself instead of the lame attempts at discrediting the clips and accusing APC, INEC, Police, DSS and everyone else” the statement declared.

  • Wike urges Rivers people to live in peace

    Gov. Nysom Wike of Rivers has called on the people of the state to live in peace and work for the collective security, progress and prosperity of the state in 2017.

    In a New Year message to the people, Wike prayed that 2017 would usher in “a new hope that the era of vindictiveness has ended and Rivers will be justly treated and accorded its fair share of development projects and attention by the Federal Government”.

    “My brothers and sisters, let me take this opportunity to remind us that 2017 is a special year for Rivers.

    “It is our year of Golden Jubilee and we must roll out the drums and together thank God for His faithfulness unto us and celebrate its historic significance under the theme: “I LOVE MY RIVERS STATE, OUR CRADLE, OUR PRIDE.”

    “This theme truly encapsulates and evokes our sense of unity, our values, our love for one another, our struggles, our progress and our hopes for the future, which starts from now,” the governor said.

    He noted that the state had faced some challenges in the outgoing year, including insecurity and economic downturn but which were adequately tackled.

    “For us, 2016 had been a year of mixed feelings. No doubt, it was a year we made some remarkable progress as we began to fulfill our promises to our people.

    “We managed to resuscitate our broken economy to drive and sustain our development efforts in the face of a crippling national recession.

    “We reconstructed existing roads, build new ones and in the process created jobs and empowerment for our people.

    “We confronted insecurity by providing concrete support to the security agencies to combat and reduce crime across the state.

    “Furthermore, among several other tangible achievements, we also ensued the regular payment of salaries to our workers and pensioners as well as started the process of restoring quality into our educational and health systems.

    “Although it is difficult to forget the low and painful moments of 2016, especially the continuing economic difficulties and associated misery being experienced by ordinary people, as a result of the prostrate state of our national economy.

    “Also, the extreme brutalization, bloodshed and loss that characterised the re-run legislative elections, there is still much progress to look back on over the last 12 months.

    “And so, as we come to the conclusion of a largely challenging but fruitful year, we wish to assure you that we are right on course and things can only get better for every Rivers person as we strive to consolidate on our achievements and take our State to the next level of development.”

    From Kogi, Gov.Yahaya Bello appealed to the people of the state to support and cooperate with him in 2017, assuring that the gains of 2016 would be consolidated upon to trickle down to the people.

    “My passion for the unification of Kogites of all tribes and faiths and convictions is unwavering, because healthy unity makes progress and development that much easier.

    “So, I appeal to us all to always foster the spirit of oneness and brotherhood going into the New Year.”

    He encouraged them to live up to their civic obligations by being tax compliant and faithful with their remittances to government in the New Year, reminding them that their contributions ultimately enhance the course of development.

    He also charged them to complement the efforts of the security apparatus in the state by staying vigilant and security conscious at all times. (NAN)

  • APC planning to bomb my plane – Wike

    APC planning to bomb my plane – Wike

    Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has accused the leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State of planning to bomb him while travelling in a plane.

    Wike explained that the target was for the state APC to get rid of him in its desperate bid to unseat the Peoples Democratic Party-led government in the state.

    He maintained that no one had the ability to destroy what God had blessed, the governor added that the opposition party in the state was not happy that he was paying workers’ salaries and pensions to retirees despite the economic recession.

    Wike, who spoke on Thursday at a thanksgiving service organised by the state PDP in Port Harcourt, criticised those calling for bloodshed in the state for selfish reasons.

    The governor said blood would continue to flow in their families.

    He explained that God would continue to grant him victory no matter how hard the APC leaders in the state planned to eliminate him.

    “They said they will blow the plane that I will board. You are plotting, do you know whether God will blow your own plane before that time?” the governor said, adding that the state was under constant assault by the leaders of the opposition party.

     

  • Wike presents N470bn golden jubilee 2017 budget

    Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers on Wednesday presented N470 billion budget to the State House of Assembly for services in 2017.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fiscal policy is christened as “Golden Jubilee Budget for accelerated development’’.

    NAN recalls that in 2016, the Rivers Government budgeted N307 billion.

    Wike explained that the budget was designed to herald the historic 50 years of the state in 2017.

    He said the budget was premised on the need to consolidate on achievements of 2016 and restore the state’s economy back to a sustained growth path and expand economic opportunities for all.

    “This budget is underpinned by the following basic principles; first, enhancing the business environment, including tackling the security challenges for the private sector to grow.

    “Expand our tax revenue base, and drive our economy through the value chain into becoming one of the largest economies in West Africa.

    “Second, committing a greater proportion of available resources towards infrastructure development and public works to stimulate economic growth, create employment and reduce poverty,” he said.

    Wike said priority attention would be given to security of lives and property, infrastructure development and maintenance, education, healthcare delivery and empowerment.

    A breakdown of the 2017 budget indicates that the total projected capital expenditure is N329 billion, representing 70 per cent, while N141 billion was proposed for recurrent expenditure.

    The governor disclosed that the 2017 budget would be funded via revenue receipts from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), 13 per cent Derivation proceeds, Value Added Tax (VAT), Reimbursements, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and Domestic credits.

    “The unprecedented increase in the capital expenditure, once again, underscores our commitment to direct substantial resources to the critical growth sectors of our economy.

    “This includes addressing infrastructure gaps to accelerate economic growth, secure the state and improve the wellbeing of our people,” he said.

    Responding, the Speaker, Rivers House of Assembly, Mr Dabotorudima Adams, said the presentation of the 2017 budget has proven that Wike was committed to the development of the state.

    Adams commended the governor for ensuring that the budget covered all sectors of needs in the state and promised accelerated passage.

  • Satan is at work in Rivers, we need prayers to overcome – Wike

    Satan is at work in Rivers, we need prayers to overcome – Wike

     

    Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has said the state needs to intensify prayers and believe in God because Satan, the adversary is at work.

    The governor however noted that despite this, no power can bring him down because he is “solidly and comfortably rooted” in God.

    Wike, who made this remark at the Rivers State Headquarters of the Living Faith Church in Port Harcourt during a special Christmas church service on Sunday, explained that the state would continue to overcome trials and oppressive tendencies through God’s grace.

    The governor in the company of his wife, children, and other top executives of the state pointed out that while other states were battling economic downturn, Rivers State had been operating “a Jesus economy,” which entailed divine provision and sustenance.

    In his words: “No power can bring me down because I am solidly and comfortably rooted in God. My belief in God strengthens me at all times. We want you to continue to pray for this state because Satan is at work.

    “If God be for us, nobody can be against us. We have had turbulent times, but we have always come out victorious. This state is a Christian state. Therefore, we shall continue to collaborate with the Church,” the governor said.

    He assured the people that the state government would support schools owned by churches with grants, adding that the ongoing construction of the State Ecumenical Centre would be completed by May, 2017.

    Wike recalled that the Church stood by him right from the campaign period till date.

    The governor called on the Church to continue to pray for his administration for God’s protection and wisdom.

     

  • Wike felicitates with Christians at Christmas

    Wike felicitates with Christians at Christmas

    Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers, has felicitated with Christians in the state on the occasion of the Christmas celebration.

    A statement signed by Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the governor on Electronic Media, said Wike assured Christians that the success story of the state would continue unhindered.

    The statement was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

    He urged the people of the state and other Nigerians to imbibe the values of Christmas by promoting peace, love, friendship and unity.

    He assured residents of the state of adequate security before, during and after the season.

    According to Wike, the government has put in place adequate security measures to protect lives and property.

    While thanking the people for their support and love, Wike promised to continue with the projects and programmes “that have brought development to the state.”

    He wished the people merry Christmas and prosperous New Year in advance.

  • I can’t be intimidated by Federal Agencies – Wike

    Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has declared that no level of intimidation or blackmail from Federal Agencies will scare him into selling out the state to external predators.

    The governor urged Rivers people not to panic because nobody can take the state by force despite the sustained blackmail by the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Speaking when he granted audience to the Rivers State Elders Council of Ministers (RISECOM), Governor Wike said: “This is a turbulent period. However, we will overcome. They can cow other governors, but not me.

    “None of them gave me the mandate. The people of Rivers State gave me this mandate and I will never sell the interest of this state for whatever reason. I will not bring out the money of Rivers State to sponsor other people outside the state. ”

    He told the Christian leaders that security agencies are frustrating the security architecture of the state to further their devilish plot to declare a state of emergency and thereafter bring a lackey to loot the state.

    He denied sponsoring anyone to protest in Abuja against the Federal Government, pointing out that those who planned to protest in his favour must have taken a cue from those who protested against him in Abuja.

    “If they like, let them bring all manner of accusations daily, it will not cow me. Three days ago, they sponsored protests against me in Abuja with the Police leading the protesters.

    “It is so unfortunate how they can descend so low. The DSS are unhappy because I stopped them from kidnapping a judge. Till today, they are yet to invite that particular judge “.

    The governor said: “I never sponsored anyone to protest. Assuming, people want to protest, are we not in a democracy?

    “If I am the one who is the sponsor of the planned protest in my favour, who sponsored the protests against me. It means they are the people who sponsored the protests”.

    He assured the Christian leaders that he remains committed to the development of the state and the welfare of her people.

    In his remarks, Leader of RISECOM, Archbishop of Niger Delta Province, Most Rev Ignatius Kattey commended the governor for his developmental strides in the state.

    Also speaking, Methodist Archbishop of Port Harcourt, Most Rev Agwu urged the governor to stand firm despite the persecution.

  • #RiversRerun: Peterside laughs off Wike’s Panel of Enquiry

    The Rivers governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 general elections, Dr Dakuku Peterside has laughed off constitution of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate alleged violence that took place during the December 10, 2016 rerun election by Governor Nyesom Wike.

    He described the action of Wike like the proverbial witch who cried a previous night and the child dies the following day, adding that the governor has no shame as he continues to ridicule the office he occupies.

    According to him, “are there no people telling the governor the truth. Here is a governor who told Rivers people not to attend an investigative panel set up by Police to probe issues surrounding the election and an audio that went viral where the governor threatened INEC officials with death.

    “Is it not laughable that the same governor has now set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe issues surrounding the election and he expects Rivers people to obey him. What manner of a governor is Nyesom Wike?

    “How can a responsible governor be urging Rivers people to be lawless, how can such a governor call Rivers people not to obey police investigation and yet expects the same people to obey his own kangaroo judicial commission?

    “The same Wike accused police of seeking to achieve a predetermined goal in its investigation to nail PDP members and I ask, what goal is the governor seeking to achieve with his own panel of inquiry, to exonerate PDP members and pronounce APC members guilty?

    Peterside, who is also the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said Wike remains an accused in the matter and could therefore not set up an investigative panel, else it is dead on arrival.

    “I call on the Justice Chinwendu Nwogu-led panel to be very careful not to be used by Wike to achieve a dubious end. We all recall the Omereji panel and what the governor wanted to use it to achieve. In the end, his evil plan failed.

    “Justice Nwogu was only recently made a judge by Nyesom Wike. I hope the he is not being used to do the bidding of the governor and PDP. My admonition to the judge is that he should know that posterity awaits him if he allows himself to be used by the governor,” he stressed

     

  • #RiversRerun: Police invite forensic experts to analyse Wike’s alleged leaked calls

    The Nigeria Police Force, NPF says it has invited some foreign specialists to analyze the alleged leaked audio of Governor Nyesom Wike’s phone calls during the legislative rerun elections held in Rivers State on Saturday, December 10.

    Recall that following the release of the audio, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris had set up a committee to investigate in details the authenticity of the voicing in the audio as widely circulated online.

    The police boss said the investigations will be weaved around the call activities of Governor Wike before, during and shortly after the legislative rerun elections.

    The IGP explained on Wednesday that the foreign analysts would soon be in the country to assist with the ongoing investigation into the violence that rocked the poll during which two police officers, DSP Mohammed Alkali and his driver, Sgt. Peter Uchi, were beheaded and their heads thrown into a river.

    Speaking when the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, paid him a visit at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the IG stated that the experts would offer support in audio analysis of some leaked recordings during the election.

    He noted that the two police officers were killed because they answered the call of duty and vowed that the Force would leave no stone unturned to ensure that those indicted for the murder were punished.

    In his words: “A panel will be inaugurated tomorrow (today) that consists of specialists and professionals that will look into ending electoral violence in the country.

    We are also getting support from CSOs (Civil Society Organisations) from outside the country who feel committed that it is time for Nigeria to have peaceful elections. They are offering support in audio analysis of some audio recordings that have been viral on Facebook and very soon they will be in the country to assist us with some of these audio recordings.

    All these are steps taken to ensure that we get to the bottom of this election violence and by the grace of God, Rivers will be the last state that we are going to have this kind of experience, it will never happen again.”

    Idris stated that the four suspects arrested in connection with the election violence had given useful information to the police about the murder of the police officers.

    He said further: “We lost two of our officers on the day of the election. They were kidnapped, their heads were severed from their bodies and their bodies were buried in shallow graves. The vehicle in which they were kidnapped has been recovered.

    We have recovered their bodies, but unfortunately, the information we got from suspects arrested revealed that after severing their heads from their bodies, their heads were thrown into the river.

    These people were killed not because of any personal issue but because they answered the call of duty to serve in the election that took place in Rivers and it is very sad that their lives had to end like this.”

    The chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said the Commission was touched by the death of the gallant officers who lost their lives in active duty to their father land. He however said the Commission will join the Force in the burial arrangements of the fallen officers.

    In his words: “We condole with you and the entire Nigeria Police Force over the loss of your gallant officers in the course of the Rivers rerun elections through national service. It is with heavy heart that we wish to condole with you and the family of the DSP and the sergeant that lost their lives in Rivers State.

    People often fail to realise that securing the environment for Nigerians comes with great risks and people pay with their lives to protect the environment to enable us to conduct a free and fair election.

    We feel diminished each time a member of the security agency loses his life on account of election and I must state that we cannot conduct a successful election without the NPF.”

  • #RiversRerun: Police set to retrieve Wike’s call activities from telecom firms

     

    Following an audio clip recording widely alleged to be that of the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on comments pertaining to the just concluded legislative rerun elections held on December 10 and the subsequent setting up of a police team to ascertain the authenticity of the voice by the Inspector General of Police IGP Ibrahim Idris , Indications emerged Monday morning that the team, will this week write telecommunication firms for the call data of the governor.

    The team will demand details of Wike’s calls before, during and shortly after the election.

    According to a report by The Punch, a senior police source said the detectives would carry out forensic analysis on the governor’s incoming and outgoing telephone calls, including the name of the callers, the numbers dialled, the time, date and duration of the calls, as well as SMS.

    “Obtaining the CDR shouldn’t pose any difficulty to the investigators because the telecom firms have it on their exchange. ‘‘Forensic analysis of the audio tapes would be matched with the call logs, which will also assist in identifying the voice prints of the suspects,” a source said.

    Further findings indicated that the leaked audio of the telephone calls would be matched against the governor’s voice print to determine if he was involved in the alleged communication, allegedly meant to rig the poll.

    The voice print is a set of measurable characteristics of a human voice that uniquely identifies an individual.

    The IG had, on Saturday, announced the setting up of a team of detectives to conduct forensic analysis on the audio of a telephone call, purportedly made by Wike in respect of the concluded rerun elections.

    The team was also mandated to conduct a thorough investigation into a statement credited to the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Yakubu Mahmud, in which he said 70 infractions were committed during the December 10, 2016, rerun polls in Rivers State.

    The IG said the team would unravel those who were directly or indirectly responsible for such incidents and bring them to justice.

    The investigative team, which is headed by a Deputy Commissioner of Police, has 30 days to complete the investigation and submit its report, which the Force spokesman, Donald Awunah, said would be made public.

    Recall that last week, an audio clip of telephone calls allegedly made by Wike, in which he allegedly instructed some electoral officials on how to rig the election went viral.

    In another audio, a voice was heard threatening to kill some electoral officials if they failed to carry out the directives for which they were bribed.