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Tag: Wike

  • Just in: Rivers elders ask Tinubu to consolidate on his earlier move to reconcile Fubara-Wike feud

    Just in: Rivers elders ask Tinubu to consolidate on his earlier move to reconcile Fubara-Wike feud

    The elders and leaders in Rivers State rising from a meeting on Sunday asked President Bola Tinubu to consolidate on his earlier move to reconcile Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT minister Nyesom Wike.

    This was contained in a communique issued and jointly signed by the leaders of the elders forum.

    Read full communique below:

    The Rivers State Elders and leaders Forum met today December 17th 2023 in Port Harcourt under the leadership of His Excellency, Chief Rufus Ada George, former Governor of Rivers State.

    The Forum reviewed the outcome of its previous meetings and follow up actions which include letters seeking audience with our sons; the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, and Chief (Barrister) Nyesom Wike, Former Governor and presently, Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The Forum reviewed the embarrassing and dangerous ongoing happenings in Rivers State and by extension Nigeria, viz: attempt to impeach Sir Siminialayi Fubara, Executive Governor of Rivers State, bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly Chambers, attack on the life of the Executive Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara allegedly by some security agents on Monday 30th October, 2023 and other acts of impunity and lawlessness which portend great dangers to the peace and security of Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.

    After an extensive deliberation and consideration of the issues, the forum resolved as follows:

    1. The Forum regretted that neither Governor Siminialayi Fubara nor Chief (Barrister) Nyesom Wike responded to our letters seeking for audience with each of them.

    2. The attempt to impeach the Governor of Rivers State barely about six months in office without explaining to the good people of the State, the reasons and infractions of law is UNACCEPTABLE.

    3. The Forum condemn every form of violence and lawlessness in Rivers State and therefore demand proper investigation of the crisis and those responsible be brought to Justice.

    4. The Forum reviewed the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Rivers State Government and urged the Government to expedite action on rebuilding the demolished House of Assembly Complex so that law makers will continue their legislative business in the permanent site within the shortest possible time.

    5. The Forum condemn in its entirety, the misuse of Rivers people political power vested in politicians by the people for personal gains and interest. Hence, we condemn in its entirety, the recent defection of twenty seven law makers without recourse to their constituents.

    6. The Forum is aware of and thus rejects, the news making the rounds on social media of Forum Shopping And Purchase Of Legal Instruments outside Rivers State to cause crisis in the State, thereby endangering human lives and property.

    “An alleged already written/ premeditated court ruling by one Justice Donatus Okorowo of Federal High Court 8 Abuja on an EXPARTE application secretly filled in the night by Pro Wike former lawmakers which the Judge wants to deliver tomorrow been Monday where he wants to stop the declaration of their seat vacant (an action that have been done) and also give them the legitimacy to move in with DSS and police to start the illegal impeachment of Gov. Fubara”.

    The foregoing is disturbing and generating serious tension in Rivers State, and thus giving the Forum great concern.

    7. We therefore urge the judiciary and all security agencies to be wary and alive in discharging their responsibilities in order not to worsen the already tensed atmosphere in Rivers State.

    8. Finally, the Forum urge His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to consolidate on his earlier intervention as the consequences of inaction may not only affect Rivers State, the Niger Delta Region and the Federal Government. The Forum owes this solemn truth as a duty to the Federal Government.

    God bless Rivers State and her People.

    God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Signed
    His Excellency, Chief Rufus Ada George CON GSSRS___________________

    His Excellency, Adm. O. P. Fingesi _________________________________

    HH Anabs Sara Egbe___________________

    Emeritus Prof Dagogo Fubara __________________________

    HRH N. L. A. Ede Obolo II________________________

    Captain Nwankwo ________________________________

    Eze Tony Woherom____________________________

    Mrs Annkio Briggs________________________________

    High Chief Marcus Atata (J.P.)_________________________________
    Dr Kio J. Tams________________________

    AsemeAlabo Prof. E. T. Bristol Alagbariya______________________

    Sen Wilson A. Ake______________________

    Dr Silva Opusunju_______________________

    Sen Andrew Uchendu————————–

  • Wike’s loyalists in Rivers insist on Gov. Fubara’s impeachment

    Wike’s loyalists in Rivers insist on Gov. Fubara’s impeachment

    IN spite of the intervention of President Bola Tinubu in the face-off between Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State and his predecessor, Mr Nyesom Wike, there are strong indications that the plan to impeach the former seems unabating.

    It was learnt that the forces loyal to Wike were reportedly unrelenting in their plan to remove the governor, who, incidentally, was a close ally of his predecessor, now the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
    Abuja.

    The camp of the minister had reportedly restrategised and was mobilising necessary means to carry out the impeachment of the governor.

    The forces within the camp were said to have lobbied one of the major pro-Niger Delta groups that issued a stern warning against the planned removal of the governor, to denounce its current unfavourable disposition towards the plot.

    The relationship between Wike and Fubara went awry, following the botched attempt by some members of the state House of Assembly loyal to Wike to begin the process of impeaching the governor.

     

    The personality clash got to a head, when a section of the assembly was set ablaze by suspected arsonists, who have neither been identified nor apprehended to face the law of the land.

    Governor Fubara also alleged that gunmen attacked him when he led some of his top functionaries to the scene of the arson to ascertain the level of damage done to the infrastructure.

    All the dramatic twists to the imbroglio between Wike and the governor triggered public outrage, including strong condemnation by the leader of the ljaw nation and First Republic Minister, Chief Edwin Clark, other prominent persons, stakeholders and Niger Delta groups like the ljaw National Congress (INC).

    Consequently, President Tinubu hearkened to calls by the concerned individuals and groups for him to intervene to avert what they described as threat to the fragile peace in the Niger Delta region.

    However, it was gathered that the camp of the minister was reportedly still bent on going ahead with the impeachment plan contrary to the advice of the president for ceasefire and truce, ostensibly because of the implications for the polity and stability in the region.

    The camp is said to be deploying necessary means to solicit the full support of the agencies of states with coercive power to push for the impeachment.

    While some members of the state House of Assembly opposed to the impeachment process are said to have been stripped of their security, eight other lawmakers sympathetic to the plot are reportedly enjoying cover from the law enforcement agents.

    Some stakeholders in Niger Delta under the INC, Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC), Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) have individually spoken on the need for peace to reign in Rivers to avoid throwing entire the Niger Delta region into a fresh round of restiveness, especially because Fubara, according to them, is the first Riverine person to emerge as governor of Rivers since 1999 when Nigeria returned to civil rule.

    Apart from being the source of crude oil, the nation’s economic mainstay, major global oil firms have multi billion naira oil and gas businesses, among others, in the Niger Delta region.

    Out of the N27.5 trillion proposed 2024 appropria-tion, the Tinubu administration is expecting the oil sector to contribute N7.69 trillion from (oil) export.

    In his budget presentation to the National Assembly, President Tinubu had stated:
    “After a careful review of developments in the world oil market and domestic conditions, we have adopted a conservative oil price benchmark of $77.96 US per barrel and daily oil production estimate of 1.78 million barrels per day.

    We have also adopted a naira to US dollar exchange rate of N750 per US dollar for 2024.” Yet, the region still battles crude oil theft to the tune of more than N16.25 trillion in 11 years.

    In its oil and gas report for 2021 alone, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) said the country lost about N1.96 trillion to oil theft, sabotage and oil production adjustment.

    Already, the INC, through a statement signed by its two coordinators, warned against the danger of allowing the current peace in the region to relapse into anarchy following the plot to remove the governor from office. But those behind the plot are reportedly unrelenting as they are said to be reaching out to induce the leadership of the militant groups for compromise.

    Wike had shed light on the cold war after a meeting with some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors in Abuja.

    “You cannot work, and people will begin to bring en-emies; those who fought you when you were struggling for the person to be in office.

    Nobody does that,” the minister was quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    He said it was not true that he was seeking financial gratification from his successor, but had claimed that Fubara was trying to hijack the PDP structure in Rivers.

    In the wake of the altercations that trailed the political crisis, Fubara had sounded reconciliatory in his speech when a military delegation led by the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, paid him a visit at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

    “There is nothing wrong if a father and a son have a problem, but I don’t think there is anything; whatever it is, we will definitely resolve the issue,” he said.

    Last week, a coalition of groups in the Niger Delta region, the ljaw Renaissance Force, warned against action capable of jeopardising the existing peace and stability in the Niger Delta region.

    In a statement signed by the coordinator of the coalition, Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli and the spokesman, Sir White Kalio, the members called for caution from those trying to stoke the fire so that the prevailing peace and stability in the Niger Delta is not jeopardised.

    The signatories of the statement said the coalition made moves to rally major stakeholders in the region to resolve the face-off between the two leaders amicably in the overall interest of the people, urging those the coalition members believe are bent on undermining the status quo to have a rethink.

  • Orchestrated Protest: CCLCA, 124 CSOs ask FCT minister, Wike to ignore noisemakers

    Orchestrated Protest: CCLCA, 124 CSOs ask FCT minister, Wike to ignore noisemakers

    … insist FCT minister is protecting master plan

    …ask him to remain undaunted

    Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness and 124 Civil Society Organisations, CSOs have condemned an orchestrated protest by some disgruntled elements calling for the sack of FCT minister, Nyesom Wike.

    The coalition in a release jointly signed by its Director General, Dr Gabriel Nwambu and Secretary, Sadiq Mohammed stating that:

    “On Wednesday, 5th of December 2023, we saw some disgruntled elements who paraded themselves as Civil Society Organizations under the aegis of Network of Civil Society for Economic Sustainability in what they said was a protest nick named “Wike Must Go”, in the Central Area of the FCT. The spokesperson mentioned some reasons why they want H. E. Barr. Nyesom Wike out as Minister of the FCT.

    “Firstly, the FCT and its land acquisition processes have in the past been submerged in corruption itself, making the nation lose several trillions in terms of revenue.

    “This is exactly what Wike is scrapping from the FCT.

    Wike as minister of the FCT is insisting on the FCT Master Plan.
    Sadly, the corruption is fighting back.

    “The beneficiaries are fighting back through their proxies by funding demonstrations against Wike.

    “The fact that the said demonstrators mentioned happenings in Rivers State affirms our earlier position.

    “Therefore, we hereby advise the perpetrators of this dastardly act to desist forth with.

    “Consequently, we as a coalition of over 124 Civil Society and non governmental organizations hereby pass a vote of confidence on the measures taken by H. E. Chief Barr.Nyesom Wike as the honourable Minister of the FCT as these actions by the Hon. Minister is consistent with the FCT master plan and the extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “We encourage the Hon Minister to remain focused, undaunted and continue to exhibit quality service delivery to the Nigerian Nation.

    Thank you.
    Signed.

    Dr. Nwambu Gabriel,
    Director General.

    Mohammed Sadiq,
    Secretary.
    For the coalition.

  • N87.4trn debt: Reject Wike’s plan to spend N15bn on ‘a befitting residence’ for VP, SERAP tells Akpabio

    N87.4trn debt: Reject Wike’s plan to spend N15bn on ‘a befitting residence’ for VP, SERAP tells Akpabio

    Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President, Mr. Godswill Akpabio to use his leadership position “to promptly reject the plan by the Minister of the FCT, Nysom Wike to spend N15 billion for the construction of ‘a befitting residence’ for the Vice President, Mr. Kashim Shettima.”

    SERAP urged him to “assert Senate’s authority and constitutional oversight roles to reject the N2.8 billion on publicity for the FCTA and other proposed wasteful and unnecessary spending that may be contained in the 2023 supplementary budget and the 2024 budget proposed by President Bola Tinubu.”

    In the letter dated 2 December 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The plan to spend N15 billion on ‘a befitting residence’ for the vice president is a fundamental breach of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international anticorruption and human rights obligations.”

    SERAP said: “The Senate has the constitutional duties to ensure that Mr Wike’s proposed spending is entirely consistent and compatible with constitutional provisions including his oath of office. All public officials remain subject to the rule of law.”

    SERAP also said, “The National Assembly including the Senate has a constitutional responsibility to address the country’s debt crisis, including by rejecting wasteful and unnecessary spending to satisfy the personal comfort and lifestyles of public officials.”

    The letter, read in part: “The National Assembly cannot continue to fail to fulfil its oversight function. The Senate must assert and demonstrate its independence by checking and rejecting all wasteful and unnecessary spending by the executive.”

    “It would be a grave violation of the public trust and constitutional oath of office for the Senate to approve the plan to spend N15 billion on ‘a befitting residence’ for the vice president at a time when the Federal Government is set to spend 30% (that is, N8.25 trillion) of the country’s 2024 budget of N27.5 trillion on debt service costs.”

    “The Federal Government also plans to borrow N7.8 trillion to fund the 2024 budget. Nigeria’s public debt stood at 87.4 trillion naira as of June with 38% owed to external creditors including multilateral and commercial lenders.”

    “Should the Senate and its leadership fail to stop wasteful and unnecessary spending and rein in government borrowing, SERAP would consider appropriate legal action to compel the National Assembly including the Senate to discharge its constitutional oversight roles in the public interest.”

    “SERAP urges you to refer to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) the allegations of corruption in the spending of the previously approved N7 billion for the construction of a new residence for the vice president.”

    “The ‘construction’ was reportedly abandoned but the whereabouts of the N7 billion remain unknown.”

    “The Senate has the constitutional competence and legitimacy to compel compliance with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international obligations.”

    “The Senate ought to assert its authority and vigorously exercise its constitutional oversight roles to check the apparently wasteful and unnecessary spending by Mr Wike especially given the growing debt crisis and the indiscriminate borrowing by the government.”

    “It is a travesty and a fundamental breach of the lawmakers’ fiduciary duties for the National Assembly to allow the executive to use national budget as a tool to satisfy the comfort and lifestyle of public officials.”

    “Nigerians have a right to honest and faithful performance by their public officials including lawmakers, as public officials owe a fiduciary duty to the general citizenry.”

    “Cutting the N15 billion on ‘a befitting residence’ from the FTCA budget would be entirely consistent with your constitutional oath of office, and the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution, as it would promote efficient, honest, and legal spending of public money.”

    “According to our information, the Minister of the FCT, Nysom Wike and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) plan to spend N15 billion for the construction of ‘a befitting residence’ for the Vice-President, Mr Kashim Shettima.”

    “The plan is contained in the N67 billion FCT supplementary budget which President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday transmitted to the National Assembly for approval.”

    “SERAP notes that Mr Wike proposed plan to spend N15 billion on a new residence for the vice president despite the recent allocation of N2.5 billion for the renovation of the current residence of the VP in the federal government’s supplementary budget already passed by the National Assembly and signed by President Tinubu.”

    “The House of Representatives has reportedly approved the plan to spend N15 billion on ‘a befitting residence’ for the vice president.”

    “The National Assembly has also approved another N3 billion for the renovation of the vice president’s residence in Lagos State. Mr Wike also plans to spend N2.8 billion on publicity for the FCTA.”

    “The proposed plan to spend 15 billion on ‘a ‘a befitting residence’ for the vice president is different from the N100 billion for the FCT contained in the federal government supplementary budget.”

    “SERAP notes that the Federal Government has also budgeted N8 billion on the two official residences of President Tinubu in Abuja and Lagos.”

    “On top of the planned spending of N15 billion on ‘a befitting residence’ for the vice president, billions of naira have been allocated for the purchase of cars for the Villa and the Office of the First Lady.”

    “Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended] provides that, ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”

    “Under Section 16(1)(a)(b), the National Assembly including the Senate has the obligations to ‘harness the resources of the nation and promote national prosperity and an efficient, a dynamic and self-reliant economy’, and to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen.’”

    “Under sections 59(2) and 299 of the Nigerian Constitution, the National Assembly including the Senate has legislative powers over money bills including the proposed N15 billion, and other wasteful and unnecessary spending by the Federal Government.”

  • Leave Wike out of crisis in Edo PDP, Onaiwu urges party faithful

    Leave Wike out of crisis in Edo PDP, Onaiwu urges party faithful

    Pioneer Director-General of PDP Governor’s Forum, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, has urged the PDP faithful in Edo to disregard news making the rounds that FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike sponsored the declaration of Dep. Gov. Phillip Shuaibu for the 2024 Guber race.

    Onaiwu’s advice is contained in a statement he issued on Tuesday.

    He said “People are just using Wike’s name to score cheap political points”, whereas “Wike has moved on and should be allowed to face his duties as FCT Minister.”

    “I want to make it clear that these insinuations are unfounded and should be disregarded by all PDP faithful in Edo,” he stated.

    He advised the PDP members in Edo to focus on building a strong and united party called on all members of the party to work assiduously toward achieving the common goal of winning the 2024 governorship election in the state.

    “We need to focus on building a strong and united PDP in Edo.

    “We should not allow ourselves to be distracted by insinuations and hearsay.

    “Let us work together toward the common goal of winning the 2024 governorship election in the state,” Onaiwu said.

    He urged all PDP members in Edo to remain resolute and committed to the party’s ideals and principles.

    He also called on the media to be professional and objective in their reporting.

    “Let us not allow ourselves to be used by politicians to score cheap political points,” Onaiwu said.

  • Wike directs reconstruction of FCT school where pupils sit on bare floor

    Wike directs reconstruction of FCT school where pupils sit on bare floor

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has directed the Education Secretariat of the FCT Administration to reconstruct the classrooms of Local Education Authority Primary School, Bagusa, in Abuja.

    The school under Abuja Municipal Area Council, with a population of about 200 pupils, had only six classes and a creche built by the community, but without walls, except a zinc roof supported by pillars of wood.

    The class has only 16 desks, and of the six classes, only the crèche section had a cement floor, forcing the pupils to sit on the bare floor to learn.

    The Mandate Secretary, Education Secretariat, FCTA, Dr Danlami Hayyo, made this known shortly after inspecting the school in Abuja on Thursday.

    He told journalists that Wike was concerned about the condition of the school and the challenge it poses to the learning outcomes of the pupils.

    He said that for the short and long-term solution to the problem, the administration would complete the construction of existing classrooms built by the community and construct additional classrooms for the school.

    This, according to him, will ensure the pupils properly transit from the primary level to Junior Secondary School on the same site.

    He added that the construction would be executed swiftly and efficiently to guarantee a conducive learning environment for the pupils.

    He said that FCTA would collaborate with relevant authorities and stakeholders like the Universal Basic Education Board on the counterpart funding to expedite construction of the classrooms.

    To further safeguard the school land, Hayyo advised community members to keep off the school land.

    He explained that the school was established by the previous administration, adding however, that no single structure was erected by the administration since establishment.

    He said that the deplorable state of the school was brought to the minister’s attention through a media publication and immediately directed an inspection visit and immediate action.

    He added that the school would be converted to a modern school where both primary and junior secondary schools would be situated in the same location to ensure transition from primary to junior secondary school.

    “At the secretariat level, we are committed to addressing the underlying issues that led to this unacceptable situation.

    “We will work tirelessly to enhance infrastructure and ensure that no child’s education is compromised by inadequate facilities or unsafe conditions,” the mandate secretary said.

    The pioneer Head Teacher of the School, Mr Chebawaza Katungu, expressed delight that the school has received the minister’s attention for prompt intervention.

    This, according to him, will ensure a safer and more suitable learning environment for quality teaching and learning.

    Also speaking, the Chief of Bagusa Community, Mr Zakka Iyah, thanked the FCT minister for the prompt intervention.

    Iyah assured of the community’s cooperation when the construction began.

  • “One chance” over as FCTA rolls out buses, taxis for public transport – Wike

    “One chance” over as FCTA rolls out buses, taxis for public transport – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration has concluded plans to roll out new buses and taxis for public transportation in Abuja.

    Wike, who disclosed this duringWIKE a high-level meeting with estate developers in Abuja on Tuesday, added that the development would address the problem of “one chance” operators in the FCT.

    The minister assured residents of the FCT that the buses and taxis would be rolled out in the next one month.

    “I assure you that once the buses and taxis are on the road, the problem of “one chance” will be a thing of the past.

    “However, if you make the mistake of going to enter a taxi and a bus that is not our own, it is your own problem.

    “The buses and taxis will ply the routes of Maitama, Asokoro, and other parts of the city,” he said.

    He also said that to ensure maximum security of residents, the FCTA would kick commercial tricycle operators out of Abuja, adding that some of the operators were agents of criminals.

    “I know some of you will say, oh! We are struggling. I know they are struggling to have something. I agree, but our interest is to protect our city.

    “I will not because you are dying of hunger and allow people to die. I owe a duty to protect the people that are doing genuine businesses in our city,” he added.

    The minister explained that a stiff decision was not taken against the tricycle operators because public buses and taxis were not on the roads as alternatives.

    He said: “we could not take action without providing an alternative. Now that we have the alternative, we are not afraid to take that action.

    “They should move to the rural areas.”

    The incidence of “one chance” is on the increase in the city with many residents falling victim to the criminal acts.

    Worst hit are civil servants and journalists.

    “One chance” vehicles are used by criminal groups disguised as commercial drivers and commuters operating within Abuja city, particularly during closing hours and late into the night.

    They lure their victims by disguising as commercial taxis and dispossess the passengers of their valuables.

    Many of the operators use force to empty victims’ bank accounts using point-of-sale machines, according to the account of victims.

  • Wike reviews land swap initiative, investigates sales of federal houses

    Wike reviews land swap initiative, investigates sales of federal houses

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has taken steps to review the Abuja land swap initiative and investigate the sale of federal government houses in the FCT.

    Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, when he asked the Task Force on the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for mass housing to review initiative.

    The minister also asked the task force to ascertain the sales of federal government houses in the federal capital, Abuja, and present the current position of things.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the minister had on Nov. 14, inaugurated a Task Force on the issuance of C of O for mass housing and the recovery of land use contravention fees.

    The minister, who asked the task force to conclude the assignment within one month, extended the completion period to two months considering the additional tasks.

    The land swap initiative means engaging the private sector to provide infrastructure in exchange for land.

    The goal is essentially to open up new districts in the FCT by constructing and completing access roads to the districts.

    Wike said that stakeholders have raised a lot of concerns about the initiative, stressing the need to review it.

    He directed the task force to review the agreements and other documents with relevant information about the initiative.

    “We want to get details of the land swap initiative and the sale of federal government houses in the Federal Capital Territory.

    “There are so many complaints that some houses are abandoned, while some are sold.

    “Let us know the houses that were sold and where are the documents? Let them show us the receipt of payments.

    “Not only the federal government houses but also the houses built and abandoned in the city.

    “With the additional responsibility, the task force will now last for two months instead of the one month earlier given,” Wike said.

    The task force is being chaired by Mr Michael Chinda, Senior Special Assistant to Wike on Lands, Urban and Regional Planning, with the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, Mr Shehu Ahmad, as the Secretary.

    Other members of the taskforce include the Director, Department of Development Control; Director, Department of Land Administration; and the Director, Department of Surveying and Mapping.

    Others are the Director, Department of Mass Housing; Director of AGIS, and Director, Department of Urban and Regional Planning.

  • ‘Wike wants to be king in two political parties’ – Dele Momodu

    ‘Wike wants to be king in two political parties’ – Dele Momodu

    The publisher of Ovation magazine and one of the chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dele Momodu has said FCT minister Nyesom Wike wants to be the king of two political parties.

    Momodu on Wednesday explained that the resources available to Wike are humongous and irresistible while reacting to an online user who faulted PDP’s silence over Wike.

    Wike, who is the immediate past governor of River State and also a PDP member worked against his party during the 2023 presidential election in favour of the ruling party, APC.

    The X user TENIBEGILOJU202 posted: “PDP is the most useless party in the world! rather than take a bold step on Wike, they sent PDP governors to beg him! I am beginning to think dat there is big secret that Wike has against PDP leaders dat made him untouchable. @BwalaDaniel @DeleMomodu you don’t belong in dat party.”

    Momodu replied: “When a tsetse fly perches piercingly on your testicle, you require all the skills and wisdom to get rid of it. The extraordinary resources available to NYESOM WIKE, courtesy of PDP, ironically, are so humongous, and irresistible to most Nigerian politicians, the reason he wants to be king in two political parties, simultaneously!!.”

  • N/Delta leaders visit Wike, urge amicable resolution of Rivers crisis

    N/Delta leaders visit Wike, urge amicable resolution of Rivers crisis

    Leaders of various ethnic nationalities in Niger Delta have paid a solidarity visit to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to convey the region’s appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and congratulate Wike on his appointment.

    A statement issued by Dr Kingsley Kuku on Saturday, noted that the 60-member delegation of prominent Niger Delta leaders was led by Prof A.W. Obianime, a former  President of Ijaw National Congress (INC).

    On current political developments in Rivers, the leaders noted that Rivers was strategic to the South-South region and could not afford to be in crisis.

    “As Lagos State is very dear to the South West, so is Rivers State to the Niger Delta. This is because as an injury to one is an injury to all, we feel justified to condemn the macabre dance playing out there.

    “We join PANDEF, INC, IYC, MOSIEND, MOSOP, Ogbakor Ikwerre and all other responsible bodies in the Niger Delta in condemning the mischievous attempts at the State House of Assembly to impeach the State Governor on frivolous grounds of ‘gross misconduct’.

    “It is quite unacceptable to us and to the entire Niger Delta. Any person, authority or group of persons involved in stoking this fire is strongly advised to desist from it and allow peace to reign,” the statement said.

    The statement noted that as a political leader in Rivers, Wike wields the influence to broker peace as both the executive and legislators consist of his political proteges.

    “They will listen to you when you talk to them. All eyes are on you. Be the peacemaker that you are and do all you can to timely quench this fire before it becomes devastating.

    “The consequences will do no one any good. It will not also speak well of us as Rivers people in particular and Niger Deltans in general.

    “Your silence in this matter will not be golden and the world will think you’re playing the ostrich.

    “We plead with you to step into a peaceful resolution of this matter so that the Nigerian populace will not say that Pompey was drinking tea when Rome was burning,” the statement said.

    It further noted that the leaders drawn from various states of the Niger Delta region paid the visit to show their support to Wike following recent comments by Sheik Gumi and advocate a resolution of the political turmoil in Rivers.

    “Hon. Minister, a pertinent area that invites our attention and solidarity with you concerns your recent verbal encounter with Sheikh Ahmed Gumi. Although many people have reacted in various ways to this statement, we feel duty bound to also lend our voices.

    “To say the least, Gummi’s arrogation of exclusive ownership and monopoly of administration of Abuja by a given ethno-religious region in Nigeria is not only disgusting, senseless but also puerile, hubristic, irresponsible and divisive.

    “It clearly goes against the grain of Abuja as the melting pot of Nigeria and therefore highly condemnable.

    “We are glad for the avalanche of criticism against his unguarded statement from every nook and cranny and the denial of his mean and myopic position even by the Northern Elders Forum (N.E.F),” the statement said.

    According to the statement, Wike is not a political orphan from the Niger Delta as he has a very strong socio-political base.

    “So, we take very serious exception to the call for the Minister’s sack and to the blackmail on the President with denial of electoral/political support in far away 2027 should the President fail to do his unholy bidding.

    “We wonder where Gumi has got the right and audacity to threaten the President. We also wonder what electoral value Gumi carries in Nigerian Politics,” the statement added.

    The statement said the Niger Delta leaders urged Wike to ignore these diversionary distractions and remain focused on his assignment as Minister.