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Tag: Gov. Nyesom Wike

  • Rivers election: INEC declares Wike winner

    INCUMBENT Rivers State Governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was yesterday declared winner of the March 9 governorship poll.

    The Returning Officer for the state, Prof Teddy Adias of the Niger Delta University, Otuoke,  Bayelsa State, declared Wike winner of the election after the collation of results from 21 of the states 23 local government areas.

    Prof. Adias said Wike polled 886, 264 votes to defeat the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate,   Biokpamabo Awara, who scored 173, 859.

    Declaring Wike winner, the returning officer said: “That I, this day confirm that I am the returning officer for this election and that Nyesom Wike of the PDP, having satisfied requirement of the law and scored the highest number of the votes, is hereby declared winner and stand elected.”

    According to the professor, 1, 130, 445 were accredited out of the 3, 048, 741 voters registered across the state for the elections. He gave the valid votes as 1, 123, 840 and 249, 324 votes either cancelled, or voided.

    Reacting to the development, AAC representative Nenye Okocha said: “As a party, we cannot begin to react at this time; we will have to look and study the result and then come up with our reactions.

    Read also: PDP, Secondus congratulate Wike, others on victory

    “In the face of what has happened in this venue in the last two days, it is transparent, but what happened here at INEC is different from what has happen on the field – most of the complaints that we heard, the protestations and the issues we raised had to do with what happened on the field. We have to marry the two together and that is why we will need time to study the two before we can come up with our reactions.”

    On his composure throughout the collation process, Okocha said: “Belligerence is not it, this is AAC, this is not PDP or APC; this is a new party with a  new vision that is trying to carry Nigerians along to a new way of thinking and reformation.

    “We don’t have to do things in the way it has been done in the past – thuggery, scandals and others – that is not the path the AAC is tolling, all the activities you’ve had in Rivers, the suspense, the protests, are the ways those that are supporting us in this state wish to express themselves, as a party, we are decent; we are bringing integrity into the electoral process and going foward, this is what you will continue to see.”

    The PDP agent and former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Austin Opara, congratulated Awara for his doggedness at the exercise and urged him to ignore any temptation for litigation.

    A former deputy governor of the state, Tele Ikuru, who sad the margin was wide, said it would have been wider but for the militarisation of the state.

  • Rivers gov polls: Wike leads in 13 LGAs

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has won 13 out of the 15 Local Government Area (LGA) already collated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    At the resumed collation on Tuesday, the State returning officer, Prof. Teddy Adias, said 17 LGAs would be collated.

    They are: Port Harcourt city LGA, Ikwerre, Emoahua, Ahaoda-East, Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni, Etche, Omuma, Okrika, Akuku-Toru, Tai, Eleme, Oyibo, Andoni, Bonny and Opobo/Nkoro.

    While the PDP candidate (Wike) won in 13 of the LGAs, his closest contender and candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Biokpamabo Awara won in Oyibo and his Akuku-Toru LGAs.

    Reacting to the development the representative of Awara at the exercise, Nenye Kocha expressed disappointment with the figures announced, alleging fowl play.

    “Actually we appear to be in the dark as it were, as to what has happened. It is said INEC had 17 LGAs.

    “They know what were in these LGAs even though we had the assumption that we were leading, we were winning but we have come here now to see what is happening and it appears to be a departure from what we had in mind.

    REad also: Breaking: Wike extends lead in Rivers

    “In terms of transparency, the process here today was transparent, but in terms of the figures we are seeing it was not our expectation.

    “We are going to review the issues, we are going to look at the whole gamut of things that has happened within the period the process was said to be suspended.”

    PDP agent at the exercise, Hon. Austin Opara, expressed satisfaction with the outcome and apologised to the residents of the state for the difficulty the elections has caused them.

    “PDP is coasting clearly. We believe that this is going to be a new Rivers state.

    “The state cannot continue to be in the news for the wrong reason, we believe that at the end of this, this will be a new beginning for the state.”

    Prof. Adias, while adjourning the sitting, said the two outstanding results would be collated on Wednesday after which decisions will be taken on the other six LGAs whose results are yet to be received by INEC.

    He, however, did not reveal the list of the said LGAs, but assured stakeholders collation was ongoing at various levels in the LGAs.

  • Rivers: INEC to resume collation of of March 9 elections results

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will resume the collation of election results as planned, it was learnt.

    The commission last week fixed 2nd to 5th of April for resumption of collation of results of the last governorship and state Assembly elections.

    INEC also noted that election had been concluded in 21 state constituencies and fixed 13th April 2019 should there be any need for supplementary election.

    The collation of the results for the election held on March 9 was suspended due to violence allegedly carried out by soldiers and armed thugs. Consequently, the Commission set up a Fact-Finding Committee that visited Rivers State and submitted its report which revealed that while election could not hold in a few areas, it was successfully concluded in others with the declaration of winners in 21 state constituencies. Collation was ongoing at the time of the suspension of the process.

    Announcing the outlined activities and timeline to resolve the electoral logjam in Rivers State, INEC National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, said the commission will on 30th March 2019 have a meeting with critical actors in the state after which the headquarters of the commission will release a guideline for the continuation of the process.

    Read also: 2019 general elections was free, fair – CODER

    The meeting, however, turned rancorous as stakeholders exchanged hot words, which threw up fears that the exercise might be affected.

    But the Commission said yesterday that it will resume the collation of results despite calls for the fresh election and rancorous stakeholders meeting at the weekend.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of the Commission Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi said rachour among political parties during a stakeholders’ meeting before any major election is a common phenomenon.

    Oyekanmi, therefore, said whatever might have transpired during the stakeholders meeting in Rivers at the weekend was not enough to alter INEC timeline to conclude the election in the state.

    He said, “Regardless of their drama, however, the Commission will go ahead with its schedule of activities for the resumption of collation and conduct of supplementary elections where necessary in Rivers State.”

    He added that whatever position taken by the parties at the stakeholders meeting will absolutely not have any impact on the plan of the commission.

    He stressed, ” It does not change anything. The Commission will go ahead with its plan.”

    Oyekanmi explained further that “Rancour among political parties during a stakeholders’ meeting before any major election is a common phenomenon. At most of this type of meeting the Commission organized before any of the governorship election the conducted over the last 3 years, it has been the same story. Political parties regrettably bring their bitter differences to the meeting, but this is very unfortunate. They need to show maturity and stop this unnecessary bickering that will lead them nowhere.”

    Speaking on the call for withdrawal of Mrs May Agbamuche Mbu, INEC National Commissioner who chaired the stakeholders meeting in the absent of Chairman of the Commission, Okoye said that INEC will not abdicate its constitutional and statutory responsibility and create a constitutional crisis.

    He stressed that the “Commission is determined to conclude the collation of results for State Assembly and Governorship elections in Rivers State. The Commission is courageously following its timetable and schedule of activities outlined for the conclusion of the collation and electoral process in Rivers State.

    The process of collation and conclusion of the process is transparent and painstaking. All the critical stakeholders in the electoral process are involved in the process leading to the final collation of results. It is the constitutional and statutory responsibility and mandate of the Commission to organize and superintend elections.

    It is the responsibility of the Commission to collate and announce the results of elections and the Commission does not share this responsibility with anyone, body, institution or agency. The Commission will conclude the collation of results before pulling out of Rivers State. The resolve of the Commission is to transparently collate the results and announce the results.

    The Commission is the regulator of political parties and sets the parameters for the conclusion of the process based on the law and the constitution. The Commission will not abdicate its constitutional and statutory responsibility and create a constitutional crisis. ”

    On the staged walked out by some governorship candidates in the polls under the umbrella of Coalition of Governorship candidates, Okoye said “Each Political Party is a legal entity registered by the Commission in accordance with the constitution and the Electoral Act, 2010(as amended).

    The Commission did not register any Political Party known as Coalition of Governorship Candidates and does not deal with any coalition. The Commission extended invitation for the stakeholders meeting to registered political parties and they attended the stakeholders meeting in that capacity.

    All the candidates in the election filed their nominations under the banner and platform of their respective parties. Our plea is that all the candidates and political parties should cooperate with the Commission for the expeditious conclusion of the collation process. Although protests and walkouts are part of the democratic process, it should be employed in a manner that serves the national interest.”

    On Zamfara state, he said “the issue of the electoral fortune of the APC in Zamfara State is before the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The Commission is a law-abiding institution and will prefer to wait for the decision of the Supreme Court on the matter. The Commission will not make any comment that will prejudice the due determination of the suit in the Supreme Court.”

  • Wike’s love, interest to develop sports is unparalleled – Commissioner

    Wike’s love, interest to develop sports is unparalleled – Commissioner

    Boma Iyaye, Rivers Commissioner for Sports, said on Monday that Governor Nyesom Wike’s love and interest to develop sports in the state was unparalleled.

    Iyaye made the assertion at  a one day retreat on “Understanding The New Laws of Wrestling and Gov. Nyesom Wike’s Sports Development Programme” in Port Harcourt.

    He said that Wike’s love for sports was not limited to only human capital development but had  carefully touched other aspects of important infrastructure.

    “In 2016, the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre built over 30 years ago, was given a major face-lift and renovated to meet international standard; and it  is the venue of the African Wrestling Championship.

    “Recently, the government has concluded the  process of establishing a football academy in the state in partnership with Real Madrid Football Club of Spain,” he said.

    According to Iyaye, Wike on assumption of office, paid all outstanding contract fees and allowances and allowances owed to sports men and women who represented the state in 2012 National Sports Festiva.l

    Read also: How Sports Minister Dalung spurred Eagles to victory

    “Gov. Wike graciously paid all outstanding benefits to the teams, including the 2014/2015 sign-on fees which were just paid a few days ago by this administration, and there is consistent funding of the teams.

    “Only last year 2017, Rivers United participated in the most prestigious competition in Africa being the most glamorous CAF Champions League.

    “Still in 2017, Gov. Wike accepted to host the National Wrestling Championship tagged Governor Wike National Wrestling Championship; and also the African Wrestling Championship in February 2018 for Cadet, Junior and Senior Categories,” Iyaye said.

    He said that the all the sports events were coming at huge cost to the state but the governor`s love and interest to develop sports in the state was unmatched.

    The Rivers Commissioner said the singular fact that sports as a major employer of labour and also a panacea for curbing youth restiveness and criminality in society.

    “To ensure that this statement is fully achieved, only a few days ago, the government budgeted over N2.5b for sports development in the state for 2018.

    Emma Okah, Rivers Commissioner for Information and Chairman Media/Publicity Sub-Committee of the African Wrestling Championship (Port Harcourt 2018), thanked the  editors for the tremendous coverage of the Governor Wike National Wrestling Championship.

    Okah stated that the huge coverage of the event contributed in putting Rivers in positive light.

    He said that wrestling was dynamic like other sports, so news rules were designed to meet emerging reality or changing circumstances of the game.

    “I believe that the interactions today will be beneficial to you all in developing wrestling in the Nigeria,” he said.

    The one day retreat was organised by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the African Wrestling Championship, Port Harcourt 2018 for sports editors and reporters in Nigeria.

    NAN

  • Wike offers N640m bounty for the arrest of 32 cultists

    Wike offers N640m bounty for the arrest of 32 cultists

    Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers has declared 32 cultists wanted in a state broadcast  and asked the security agencies to go after them, putting a bounty of N20m each for information that could lead to their  arrest.

    The total reward is N640million, N440million more than what the governor offered for the arrest of Don Wani, the kidnap kingpin and cultist, linked with the killing of 23 people in Omoku on New Year’s Day.

    The broadcast  was a celebration of the killing of the criminal, whose real name was Johnson Igwedibia. He was killed by the military on Saturday at a hideout in Enugu.

    According to Wike,  32 cultists remain in 12 local government areas in the state and had reneged on the terms of amnesty offered them by his government.

    He listed them and said he  wanted all of them arrested  and prosecuted by the security agencies, pledging all assistance necessary.

    “Based on reliable information by the security agencies, I hereby direct them to immediately arrest and prosecute the under-mentioned persons who have either reneged on the terms of the amnesty and or refused to embrace same by continuing with cultism, kidnapping and armed robbery in the state,” the governor said.

    “The Rivers State Government will pay N20 million to any person who volunteers useful information that would lead to the arrest and prosecution of any of the afore-mentioned persons. Since 2015, we have been calling for tackling security issues devoid of political considerations in Rivers State in order to achieve maximum result,’’ he added

    Governor Wike wanted to end the era of criminals running colonies in the state as he  warned them  to leave the state or risk facing the death sentence.

    His government is proposing an amendment of the State Anti-kidnapping Law, which  prescribed death sentence for criminals involved in cultism, robbery and kidnapping.

    Wike warned that the State Government has zero tolerance for crime and criminal activities, adding that his administration will continue to adopt measures to protect lives and property in the state.

    “We reiterate our zero tolerance for all forms of criminality and reassure all residents of our determination to be tough on those who choose to violate our criminal laws and undermine peace and security in the state,’’ he added.

    “To underscore the seriousness we attach to the fight against violent crime, we shall be amending the Anti-kidnapping law to prescribe the maximum sentence for engaging in cultism, robbery and kidnapping.”

    He lamented that the amnesty programme of the state government which enthroned peace and was largely successful had been compromised.

    “Our decision to offer amnesty to all repentant cultists, militants and criminals was done in good faith and in the best interest of the state,” he said.

    “Regrettably, while the programme was on course, some opposition leaders in our state, unhappy with the successes recorded, dissuaded some armed militants and cultists from sincerely embracing the amnesty,’’ said the governor.

    “This is the reason why we must thank the President for doing things differently and with the support of all, a different result has been achieved,’’ he stressed.

    According to him, the security challenges in Omoku antedated his administration.

    “For years the security situation in Omoku in particular, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area in general, has been most challenging because of the criminal activities of Don Wanny and his gang,’’ he said.

    “We therefore wholeheartedly thank President Muhammadu Buhari for rising to the occasion and not politicking with the issue of security,’’ the governor said.

    “We also commend the security agencies, particularly, the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Security, for swiftly rising to the challenge in the most professional manner,’’ Wike said.

    “There is no doubt that this heroic success has proven what is possible when our security agencies are willing to discharge their constitutional duties with unadulterated commitment and professionalism,” he stressed.

    He said that the decision of the state government on the amnesty offer was clear, adding that “those who genuinely embraced it were bound to fully, completely and perpetually renounce all forms of criminality to enjoy the terms of the amnesty or face the full weight of the law when they deviated  from the programme’’.

  • Rivers set to host Wike National Wrestling Championship

    Rivers set to host Wike National Wrestling Championship

    The Rivers Government on Tuesday said that it was set to host the first Gov. Nyesom Wike National Wrestling Championship for the junior and senior cadets in the state.

    Boma Iyaye, Rivers Commissioner for Sports and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the championship disclosed this to sportswriters at a press conference in Port Harcourt.

    Iyaye said that every necessary thing required for a successful hosting of the championship had been put in place.

    He disclosed that more than  600 athletes from 24 states had registered for the championship while the registration was still on.

    “We have already booked 11 hotels in a good area in Port Harcourt to accommodate the athletes and technical officials,” he said.

    Honour Sirawoo,  President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and a member of Media sub-committee, said that the competition would hold between Nov. 23 to  Nov.30.

    Read Also: Wike Wrestling tourney: ‘Bayelsa will present a formidable team’

    Sirawoo said that state teams and technical officials would arrive on Nov. 23 while the secretariat would be opened on 24.

    Princewill Chikere, Rivers Commissioner for Health and Chairman, Medical sub-committee, said that the team was ready for dope testing and other medical challenges.

    The Chairman of Security sub-committee and Rivers Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, said that adequate arrangements had been made for a peaceful hosting of the championship.

    The LOC disclosed that 90 Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals each were up for grabs in the competition.

    It said that winners in the championship in both categories would represent Nigeria in the forthcoming African Wrestling Championship in Rivers.

  • Abia crisis: IG directs nationwide deployment of policemen

    Abia crisis: IG directs nationwide deployment of policemen

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, on Thursday briefed Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on the outbreak of violence in some parts of Abia.

    After the briefing, Idris told State House Correspondents that the police was adopting a three-pronged approach to resolve the crisis.

    “The strategy we are using is to ensure that we deploy policemen throughout the country.

    “Secondly, we are in touch with the government.

    “We are trying to mobilise the political leadership to be able to intervene where necessary in how to reduce the tension that is already taking place in the South East.’’

    Trending: Video: IPOB agitators begin stop, search for Northerners

    On allaegation by Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers that the police is behind criminal activities in the state, the I.G. said that Wike was expressing a personal opinion on the security situation in his state.

    He, however, said police did not have to deny the governor’s allegation that crimes were perpetrated in the state by its operatives (SARS).

    Idris explained that the display of a corpse purported to be that of the police in a crime scene did not indicate that the said policeman was involved in the crime.

    “That a Policeman was killed in Rivers in connection with the IPOB issue is different from saying that the policeman was involved in a crime.

    “You cannot say that the one attacked and killed is the one involved in the crime,’’ he stated.

    He described the governor’s comment as a sweeping allegation which “does not make sense to me’’.

    While reacting to the October 1 quit notice given to some Nigerians to leave some parts of the country, the I-G said there was no cause for alarm.

    “I don’t think there is tension in the country; there is no tension here,’’ he said.

  • Former President Jonathan scores Wike high

    Former President Jonathan scores Wike high

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has praised Gov. Nyesom Wike for delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers.

    Jonathan made the remark on Thursday in Port Harcourt while inaugurating the second Npkogu bridge, as part of the second anniversary celebration of the Wike administration.

    The Former President said that the performance of the Governor has endeared him to the electorate.

    ‘’ Gov. Wike has performed wonderfully well in governance. I have no regrets that he is the Governor of Rivers State. I am happy that the governor has opened up Rivers State through projects, ‘’ he said.

    “Wike has shown so much commitment to infrastructural development. The whole of Rivers State is now a construction yard, ” Jonathan said.

    Jonathan noted that the appreciation for the outstanding performance of Gov. Wike was beyond party lines.

    The former President stressed that acting President Yemi Osinbajo had also acknowledged the developmental strides of the Governor when he visited the State.

    Jonathan lauded Rivers people for their support throughout his eight years in national politics, while expressing joy to be part of the occasion.

    Gov. Nyesom Wike stated that Nigerians had seen the difference between good governance and false promises in the two years of the APC government.

    Wike said that the decision to invite the former President to inaugurate the project was a clear message to Nigerians that Jonathan would not be abandoned.

    “We are not politicians that when anything is wrong, they sing different song. Rivers State is a different place, ‘’ he added.

    ‘’ When we believe in you, we believe in you. We are different from other Niger Delta states. We can say it with all authority, ‘’ Wike said.

    “We cannot come out in the public and begin to castigate our own. Those who do that, should have a rethink.

    ‘’For us, it doesn’t matter, even with the blackmail against Jonathan, we will continue to back him, ” the Governor said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria [ NAN ] reports that the two bridges constructed by the Wike administration link Nkpogu to the state capital.

    The Commissioner of Works, Mr. Bathuel Harrison said that the Second Nkpogu Bridge would ease the traffic challenges in the area.

  • Alleged N360m bribe: INEC officials challenge court’s jurisdiction

    The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday adjourned till April 7, hearing of an application filed by 23 INEC officials challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the bribery case filed against them.

    The 23 officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were docked for allegedly receiving N360million from Gov. Nyesom Wike of River during the Dec. 10, 2016 re-rerun election in River.

    They were dragged to court on a seven- count charge bordering on money laundering and economic crimes.
    The defendants are: Shittu Lamido, Henry Owokure, Peter Ewatade, Mrs Mary Pennap, Gwatana Jibril, Ivase Stephen, Abdullahi Ogabo, Gayus Hassan, Hussaina Yahaya and James Oqwuche.
    Others are: Karimu Aminu, Adedokun Ayotunde, Najeem Ayotunde, Balogun Funmilayo,Adams Kadiri, Akinwande Adesoji, Lukeman Olabimpe and Tiamiyu Arowolo.
    The rest are: Akinwoye Amodu, Nwoha Yusuf, Patrick Anuke, Iro Abali, Nwosu Olucchi and Arukwe Chinelo.

    When the matter was called up for mention, Mr A.A Halilu, Assistant Chief State Counsel for the prosecution, told the court that all the defendants were present and they were ready for the matter.

    Mr Ahmed Raji, counsel to the 1st to 20th defendants, however, informed the court of his application which he filed, questioning the territorial jurisdiction of the court in the matter.
    Mr Raji said the offence took place in Port Harcourt, while their arraignment took place in Abuja.

    He also said that the defendants were not resident in Abuja and urged the court to hear the application.
    The other defence counsel, Mr Ukpan Ukaiso and Mr E. A. Nwagwa aligned themselves with the argument of Raji.

    The prosecution said they were aware of the issue of jurisdiction raised and ready to respond.
    Justice John Tsoho adjourned the matter till April 7 to hear the application.

  • Wike announces recovery of N1bn in staff verification

    Wike announces recovery of N1bn in staff verification

    The Rivers government has recovered about N1 billion in its ongoing staff verification, Gov. Nyesom Wike has said.

    Speaking at the first Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Business Luncheon in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Wike said the recovery was achieved through the thoroughness of the verification.

    Represented by his deputy, Dr Ipalibo Harry, the governor described the recovery as a good omen for the state, especially in the face of dwindling revenues.

    He said that the government had also reduced its overhead expenditure to about 40 per cent as a way of adapting to the prevailing economic reality.

    Wike further said that efforts were being made to enable the government to generate enough funds to address infrastructural challenges.

    “We are working to generate internal funds so that we can effectively tackle infrastructural challenges in the areas of roads, hospitals and schools.

    “Such move is in keeping with our promises of ensuring adequate social services and good governance for the people of the state,’’ he said.

    Earlier, the President of the chamber, Dr Emi Membere-Otaji, described the country’s economy as ‘over stressed’ due to over dependence on oil.

    Membere-Otaji said that there was need for governments at all levels to carry out massive investor-enlightenment to open up alternative areas of the economy.

    “The over-dependence on oil and gas has taken the nation backward and left the citizenry impoverished.

    “The time to act is now; the citizenry and the investing public must have the enabling environment to venture into other investible areas,” he said.