The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nyesom Ezenwo Wike

  • Rivers acquires Shell’s 45 per cent stake in OML 11

    FORTY-FIVE per cent of Shell Petroleum Development Company’s (SPDC’s) interest in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11 in Ejama and other communities in Ogoni have been acquired by the Rivers State government.

    Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike announced the acquisition yesterday in a broadcast titled: “We will continue to advance the state’s interest, security and prosperity of all.”

    The governor promised that the state would ensure that the field comes on stream before the end of next year.

    He said: “I am delighted to inform you that the Rivers State government has fully acquired Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria’s (SPDC’s) 45 per cent interest in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11 situated in Ejama Ebubu Community in Eleme Local Government Area and the adjoining Ogoni and other communities of Rivers State.”

    He said the acquisition followed a High Court order, declaring the state as the purchaser of “the right, title and interest” of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Land/Immovable Property.

    The order was subsequent upon Suit No. filed by one Chief Agbara Isaac Osaro and five others against SPDC, Shell International Petroleum Company Limited Shell International Exploration and Production BV and Government of Rivers State.

    Displaying certified true copy of the order, Wike said: “I directed the Rivers State Ministry of Finance Incorporate to make a bid of USD 150,000,000 ($150 milliom) supported by bank guarantee and cash payment to the Deputy Sheriff in the sum of N1 billion, the later payable to the Judgement Creditors, while the former is escrowed.”

    He noted that the acquisition followed last Wednesday’s order by the High Court of Rivers state declaring the state as purchaser of Shell assets sold.

    “I have further directed the relevant government agencies to take immediate steps to liaise with any financially capable companies to partner with the Rivers State government to ensure that the said oil field come on stream within 15 months from today (Monday).”

    He said the decision was taken with “all sense of responsibility believing that addressing the pains and poverty of our people with resultant security and welfare of the main purpose of governance and nothing less.”

    He described the move as profound economic investment with profound and enduring positive implications on peace, security, development and prosperity for the oil-bearing communities in the OML 11, the entire state and Nigerian in general.

    Read Also: Gunmen kidnap rescuers of Bayelsa accident victims in Rivers

    He said the state was desirous of restarting oil production so that the Federal Government can start reaping from its 55per cent stake in the field, while the state could also be receiving its 13percent derivation funds.

    “In line with our commitment to accelerate development, industrial harmony and security, the Rivers State government will graciously concede some portion of the its four per cent equity interest to all the oil producing communities within OML 11 to enhance mutual ownership participation and sharing in the benefits of these resources,” the governor said.

    He traced the problem of the OML 11 to a major oil spill from SPDC’s Trans Niger High Pressure Crude oil Pipeline at Ejama community, which approximately 255 hectares of arable agricultural land, fishing swamps and rivers devastated.

    Noting that SPDC admitted the spill was from its pipeline in 1970, he lamented that the Anglo-Dutch oil giant failed to de-pollute the area, leading to several lawsuits, which the company lost, including a fresh cases the commenced in 2011, spanning through four different courts.

    He said: “The enforcement cases had been to Owerri, Abuja, Lagos, etc in six different law suits…

    “The judgments of the High Court, the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court were registered in the United Kingdom for enforcement against SPDC parent companies domiciled outside Nigeria’s shores.”

    As the community commenced enforcement of the judgment, Wike said the state government moved to acquire the assets in order to avert another round of deprivation and pauperisation of the people by external buyers.

    “That the present government of Rivers State entrusted in my care through the will of God and those of the peoples of the Rivers State have concluded that it will be in the overall interest of the state, the other federating states and the Federal Government that we as a government, should make a bid for the purchase of the said interest of SPDC now placed on auction by extant Order of the Courts of Law.”

    “That rather than standby and watch other persons or group purchase SPDC 45 per cent interest in that OML 11 and further exacerbate the poverty of the people of the State, a responsible and responsive State Government should weigh in and bid for the purchase of SPDC interest already set down for auction.”

    He went: “That for the past 25 years, the rich oil potentials of OML 11 have remained untapped following the hanging of the world-renown Ogoni poet and environmental activist, Mr. Ken SaroWiwa and the Ogoni 9 as well as the unfortunate mob lynching and death of four prominent Ogoni citizens, one of whom was the Secretary of Government of the Rivers State and another, a Commissioner under the tenure of Lt. Col. Dauda Musa Komo as Governor of Rivers State.

    “That it has become unlikely that for peace and security, the people of Ogoni in the Rivers State will welcome SPDC on their land forming part of OML 11.

    “That the Rivers State government has continued to lose 13 per cent derivation fund from the said 55% stake of the Federal Government in that field for nearly 30 years now, which revenue would have transformed the State and its peoples for the better.”

    Outlining the circumstances that led to the dispute between the communities and SPDC, the governor said it was due to a major oil spill from SPDC Trans Niger High Pressure Crude Oil Pipeline at Ejama community, which ravaged over 255 hectares of arable land, fishing swamps and rivers.

  • Agip lifts 1,172 youths, women from poverty

    The Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) has commenced a special scheme to lift about 1,172 youths and women in Bayelsa and Rivers states from poverty.

    A NAOC’s statement, said the scheme, which was launched at NAOC Green River Project (GRP) Farm, Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was designed to promote socio-economic development.

    It said the scheme would encourage the establishment of small-scale businesses for youths and women in company’s operational states and also contribute to a social change.

    It said youths and women, who were technically skilled but lack the resources needed to start up small-scale businesses, would be assisted with the necessary start-up tools to become self-reliant.

    The statement further said the second batch of the scheme launched in Rivers State on June 28 took place at NAOC’s Plant Propagation Centre (PPC) Obie in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

    It said the launch attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including traditional rulers, representatives of the state and local government as well as men, women and youths.

    According to the statement at the Rivers State launch, the Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Atotesemi Eson Teetito, commended the initiative.

    The governor was quoted as saying that when youths and women are meaningfully engaged, there will be peace and development in the communities and the state at large.

    He further stated that the establishment of small-scale businesses would generate income for the beneficiaries and the state.

    NAOC General Manger District, Mr. Alessandro Tiani, represented by the Stakeholders Management and Community Development Division Manager, Mr. Dennis Masi, was quoted to have said that the gesture was in line with the company’s continuous bid to empower the host communities in its operational states.

    In their remarks, the Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni/Local Government Area, Ifeanyi Odili, represented by Dr. Lucky Nwaoburu and the representative of Oando Oil Limited, Chief Sam Onyenwe enjoined the recipients to make good use of the opportunity to develop themselves.

    The statement said youths and women were presented with complete starter-packs to enable them to set up their own businesses in shoe making, barbing, hair dressing, tilling, event planning, laundry services and furniture making, among others.

  • Wike to Amaechi, others: let’s unite

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has called on Transportation Minister Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to join hands with him to develop the state.

    It was the end of the road yesterday for the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) in its battle to unseat the Governor Nyesom Wike-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government in the Southsouth state.

    The Supreme Court struck out three appeals filed by the APC, its candidate in the governorship election Tonye Patrick Cole and members of his faction.

    The governor, in a state broadcast to mark the landmark ruling by the apex court waved the olive branch. He said the state stood to benefit more if all leaders are united.

    The governor specifically urged Amaechi, the leader of the APC in the state, to team up with him in developing the state.

    He said: “Although the present politics of acrimony and bitterness may have strayed from the noble path of the past, I still believe that we shall be better if standing and working together for our state and our people.

    ”I therefore appeal to the APC and the Minister of Transportation to join hands with us to move our dear state forward. We cannot as leaders continue to remain divided and expect government to deliver on its responsibilities to our people. Let us from henceforth seek the common ground instead of allowing our differences to be exploited to retard our march to progress.

    ”I appeal to our people to eschew all acts of acrimony, criminality, unrest, and violence throughout the state. I wish to recommit myself to continue to do all that is humanly possible to ensure the unity and peaceful co-existence of all our people, irrespective of political affiliation”.

    Wike directed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to review all pending criminal cases linked to politics before the 2019 elections and make necessary recommendations to promote reconciliation.

    He said: “I hereby direct the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to review all pending criminal proceedings filed against any person by the state and directly related to political activities prior to the 2019 general elections and make appropriate recommendations to me for necessary action to promote reconciliation among us.”

    The governor pledged to run an inclusive government aimed at promoting the state.

    He said: “Today, I recommit myself to be the Governor for all the people of Rivers State for the next four years. Accordingly, we shall form an all-inclusive government to advance the collective interest of all our people, irrespective of party, ethnic or religious affiliations.

    “We have come a long way in the last four years and accomplished a lot to be proud of. But there’s still a lot more to do to advance and realise the ultimate vision of our founding fathers for a truly united, secure, and prosperous State and we need the support of all our people to realize this bold vision.

    “We salute the opposition for their courage to fight within the confines of the law to the end. Now that the legal battle is over, the task of building the State must take precedence over all other considerations.”

    Wike expressed gratitude to God for the Supreme  Court judgment, assuring the people that with the judgment all legal tussles have come to a close with the people having nothing to fear.

    Read also: 2019 elections: Reps probe killings of Poly lecturer, others in Rivers

    He said: “Few hours ago, the Supreme Court of Nigeria struck out the consolidated appeals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Tonye Cole for lacking in merits.

    “With this decision, all legal issues regarding the fielding of candidates by the APC for the 2019 National Assembly, Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in Rivers State have finally and permanently been put to rest.

    “What this further means is that the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidates in the 2019 National Assembly, governorship and State House of Assembly elections is legally safe, secured and protected.

    “I wish to assure you that there is nothing else to fear or be worried about, as there is nothing more the APC or any other person can do to deny us the victory you freely gave to the PDP and its candidates.

    “Let me also express my deepest gratitude to the people of Rivers State for the opportunity to serve you as your Governor for another four years. I am truly humbled by your continued trust and I will not take this support for granted.

    “For me, the collective interest of the people of Rivers State is the reason I am in politics. When you gave me the mandate about four years ago, I committed myself to be the governor for all the people of Rivers State and stayed through to that commitment.”

    Also yesterday, Rivers PDP Chairman Felix Obuah echoed the governor’s call on APC members to join hands with him.

    According to him, yesterday’s ruling by the apex court once more heightened the dignity of the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

    Obuah, said in Port Harcourt, noted that having exhausted all avenues of defusing the choice of Wike by the mass of Rivers people, the APC had no choice but to acknowledge the obvious fact that the governor’s re-election had divine endorsement.

    He hailed the wisdom and maturity exhibited by Wike, urging the governor to continue to see the state as one united and indivisible stock of God’s people.

    Obuah said: “Members of PDP in Rivers State are delighted and will forever remain grateful to God for seeing them through all the stress and above all, granting the Rivers PDP undisputed victory at last.

    “Today’s (yesterday’s) judgment of the Supreme Court striking out the consolidated appeals by the APC and Tonye Cole (the party’s governorship candidate) has ended the litigation by APC to put a wedge in the wheel of democratic governance in Rivers State.”

     

  • Wike dedicates victory to God, slain Rivers people

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike yesterday dedicated his victory to the people of the state.

    Fighting back tears, the governor said that he was overwhelmed by the support and love they displayed during and after the general elections.

    Governor Wike also dedicated the victory to God.

    Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt after he was declared duly re-elected by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ), Wike expressed gratitude to the people for standing by the ruling Peoples Democartic Party (PDP) despite  the actions of enemies of democracy.

    He said:  “I want to thank the people of Rivers State for showing the kind of love we have never seen before.  I thank them for showing the kind of support we have never seen before.”

    He thanked PDP members “for their show of courage, despite intimidation by security operatives who illegally wanted to change the will of Rivers people.

    “Those who died not because they were criminals, but because they wanted to defend their votes. We dedicate this victory to God those who were killed.

    “They protected our votes and they defended us. We pray God to grant their families the strength to bear the losses. We shall continue to support the families”, he said.

    Read also: Rivers election: INEC declares Wike winner

    He said that he will run an inclusive government, which will accommodate all shades of interest.

    Wike said: “We have no other state. You may have mansions elsewhere, but there is no place like home. We must come together and build our state.

    “We must make the state move forward. We must not continue to de-market the state. I cannot stay beyond 2023, but Rivers State will continue to be. If you believe you are from Rivers State, end this now.”

    The governor extended a hand of fellowship to his opponents, saying that nobody won or lost, but Rivers people won.

    He said the struggle to stop collation was so vicious that it continued till the end of the collation, stating: “We will not disappoint the PDP. We will not disappoint Rivers people.  We shall continue to serve.

    “If anybody does anything contrary as a member of the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, the blood of those who died will visit them. I will never betray PDP.”

    Governor Wike thanked INEC for working in line with the tenets of the electoral act. He thanked the Police, but berated the F-SARS.

    Former vice president and PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Imo State governor-elect, Emeka Ihedioha, Adamawa State governor-elect, Ahmadu Fintiri, and the party’s National Chairman Prince Uche Secondus, congratulated Wike. They prayed God to strengthen him and also lauded Rivers people for standing firm and insisting  on the right thing being done.

  • Wike receives Buhari in Port Harcourt

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Tuesday received President Muhammadu Buhari at the Nigeria Air Base airstrip in Port Harcourt.

    Wike and some members of the State Executive Council welcomed the President at about 10.17 am.

    Wike who was also accompanied by members of the Rivers State Security presented a bouquet of flowers to the President.

    The President boarded a Nigerian Air Force helicopter and left to Bayelsa State for Campaigns.

     

  • 2018 PDP Convention: Wike welcomes delegates

    Ahead of the 2018 PDP National Convention, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has welcomed all delegates of the party to the state .

    In a statement signed by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media, Governor Wike assured the delegates of a memorable stay in the state.

    He said: “The good people of Rivers State are most delighted and honoured to play host to the distinguished National Delegates of our great party as we elect our Presidential flagbearer this weekend and collectively work towards rescuing our nation from the brink of collapse.

    Read Also: Buhari meets Anyim, Uduaghan, Marafa in Aso Rock

    “As we gather for this all-important national convention, I assure all delegates of our great party of their security before, during and after the convention. Working with the security agencies and other stakeholders, we will ensure that your stay in Port Harcourt is memorable. ”

    The statement further quoted the Rivers State Governor as saying: “Once again, I welcome all delegates, journalists, observers and other visitors to Rivers State, the Treasure Base of the Nation. While you are here, enjoy the peace, love, cuisine, heritage and hospitality of Rivers State and her people.

    “I pray for journey mercies as you return to your respective destinations. I welcome you.”

    The National Convention of the PDP hold between October 6 and 7, 2018 at the Adokiye Amasiemaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

  • 2019: I’m not vying for the position of Vice President – Wike

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that he will not be vying for the position of Vice President of the country as being speculated in certain quarters ahead of the 2019 elections.

    Governor Wike said though some of the Presidential aspirants seeking his support have offered him the position of Vice President in the course of political consultations, he insisted that the interest of Rivers State is paramount.

    Speaking in an interview with The Osasu Show at the Government House Port Harcourt on Thursday, Governor Wike said: “There are aspirants who have promised me the position of the Vice President, but I said I will not seek the position.

    “Not even in the dream will I seek that position at this point. I am a first term governor and the National Chairman of PDP is from my State and the South-South.

    “These are mere allegations. People can carry rumours, but everything I will do, will be in the interest of Rivers State. Nobody can use Rivers State as a tool. They did that in the past, but not anymore “.

    Governor Wike said that the decision to host the October 5/6 2018 National Convention in Port Harcourt was initiated without his knowledge, adding that he eventually attended a meeting where Governors and Presidential Aspirants ratified the resolution.

    He expressed surprise that a few Presidential aspirants who never opposed the decision to host the National Convention in Port Harcourt, have turned around to sponsor reports against the venue of the convention.

    Read Also: Osun poll: WAEC tenders Adeleke’s result in court

    He said: “I am shocked that a few Presidential aspirants who never opposed Port Harcourt as a venue would begin the sponsorship of media attacks on the venue of the convention, which was not initiated by us.

    “When we say that there are moles amongst the Presidential aspirants, this is one of the manifestations. A decision that is collectively taken, is being contested through clandestine sponsorship.

    “But if they want, the National Convention can be held at Maiduguri, Yola, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kano or any other city. A presidential aspirant that would lose, would lose.

    “All the national delegates that will vote at the National Convention will emerge from the different local government areas of the country and from the statutory delegates list. None will be elected in Port Harcourt. Therefore, it is uncharitable to attempt to create the impression that hosting it in Port Harcourt will influence the outcome”.

    “For the over three years that we have managed Rivers State, nobody of good conscience will say that we have not done well. We are not threatened because in Rivers State, PDP is a dominant party”, he said

  • National Insecurity: Labour has failed Nigerians by failing to act – Wike

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that Labour has failed Nigerians by refusing to act in the face of unbridled killings of defenseless Nigerians across the country.

    The governor said it uncharitable for labour to be only concerned about salary increment when their kith and kin are mauled to the death on a daily basis.

    In an address during the 2018 Workers Day in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said: “Labour is only after the increment of wages and emoluments without showing concern for the mass killings going on across different states of the Federation.

    “Labour is quiet in the face of deaths. Of what benefit will increment of  salaries be when all your children, friends and relatives are killed in the course of this national insecurity?  It is incumbent on labour to rise up in defence of Nigerians by demanding for immediate cessation of killings “.

    Governor Wike said that Labour has a duty to work towards the progress of Nigeria as they  battle for their welfare. He said that labour must rekindle their pre-2015 posture when they participated  in occupy Nigeria during the Jonathan era.

    The governor urged labour to defend the nation’s democracy  which is under threat by the failure of the APC Federal Government to respect the rule of law and democratic tenets.

    “Be vigilant and defend our democracy in 2019. That is what labour is known for.  Labour thrives under democracy.  Without democracy, labour will run into challenges “, he said.

    He said that the state is investing in building a strong economy that will enable workers earn decent wages, empower entrepreneurs to create jobs and provide improved livelihood opportunities for Rivers people.

    He said: “We have approved an interest-free revolving loan scheme for civil servants. The annual sum earmarked for this programme is N1, 200,000,000.00 (one billion two hundred naira) only, with a monthly disbursement of N100, 000,000.00 (one hundred million naira only.

    “We have also approved another interest-free loan for owners of small businesses to access to enhance their businesses, create jobs and grow the economy. An annual sum of N2, 400,000,000.00 (two billion four hundred million) only, has been set-aside for this purpose with a monthly disbursement of N200, 000,000.00 (two hundred million naira) only”

    The governor said that his administration is already working to fix some of the subsisting challenges, including the contributory pension scheme, the contributory health insurance scheme and the payment of gratuities to retired civil servants.

    He announced that the State Government will construct State Secretariats for the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.  He also announced a donation of N100million to the different labour unions.

    In her address, Rivers State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mrs. Beatrice Otubo commended the Rivers State Governor for his regular payment of salaries and pensions.

    She urged the governor to take steps to resolve the challenges surrounding the contributory  pension scheme and gratuity  to retired civil servants.  The Labour Leader also commended Governor Wike for his outstanding developmental strides.

    Chairman of the Trade Union Congress in Rivers State, Mr Austin Jonah lauded the Rivers State Governor for his numerous infrastructural and development projects across the state.

    The Workers Day was marked by parade by all the affiliate trade unions in the state, with Governor Wike taking the official salute.

  • Wike calls for the passage of Host Communities Bill

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that the passage of the Host Communities Bill aspect of the Petroleum Industry Bill will give oil producing communities a sense of belonging.

    Speaking at the Government House Port Harcourt on Wednesday during a Courtesy Visit by the Senate Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill, Governor Wike said that the bill when passed will address the challenges faced by oil producing communities.

    He said: “This is an important aspect of the Petroleum Industry Bill as it concerns the host communities.  The host communities will become a component part of the entire process.

    “The oil producing communities are bedeviled by all kinds of environmental challenges. The passage of the host communities’ bill will give them a sense of belonging “.

    Governor Wike added that the passage of the bill will also enhance the security of petroleum pipelines because of the involvement of the Host Communities in the production process.

    According to the governor, setting aside a certain percentage of funds for the development of host communities is vital.

    He urged the Senate Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill to visit all slated communities for the necessary interracttion as regards their peculiar needs.

    Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill, Senator Kabiru Marafa said the Senate attaches importance to the passage of the Host Communities Bill.

    He said that the Host Communities Bill will be passed before the long vacation of the Senate. He added that the initiative to segment the bill was to ease the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill.

    “On the assumption of office, the eight National Assembly took it upon itself to break the jinx and pass the Petroleum Industry Bill once and for all”, he said.

  • Easter: Governor Wike felicitates with Christians

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has felicitated with Christians on the celebration of Easter, urging them to emulate Jesus Christ by making sacrifices that will advance the course of development.

    In an Easter Message, Governor Wike said that that Easter exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ to save mankind, noting that as individuals, Christians must take into consideration the welfare of others.

    He called on the people of Rivers State to re-dedicate themselves to the service of the state as they reflect on the ideals of Good Friday and Easter Celebration.

    Governor Wike assured the good people of Rivers State that he will continue to make sacrifices for the state, defend her interests and ensure that the people always enjoy good governance.

    He said Easter is a period of fresh beginning, forgiveness, love and friendship. The governor urged the privileged to reach out to the less privileged as everyone works to deepen the culture of true Christianity.

    While wishing the people of the state a Happy Easter Celebration, Governor Wike assured them of their security before, during and after the celebrations.