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Tag: Nyesom Ezenwo Wike

  • Nigeria is now completely directionless – Wike

    Swears in four judges of the Rivers State Judiciary 

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that Nigeria is now completely directionless, with the country permanently on a dangerous downward slide.

    Swearing-in four judges of the Rivers State High Court and Customary Court of Appeal at the Government House Port Harcourt on Monday, Governor Wike regretted that the politicization of governance process, which has entrenched despair across the country.

    Governor Wike commended Elder Statesman, General Theophilus Danjuma for saying  the obvious truth about the security architecture of the country.

    He said that Rivers State security has been deliberately compromised by security agencies who work with APC to undermine security of lives and property.

    According to him, the recent deliberate crisis and threat to violence by the APC on the setting up of the neighbourhood Safety Corps underscores the  devilish schemes to promote insecurity in Rivers State.

    “Nigeria has gotten to a point that we don’t know where we are heading.  I don’t use to fast, but I will fast for God to keep General Danjuma.  General Theophilus Danjuma has said the obvious truth.  It is happening daily in Rivers State.

    Read Also: Wike, Rivers APC clash again

    “We are setting up our Neighbourhood Safety Corps, but they are generating crisis. We only replicated what is in existence in Lagos State, but nobody queries that of Lagos State.  Only recently, Nasarawa State launched her outfit, without being challenged “, Governor Wike said.

    He berated the APC Federal Government for abandoning the solemn duty of protection of lives and property in pursuit of 2019 re-election.

    On the swearing-in of the judges, Governor Wike charged them to uphold the rule of law and be fearless in their dispensation of justice.

    He urged the judges not to allow themselves to be intimidated by agents of the political class, adding that if they fail in their responsibilities, they will be called to account by God.

    Governor Wike told the judges that they now have the opportunity to make the state a better place by enthroning justice.

    The Judges sworn-in by the Rivers State Governor include: Justice Godwin Ollor and Justice Uche K-Chuku of the Rivers State High Court and Justice Legor Senewo and Justice Frank Onyiri of the Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal.

     

     

     

  • 2018 World Cup: Nigerians will not accept failure – Wike tells NFF

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has advised the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to intensify preparations for the World Cup as Nigerians will not accept failure at the Mundial.

    Speaking during a Courtesy Visit by the President of the Nigeria Football Federation at the Government House Port Harcourt on Monday, Governor Wike said that exiting the World Cup at the group stage will be unacceptable to Nigerians.

    According to Governor Wike: “If you fail to advance beyond the group stage, don’t bother to return.  Find excuses to stay there in Russia. Nigerians expect the best from the Super Eagles. That is why the NFF must intensify preparations.”

    Governor Wike urged the management of the NFF to close ranks and work in unity for the development of football in the country.

    “There must be disagreements, but these disagreements should be platforms for Development. Disagreements should not destroy the place.  It should make NFF stronger “, he said.

    The governor said that the State Government is using football as a source of empowerment for the youths.

    Read Also: Wike’s commitment to Rivers people

    He said football is a unifying factor in the country, as it douses tension whenever the nation is engaged in international sporting events.

    Governor Wike commended the NFF for the notable improvements in the country’s league, charging the NFF to develop it to the level where teams can win on the strength of their capacity.

    Earlier, the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick said that the NFF were in the State to thank Governor Wike for providing the foundation for the qualification of Super Eagles for the World Cup.

    He said the journey to Russia 2018 started in Port Harcourt after the Super Eagles  defeated Swaziland.

    “The governor created the right environment  that led to the qualification of Super Eagles for the World Cup.  This journey started here in Port Harcourt.  Today, Port Harcourt has become a destination of choice “.

    He formally invited Governor Wike to be part of the country’s delegation to the World Cup, saying that the country will benefit from the sporting experience of the Rivers State Governor.

     

  • Wike’s commitment to Rivers people

    Wike’s commitment to Rivers people

    For two days, the entire country took note of the transformational revolution taking place in Rivers State.  The recognition of the country came in the form of two priceless awards —The Silverbird Man of the Year 2017 and the Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year 2017.

    On Friday, February 23, 2018 and February 24, 2018, well-meaning Nigerians across party lines and professions, gathered at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos to honour a distinguished administrator who has redefined the governance process.

    In a country where development has been relegated to the backwater by a non-performing APC Federal Government, the entire country resolved to honour a man who believes that development is the right of the people.

    The essence of the two awards was to encourage other non-performing governors, especially those of the APC to rise up to the challenge of leadership.

    The two awards from the two leading media organisations followed international best practices.

    Following the nomination of the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and other eminent Nigerians, the Silverbird Group opened an online voting process.

    The voting portal was open for the entire country to monitor proceedings.  After weeks of online voting, Nigerians overwhelmingly voted for Governor Wike.

    The decision was quite easy for the voters. Governor Wike has deployed the resources of Rivers State to improve road infrastructure, health facilities, educational institutions, training of health and educational professionals, development of key special projects and improvement of security.

    They also voted for Governor Wike for attracting foreign direct investment, developing Rivers State as a sporting destination and ensuring the pride of the Rivers person.

    Chairman of Silverbird Group, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce said the Rivers State Governor emerged the Silverbird Man of the Year on the strength of votes by the people.

    “This award was voted by the people of Nigeria.  In other words, it was earned. I am honoured to know a man called Governor Wike. He is a terrific governor, Mr Projects,” he said.

    Senator Murray-Bruce said Governor Wike focuses on the development of the state through delivery of projects and programmes.

    Accepting the award, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike declared his commitment to the sustained growth of the state.  The governor maintained that the rapid transformation of the state remains his ultimate focus.

    He said that his administration was inaugurated during a period of financial crisis, but he chose to be different, instead of giving all manner of excuses like the APC Federal Government.

    The governor said: ”We could as well advance all sorts of excuses for non-performance as the current Federal Government is doing in justification of its massive failure to deliver on its promises.

    ”But, we decided to be different and we’ve been quite different in our approach to governance. While we refused to be daunted by the level of rot we met, we also believed that promises are sacred and that with prudent and targeted management of available resources, we can deliver much more for our people.

    “Today, the testimony is everywhere that in Rivers State where we govern, things are working and working very well for our people, especially in the area of road, education and healthcare infrastructure.”

    He dedicated the award to the people of Rivers State and his wife.

    Governor Wike made history as the first governor to win the Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year back to back.

    His second victory emphasised the quantum of quality infrastructural development taking place in Rivers State.

    The Publisher of Sun Newspaper, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, an APC chieftain, told a stunned audience how he attempted to stop the epoch making award, but the editorial board of the newspaper insisted that it was a merited award.

    Presenting the Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year award to Governor Wike, Publisher of Sun Newspaper and Former Abia State Governor, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu said the Rivers State Governor deserves the award in view of his performance.

    Nobody who has the opportunity to visit Rivers State will ignore the quality and number of interventions going on across the sectors. There is no single local government area has been left behind in the projects galore. Governor Wike has made every local government area to enjoy a sense of belonging.

    Receiving the award, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike assured that his administration will continue to deliver quality projects and programmes for the benefit of the Rivers people.

    He stated that he is determined to always make Rivers people happy by sustaining his performance.

    The governor said: “We will continue to deliver quality projects and programmes for the good people of Rivers State. We will not lower our performance.

    “All local government areas of Rivers State have been touched by the administration. It is either a school or hospital or road.  Every Local Government Area has one project or the other.

    After the Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year 2017 award, leaders from the six geo-political zones gathered in a hall at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island to celebrate Governor Wike and his commitment to the development of Rivers State.

    Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio said that Governor Wike will be re-elected on the basis of his outstanding performance and not on the basis of party consideration.

    He said former Governor Odili took Rivers State to Nigeria, while Governor Wike has taken the state to the world.

    He said: “We came here to celebrate a son of the Niger Delta and a humanist who believes in development.”

    National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus described the Rivers State Governor as a genuine development expert who has touched all areas in Rivers State.

    He said one of the miracles of the Wike administration  is the fact that road has reached Opobo and communities .

    Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education, Mr Zakari Mohammed said Governor Wike is a shining star that delivers on critical areas that improve the living condition of the people.

    Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Chibodum Nwuche said the award to the Rivers State Governor is for the entire people of the state.

    He said that in all the decisions that leaders take, they must always factor in the interest of the people.

    Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Ikuinyi Ibani and the Head of Service of Rivers State, Rufus Godwins praised the governor for providing the right leadership that has improved the fortunes of the state.

    Like Governor Wike told the esteemed guests at the Eko Hotel and Suites, the two awards will only spur him into delivering projects. After receiving the awards, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo  Wike flagged off the construction of Odufor-Akpoku-Umuoye Road in Etche LGA, the Eleme-Oyigbo that runs two local government areas and the Oyigbo-Market to Afam Road  in Oyigbo Local Government Area.  These three key roads that span over 50kilometres will provide over 2000 direct jobs and 10, 000 indirect jobs.

    Several other road and education projects will be flagged off in the coming few days across the state. Construction works are ongoing at the project sites flagged off by the Rivers State Governor.

    The recognitions from the leading media organisations have reinforced Governor Wike’s commitment to the development of the state.  He has refused to rest on his laurels and is working by the minute to redefine development in Rivers State.

     

    • Nwakaudu is Special Assistant (Broadcast Media) to Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike

     

  • Wike swears in 15 LG Caretaker Committee Chairmen

    Wike swears in 15 LG Caretaker Committee Chairmen

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has sworn-in 15 Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairmen who were screened and confirmed by the State House of Assembly.

    Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House Port Harcourt on Thursday, Wike charged the caretaker committee chairmen to pay the salaries of December 2017, January 2018 and February 2018.

    He explained that the funds were not released to the immediate past council administrators because the tenures of the former councils had expired.

    The governor said: “The payment of salaries of workers must be given priority attention.  As you take over the councils, pay the outstanding three months salaries.

    Read Also: Wike is the type of leader Nigeria needs – Former Speaker

    “Do not pay the salaries in batches. We did not release the funds because the tenure of the former councils had expired “.

    Governor Wike charged the urban local government areas to focus on sanitation of different suburbs. He urged the chairmen to engage youths to promote environmental sanitation.

    He also advised the newly appointed caretaker committee chairmen to work with security agencies to maintain security across the state.

    The governor said: “We are enjoying relative peace across the state. All caretaker committee chairmen should work with the security agencies to ensure there is no security breach.

    “Don’t go to your local government area and take actions that will negatively affect the  security infrastructure in the local government “.

    Governor Wike stated that any caretaker committee chairman involved in using council funds to service his political godfather will be sanctioned.

    The governor later held a closed door meeting with the Caretaker Committee Chairmen.

    In an interview, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Mrs Beatrice Awala stated that she will unite the local government and ensure that good governance is entrenched in the area.

  • Nwuche seeks unity of South South leaders

    Nwuche seeks unity of South South leaders

    Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Chibudom Nwuche has urged political leaders in Rivers State to eschew bitterness and be their brother’s keeper.

    A statement by the Office of the former Speaker said that Nwuche stated this while speaking on behalf of Rivers State Elder statesmen at Expo Convention Centre of Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos venue of the 2017 edition of the Annual Sun Awards where Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike was conferred with Sun Governor of the Year Award.

    It said that the former Speaker urged political leaders in Rivers State and south south in general to stop denigrating and running each other down as such negative tendencies is greatly affecting the development of Rivers state and the Niger Delta region.

    It said that Nwuche commended Wike whom he described as “a true statesman” for his developmental strides in Rivers state, a testimony that earned him the Sun governor of the year for two consecutive times making him the first governor  to win the coveted award back to back, an honour he described as well deserved.

    He urged governor Wike to see the award as a morale booster to do more for the people of Rivers irrespective of whether they are All Progressives Congress (APC) or Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    It said that Nwuche maintained that this was the season for governance, adding that when the season for politicking comes, the various parties will present their candidates and the electorate will decide.

    It said that the former Speaker also thanked The Sun Publishing Limited for finding the governor worthy to win the award again in 2017 after winning that of 2016.

    He used the opportunity to implore governor Wike to continue in his peace building efforts which results have started manifesting through the restoration of peace that has in turn restored investors’ confidence in Rivers State to provide jobs, employment and empowerment for the teeming youths of state and stop cultism and sundry crimes.

    He urged Niger Delta leaders to celebrate each other instead of only celebrating outsiders.

    It said that Nwuche described as a shame a situation “Niger Delta leaders keep setting up, blackmailing and using security agencies and fighting each other, instead of using their positions to develop the region and its people.”

    Nwuche urged politicians in the state to draw a line between politics and governance, noting that once elections are over, what is expected of leaders is to join hands to chart a common agenda for the development of the state and the country irrespective of party affiliation.

    He stressed that “governance is all about the people and posterity will always remember those who served selflessly while in power.”

    He urged them to imbibe President Buhari’s posture in focusing on governance after the 2015 elections, until it’s near the next election cycle.

    Nwuche noted that in spite of the sponsored write ups against his efforts at peace building and putting the people first, President Buhari has refused to see politics as a war without end as some desperate politicians were doing.

     

  • Nigeria will benefit from Pamo University of Medical Sciences – Abubakar

    Nigeria will benefit from Pamo University of Medical Sciences – Abubakar

    Former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar has declared that the establishment of Pamo University of Medical Sciences will help the country conserve foreign exchange as highly trained medical doctors will be educated locally.

    Abubakar who is the Chairman of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees of Pamo University of Medical Sciences said that the new institution will offer more Nigerians the opportunity to study medicine.

    The Former Head of State spoke at the Government House Port Harcourt on Saturday during a Courtesy Visit by the Governing Council and Board of Trustees of Pamo University of Medical Sciences to Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

    He said: “At present, only five percent of students who seek admission to study medicine gain admission into existing institutions “.

    He said that the Board of Trustees will work with the management  of the university to make it the best in the country.

    Abubakar urged the Rivers State Government to support the new University in its quest to develop medical education in the country.

    He further praised Governor Wike for his outstanding developmental strides, saying  that Rivers State is wearing a new look.

    Read Also: Abubakar advocates legal backing for traditional rulers

    Dr Peter Odili, former Rivers State Governor and Founder of Pamo University of Medical Sciences, assured that the university will live up to the expectations of Nigerian students.

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike described the establishment of the university as a commendable effort.

    He said Rivers indigenes who are interested in studying medicine would benefit from Pamo University of Medical Sciences because of admission slots.

    The governor noted that the Rivers State Government will sponsor eligible Rivers students to be trained as medical doctors in the university.

    He said: “I am encouraged by the quality of the university.  The Rivers State Government will partner with the university to train Rivers children “.

    He commended the Founder of Pamo University of Medical Sciences, Dr Peter Odili for his contributions to the development of Rivers State.

     

     

  • Wike performs Ground Breaking for construction of Women Development Skills Acquisition Centre

    Wike performs Ground Breaking for construction of Women Development Skills Acquisition Centre

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has laid the foundation stone for the construction of a Women Development Skills Acquisition Centre to empower women with relevant skills for economic sustenance.

    Performing  the ground-breaking on Friday, Governor Wike commended Total Upstream Nigeria and her partners for investing in the project.

    He said that the Rivers State Government  is committed to the welfare and empowerment of Women as captured in the 2018 Budget.

    The governor said: “The empowerment of Women is very key to the development of the state.  That is why we are investing resources to uplift our women.

    “We are happy with total and her joint venture partners for this project. We, however, urge them to make it a storey building.  Skills Acquisition is the way to go ”

    Rivers State Women Affairs Commissioner, Mrs Ukel Oyaghiri lauded the Joint venture partners for their investment in the lives of Rivers women.

    She said the project is in tandem with the vision of Governor Wike to empower Rivers Women.

    Read Also: Wike directs Tertiary Institutions to investigate lecturers involved in sexual harassment

    Representative of the Managing Director of Total Upstream, Engr Vincent Nnadi said the Women Development Skills Acquisition Centre is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.

    He said that the company decided to key into the development efforts of the Rivers State Government by supporting women with relevant skills.

    Also speaking, Dr Nkoyo Attah, Deputy General Manager of Total Upstream, said women will be empowered by the project to be contributors to the economy of the state.

     

  • Wike directs Tertiary Institutions to investigate lecturers involved in sexual harassment

    Wike directs Tertiary Institutions to investigate lecturers involved in sexual harassment

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has directed  the governing councils and heads of State-Owned Tertiary Institutions to set up committees to investigate reported cases of sexual harassment and sorting against lecturers.

    This decision was reached after a meeting the Rivers State Governor held with the chairmen of the Governing Councils, Vice Chancellors, Rectors and Provosts of State-Owned Tertiary Institutions at the Government House Port Harcourt.

    Read Also;Wike, Amaechi convoy clash in Port Harcourt

    A statement by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media noted that the institutions  involved include: Rivers State University, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Port Harcourt, Rivers State College of Health Science and  Technology and Rivers State School of Nursing.

    The Statement added that all the affected institutions  are expected to report back to the governor on the outcome  of their investigations.

     

  • PDP will win the 2019 Presidential election – Wike

    PDP will win the 2019 Presidential election – Wike

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) will win the Presidential election  in 2019 because Nigerians yearn for the return of pro-people leadership.

    The governor declared  that though the APC Federal Government and electoral officials are plotting to subvert the will of the people, they will be resisted by Nigerians.

    He spoke in  Asaba on Sunday night during the meeting of the National Working Committee and PDP Governors Forum.

    According to Governor Wike, if democratic principles are respected, those pretending to be seeking a second term after a woeful performance would have declined  contesting elections. 

    “We are going to win the Presidency in 2019. We take it for granted  that we have won our governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly seats”, he said.

    He said at present, PDP Governors are orphans in Abuja, hence the need to take over leadership at Federal  level

    The governor added: “Frankly speaking, If Nigeria is a country where democracy is democracy, so many wont talk about  contesting election. Because  first of all you need to tell the people what you have done for  them. 

    “What will they come to tell Delta people that they have done in the area? Nothing. What is their confidence? What will they say they have done in the Niger Delta?

    “What they don’t understand is that we are more prepared now than in the past. Anybody who thinks that he can come and rig us out, will fail.”

    Governor Wike said that the fight against corruption  must include the  struggle  for the promotion of a credible democratic electoral process. 

    He said: “Part of corruption that we must fight is the corruption of stealing people’s mandate. That is the biggest corruption. 

    “When we get that right, other things will fall in place.  It is corruption when you don’t allow those who have won to be declared as winners. “

    He regretted that Nigeria goes to smaller countries to observe how elections are conducted, but are unable to conduct credible polls.

    The governor said that no matter the antics of the APC Federal Government, Nigerians will insist on credible polls in 2019.

  • Re-positioning of Rivers health sector is on course – Wike

    Re-positioning of Rivers health sector is on course – Wike

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that the process for the re-positioning of  all levels of the health sector is effectively on course, with the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment for Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital.

    The governor also declared that the total rehabilitation of structures at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital will create the right environment  for quality tertiary healthcare.

    In an interview after an inspection visit to the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital in Port Harcourt on Monday, Governor Wike said that the health sector will continue to recover  priority attention from his administration.

    The governor who was accompanied on the project inspection by the National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, said that majority of the equipment procured by the State Government for the hospital have arrived.

    He said: “Our objective is to improve the standard of the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital as a centre of excellence in tertiary healthcare.

    “In terms of equipment, the contractors have done well. Eighty percent  of the equipment have arrived  the hospital premises and they will be installed as soon as the rehabilitation “.

    He, however, noted that the progress of work on the structural rehabilitation is slow, hence the contractors  should expedite action.

    “We believe the contractors should deploy more workforce for the rehabilitation of the hospital.  The State Government is doing what is necessary to enhance the quality of the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital “, he said.

    The governor also inspected the ongoing reconstruction of the Doctors Quarters at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital . He advised the contractors to improve on the pace of work.

    He assured that funding of the the projects will be sustained  early completion.

    The governor was briefed during the project inspection by Dr. Paul Kua, Medical Director of Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital, and Mrs. Ajumoke Okpu, Director of Nursing.

    The Wike administration has completed the reconstruction and equipping  of 13 General Hospitals spread across the three senatorial districts of the state.