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Tag: Nyesom Ezenwo Wike

  • Nigeria is in a coma, says Wike 

    Nigeria is in a coma, says Wike 

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that Nigeria is in a coma, saying only the PDP can salvage the  country. 
    This is as Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido declared that he has the capacity  to revive the fortunes of the country.
    They spoke at the Government House Port Harcourt on Wednesday when the Former Jigawa State Governor visited to inform Governor Wike of his intention  to vie for the position of the President. 
    Governor Wike said that the APC is a party of strangers with no knowledge  of the intricacies of development. 
    He said that the APC thrives in politics of mischief wherein it engages in high level intimidation, corruption and dirty political  schemes to compel defection of PDP members to her fold.
    “If you decamp to the APC, you are no longer corrupt.  APC  is a party of daylight deceit.
    “I am happy that one of those who left to bring a messiah, have realised that the so-called messiah they brought  is no longer the messiah Nigerians expect. PDP  is the only hope for Nigeria”, Governor Wike said. 
    The governor  noted that though the PDP  made mistakes in the past, the Party is the only platform with the commitment and patriotism  to take the country out of the current situation. 
    He said the present political and economic situation in the country require politicians with courage to rescue  the country. 
    He said those who benefited from the PDP since inception till 2013 before defecting are the same people sponsoring  negative propaganda against the Party.
    The governor described Lamido as a committed and consistent  PDP member who is courageous and has the capacity  to confront the APC.
    He, however, urged all Presidential Aspirants to accept the verdict of the Party at the end of the primary. 
    Also speaking, Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido said  he is presenting himself to take over in 2019 because  the nation deserves to move forward. 
    He said that if given the opportunity to lead Nigeria, he has the capacity  to unite Nigeria and set it on the path of growth. 
    He said: “I want to run because I feel I can do it. I have the pedigree.  We stand  to fight for democracy  and the restoration of Nigeria”.
    He said that his will work with other PDP leaders to transform Nigeria for the good of the people. 
    The Former Jigawa State Governor said that the APC is a party of hate and deceit, hence it should be sacked in 2019.
  • Our administration has people’s support – Wike

    Our administration has people’s support – Wike

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that all the evil machinations of the APC Federal Government ahead of 2019 will fail because his administration has the backing of the people.

    Speaking during a solidarity visit by the New Rivers Lawyers Initiative at the Government House Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Governor Wike urged Rivers people to remain vigilant as the country heads to 2019.

    He said: “We must prepare for 2019. What is good is that we have not abandoned our people, who are our strength.

    “The agents of the APC Federal Government will come with guns and security, but they will fail. They came with guns and security during the rerun, but our people were vigilant.

    “They have nothing to tell our people to convince them to follow the APC. As we head to 2019, they will form activity in Ogoniland and other communities, flagging off fake projects. But our people will not be deceived “.

    He said that unlike other governors, he will never negotiate away the future of Rivers State with the Federal Government, noting that he will always stand with the people.

    Commenting on the role that the New Rivers Lawyers Initiative played in the emergence of his administration, Governor Wike lauded them for galvanizing support for him at a time many groups doubted the destination.

    He said that he is running a pro-people administration which will remain focused despite the attempts to distract the state government from the Federal Government.

    In his remarks, the Coordinator of New Rivers Lawyers Initiative, Barrister Bethel Kejeh said that the group has endorsed the Rivers State Governor to seek a second term in office.

    He said that the New Rivers Lawyers Initiative will work hard to mobilise Rivers people to vote for the governor because he has improved the state since 2015.

    Barrister Kejeh said that Governor Wike has made Rivers lawyers proud by keeping his campaign promises despite the economic downturn.

    The highpoint of the visit was the presentation of an award of recognition for performance to the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike by the New Rivers Lawyers Initiative.

  • Putting UN Award for Wike in proper context

    In the midst of national retrogression and unparalleled economic stagnation, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has emerged as Nigeria’s leading light . An icon of development and good governance.

    Governor Wike has proved that in the midst of national failure, a leader can re-define the developmental reality for his people and set them aside for greater things.  He has proved that Nigeria cannot be all bad news. He has shown to the world that there are great performers in Nigeria. Men committed to development and uninterested in propaganda and distractions.

    Under the leadership of Governor Wike, Rivers State  has transformed into Nigeria’s Oasis of Development. A huge construction site, with a growing economy  that works for the people.

    In the recent past, Governor Wike has been a recipient of several awards on the account of his performance.  He won the Independent Newspapers  Man of the Year 2016, the Authority Newspaper Man of the Year, 2016 and Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year, 2016. He was also enthroned  as Rivers State  Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Apostle of Peace.

    After over two years of total and rapid development  of a New Rivers State , Governor Wike has been recognised  for his outstanding contribution to sustainable cities. Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has been nominated for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) “Global Human Settlements  Outstanding Contribution Award “.

    The “Global Human Settlements  Outstanding Contribution Award ” is organised by Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards (SCAHSA). The group is supported by the United Nations Environment.

    In a letter of notification  of  the award to Governor Wike , Secretary of Global Forum on Human Settlements and Main Representative to the United Nations, Mr Lu Haifeng,  said the award would be conferred on the governor  at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on October 31.

    The ceremony  will be held as part of the 12th Global Forum of Human Settlements at the United Nations Headquarters in New York between October 30 and 31. According to the Main Representative to the United Nations, Governor Wike  is being recognised  for his great commitment and contribution to sustainable  cities in Rivers State.

    The group further lauded Governor Wike for developing infrastructure in settlements in different parts of the state and ensuring that people have access to basic amenities.

    Governor Wike was also applauded  for constructing the Iriebe Medium Housing Estate, Rivers Quarters at the NNS Pathfinder, Quarters for Junior Staff of the DSS and facilitating  the improved  investment in housing by private investors.

    The Rivers State Governor also received  commendations for investing in land reclamation/sand filling in Asari-Toru, Degema, Akuku-Toru and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas.

    The centre-piece of Governor Wike’s development programmes have been to improve  the living conditions of Rivers people, by developing  infrastructure  that will enhance their living standards in communities  where everyone will be proud to live in.

    The actualisation  of the goals of the administration is a work in progress. However, it is safe to declare that so much has been achieved within the period under review.

    Wike started his exemplary leadership with the development of critical infrastructure  that improved the living conditions in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.

    On his very first day in office on May 29, 2015, the governor launched the “Operation Zero Potholes”. This project created access to densely  populated suburbs  in Diobu and Borokiri/Port Harcourt Township.

    The road and drainage  infrastructure  across Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor have led to better housing facilities in different suburbs, improved security  and other basic amenities.

    Aside, the massive development of road infrastructure in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike has constructed inter and inter community roads in 13 out of the 23 Local Government Areas to create the required access to these areas . The creation  of access to communities  have created additional settlements and improved housing.

    Land Reclamation and Sand-Filling of areas to create additional lands for housing and settlements have received the deserved attention  of the Wike administration.

    The land reclamation projects in Asalama (Asari-Toru) , Bakana(Degema) and Nkpogu/Ogbunabali (Port Harcourt City) are projects that will develop new settlements in the state. In the case of Asari-Toru and Degema Local Government Areas, the beneficiaries of the reclaimed lands would be less privileged persons.

    Since May 29, 2015, Governor Wike has created the right environment for  the development of affordable housing.  The Iriebe Low Housing Estate completed and commissioned by the administration, accommodates 50 low income families , especially civil servants.

    The administration constructed 50 one bedroom (self contained) houses for operatives of the Department of State Services working in the state.

    There is the ongoing construction  of the Nigerian Air Force Quarters, while the Rivers Quarters at the NNS Pathfinder has been completed and commissioned.

    Private Housing Developers have been attracted to the state as a result of the programmes of the Wike administration.  The Lekki Gardens Estate  has been commissioned at the GRA in Port Harcourt.

    Port Harcourt has been made more habitable with the installation and  revival of street and traffic lights, the construction of Port Harcourt Pleasure Park and the improvement of security across the state.

    Governor Wike’s improvement of educational and health facilities  across the state have re-established the framework for a rewarding growth of Port Harcourt and other towns in Rivers State.

    • Nwakaudu is Governor Wike’s aide on electronic media

     

     

  • Wike’s development-centered politics

    In today’s Nigeria, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is known to be the pillar of the opposition.  The platform on which the revival of Nigeria rests.

    Therefore, all his actions  are monitored  closely  by the opposition and key figures in the ruling party. His steps are significant as they determine the direction of the opposition.

    When live pictures began to emerge from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Saturday, 19th August, 2017, millions of Nigerians  were pleasantly  surprised to see that Governor Wike was amongst  the dignitaries  on hand  to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Governor Wike’s  presence at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and later at the Presidential Villa sent a clear message to the political  class.

    Though we may belong to different political parties and persuasions, we share  a common nationality, we share a common  humanity. What affects one person, affects the other.

    Our differences, the governor’s presence dictated, should not stop us from seeking national development, strengthening   inter-governmental ties and making government relevant to the governed.

    Wike’s politics is totally focused on development  and the welfare of the  people. This  political  principle  has guided his  political  actions over the years.

    As a master strategist, he takes deliberate  steps that  strengthen  the ties of friendship and unity to the benefit of the good people of Rivers State.

    On his  presence to receive President Buhari, Governor Wike  said, “We are happy, that he is alive and that is why l am here today to rejoice with the family. We should not play politics with everything. We are here talking about health and irrespective of the party l belong to, you can see that l am here today to rejoice with the family. That is what it is supposed to be. Don’t play politics with health issues, don’t do that. So, irrespective of what is going on out there, one is happy to be here.”

    Secretary to the  Rivers State Government Kenneth Kobani explained it thus: ”

    I am a very happy Nigerian  today. The return of Mr President is indeed a thing of joy.Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliations have every right to rejoice that he is back and looks hale and hearty. Our celebrations must also reflect our unity and diversity as a nation. He is our President.  Thank you Governor Wike  for being present at the airport to receive our President and father of the nation, alongside the Acting President  and some of your brother Governors.  This is how it should be.”

    By his presence at the airport ceremony marking the return of President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Wike advised the leadership of the APC that beyond politics is the need to preserve Nigeria and always show respect  for constituted authority.

    The governor by his presence at the airport ceremony indicated  that the bonds of friendship , love and the pan-Nigerian spirit   must be consolidated  for the good of the country.

    As a leading opposition governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike  has always shown  maximum respect  for the Presidency.  He has friends  in the APC, working for the overall development of Nigeria. This has not  stopped  him from holding his political views in defence of Rivers State.

    Even when he disagrees with the Federal establishment of the country, it is usually on the basis of principles. The governor has never taken  the Presidency  to the  cleaners  as was the practice  by key APC chieftains during the previous era.

    Rivers State has suffered the most in the hands of the APC and their destructive propaganda machine. Officials of the  APC Federal Government sponsor negative media campaign against the state with the aim of de-marketing it. They incite violence and propaganda to undermine Rivers State and her people.

    Only recently, the Rivers APC worked negatively  to truncate the commissioning of projects by the Vice President.

    The APC  should learn   to de-emphasise selfish  politics, which relegates development  and  enthrones political advantage. It is true  that they gained political  victory  in 2015  through mischievous  and venomous propaganda, but the reality  today is different. They should face  governance  and start developing a Pan-Nigerian platform.

    This  is the time to heal a divided nation. This is a time to stop the lies and propaganda.  This is a time to cultivate  friendship  across party lines, while still maintaining  the distinct  features of individual  political families.  This is the time to  put Nigeria first and work for the people.

    APC is on its back foot today because  it thinks that governance is simply  acquisition of media mileage.  It has learnt  through  the hard  way that  performance remains the key factor to the growth of any nation.

    In summary, APC should learn from Governor Wike.  Governor Wike elevates the people more than  any other consideration. He respects our shared  humanity , more than  media mileage.  Now is the  time for APC  to face reality  and start working. Enough of lies and negative propaganda.

  • Wike: Rivers people want True Federalism  

    Wike: Rivers people want True Federalism  

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that Rivers people are insisting on true federalism because they crave a country where all federating units are allowed to develop in line with their respective potentials and resources.

    The governor emphasised that the demand for true federalism simply means that Rivers people believe in a united Nigeria, where  no section  is denied the control of her resources.

    The governor who spoke at the Government House Port Harcourt on Tuesday night when the Rivers State Government hosted the Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria, Mr William Symington to a State Banquet, also called on the Government of the United States of America to set up a Visa Office in Port Harcourt to  cater for  the South-South and South-East.

    He said: “We are clamouring for true federalism.  When you talk true federalism, they think  you don’t want to  be part of the  country. We talk about true federalism as practiced in America.  A true presidential system where all the Federating units will be allowed to enjoy their resources and contribute to the centre.

    “That means we believe that there must be a country called Nigeria.  All of us will work together for the unity of the country”.

    He explained that Rivers people  seek equity, fairness and justice in the country, stating that the right framework  must be established  to ensure that all states excel at their pace.

    On the request for the United States Government to set up a Visa Office in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said the visa will resolve  the issue of equity  and justice as the Abuja office serves the north and Lagos office serves the South West.

    He assured that the American Ambassador that the state is safe for business, pledging that his administration will partner with investors, as the right environment has already been created.

    “Forget about the media propaganda.  This state is an opposition state. Therefore, don’t expect them to say it is the best.  But, we are the best state. We are doing everything to ensure that investors do profitable business under the ambit of the law”, Governor Wike said.

    In his remarks, the Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria, Mr William Symington commended Nigerians for the unity of the country.

    He said that Nigeria is a great country because of the contributions of Nigerians.

    “Nigeria will be great and I expect a super power and a super partner “, he said.

    The Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria was accompanied by the Consul General , John Bray.

    Head of Service of Rivers State, Mr Rufus Godwins, in a welcome remark on behalf of the Rivers State Government, pointed out that Rivers State shares a lot of similarities with the  United States of America, especially in the area of the presence of oil resources, love of human rights, justice and fair play.

    He, however, pointed out that while United States practices fiscal federalism where federating states own their resources, Rivers State suffers untold hardship as her resources are exploited to the benefit  of others.

     

  • UCL victory: Wike to establish Real Madrid Football Academy in Rivers

    UCL victory: Wike to establish Real Madrid Football Academy in Rivers

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that a Real Madrid Football Academy will be established in the state to groom international soccer talents.

    L-R: Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Former Attorney General, Hon Frank Ohwor, Former Acting National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus and PDP Chieftain; Prince Emma Anyanwu during the celebration of Real Madrid Champions League Victory

    Speaking at the Government House Port Harcourt on Tuesday night during a victory party he hosted for Real Madrid Fans to celebrate the club’s Champions League Trophy, Governor Wike informed that he has opened discussions with the club management to actualize this goal.

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike  (4th Right) his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike (3rd Right) and others during the celebration of Real Madrid Champions League Victory.

    He said football, apart from being a source of entertainment globally, has proven to be a veritable empowerment tool.

    On the 2017 Champions League final in Cardiff, Governor Wike said though most people did not give Real Madrid a chance to lift the trophy, the club displayed its resilience and discipline as it went ahead to create history.
    The governor said that in today’s world club football, Real Madrid Football club has a competitive edge over other clubs.
    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (m) and others during the celebration of Real Madrid Champions League Victory

    The celebration party which took place at the new Government House, Port Harcourt Amphitheatre attracted Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Government Officials and Party Leaders.

    The event was laced with music provided by Popular Rivers Gospel Musician, Sensational Dele, jokes, banters and celebratory songs.

    Most of the officials at the celebration wore jerseys and insignia of Real Madrid Football club.

  • My administration will recover Ikoyi fund, Says Governor Wike

    My administration will recover Ikoyi fund, Says Governor Wike

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that his administration will recover the state funds found at an Ikoyi residence despite the antics of the Federal Government. 
     
    Speaking during a special appearance on Channels Television Sunrise Programme, Governor Wike reiterated that the money stashed at the Ikoyi residence belongs to the people of Rivers State. 
     
     He said the state team of lawyers are already working to ensure that Rivers State gets back her funds which are proceeds from the sale of the assets of the state. 
     
    Recall that Governor Wike had a press conference explained that the Ikoyi funds  were proceeds from the sale of the assets of the state government, by the immediate past Amaechi administration. 
     
    “We will follow due process of the law to get back Rivers State money found at the Ikoyi residence. This money belongs to the Rivers State people. We have conducted out checks.
     
    “We will stun Nigeria with this matter. We will come out with our evidence at the appropriate time”.
     
    The governor said that the state government will not reveal its strategy to recover the state because of the games being played by the APC Federal Government. 
     
    He said that the politicization of the entire issue of the Rivers State fund discovered at the Ikoyi residence, indicate that the Federal Government has a something to hide.
     
    On developments in the Niger Delta, Governor Wike stated that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is working at cross purposes with the region.
     
    He said that the NDDC politicises the process of its execution of projects which are usually abandoned. He added that the agency deliberately refuses to liaise with the states before projects  are initiated.
     
    On the PDP crisis, Governor Wike stated that he is supporting Makarfi and that he will wait for the Supreme Court to state its position. The governor declared that it is very much unlikely that he will work with Ali Modu Sheriff.
     
    He said: “It is very much unlikely that I will work with Ali Modu Sheriff.  It is not possible for me to stay with Sheriff.”
     
    The governor  explained that Sheriff has no love for the PDP  as he has continued to work against the party, in liaison  with the APC. The governor alleged that in Benue and Jigawa States APC Government to frustrate the PDP  in upcoming Local Government elections. 
     
  • ‘Rivers people are reaping rewards of electing prepared governor’

    ‘Rivers people are reaping rewards of electing prepared governor’

    Former Abia State Governor and Vice Chairman of Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Theodore Orji has described the transformation taking place across Rivers State as a wonderful outcome of voting a prepared leader.

    Addressing journalists after joining Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on projects inspection on Thursday, Senator Orji noted that all projects being executed in the state are targeted at improving the living condition of the people.

    He said: “This transformation is wonderful. You need to come to Rivers State to see things physically.

    “It is not enough to hear the wonderful works of Governor Wike from outside. When you come to the state, you feel the work of the governor and know that transformation is going on.”

    He expressed satisfaction with the quality of roads and bridges being constructed across the state, noting that they will help in strengthening the economy.

    “I have seen real development. Construction of roads, bridges, parks and hospitals. Governor Wike is indeed a transformer,” he said.

    The Former Abia State  Governor particularly lauded Governor Wike for his the development of the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, saying that it will place the state on the tourism map of the continent.

    “Look at the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park. This place was a slum, but the governor has transformed it into an international tourist centre. He is even planning to build a five-star hotel in the park”, Senator Orji said.

    Former Abia State  Governor and Governor Wike inspected the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, the Second Nkpogu Bridge, the Ogbunabali/ Nkpogu Land Reclamation  Project, Restored Brick House, Government House Chapel and the Amphitheatre.

    Governor Wike explained that his administration will continue to sustain the development of projects across the state.

  • Jonathan visits Wike

    Jonathan visits Wike

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday visited Government House, Port Harcourt.

    The Former President was received by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

    Also present during the visit were the Chief of Staff to Governor Wike, Engr Emeka Woke; the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Hon Kenneth Kobani and the Edo State PDP Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih.

    Jonathan and Governor Wike had a closed door meeting at the Government House, Port Harcourt before the former President  left for another engagement  at Okrika.

  • Wike advises INEC, Police to ‘shun’ electoral malpractices 

    Wike advises INEC, Police to ‘shun’ electoral malpractices 

    Ahead of the conclusion of rerun elections in Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency on Saturday, February 25, 2017, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has advised the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to shun electoral malpractices and violence.
    The governor also appealed to INEC  to desist from actions that would negatively affect the smooth conduct of the conclusion of the election in the Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency.
    Speaking on Wednesday at Okehi in Etche Local Government Area during the PDP Campaign for Etche/ Omuma Federal Constituency, Governor Wike said the forthcoming conclusive rerun elections presents INEC  and Police the opportunity to redeem themselves.
    Commenting on the  INEC Panel Report which indicted the police for electoral fraud, ballot box snatching and violence, the governor noted that in saner climes the Police High Command and all those mentioned would have resigned their respective positions.
    He said: “If we are in a civilised country with the right leadership, these persons mentioned in the report would have resigned from their positions.
    “They should bury their heads in shame. They are plotting how to kill us, but God is exposing them. It is only God that has the final say”.
    He said despite the machinations by APC leaders backed by the police, the voice of the people of Etche must be heard.
    The governor called on the people of Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency to defend their votes on Saturday.
    “The money that is keeping  Nigeria afloat is from Rivers State.  Therefore Nigeria must listen to Rivers State.  The voices of our people must be heard”, he said.
    He called on the people to defend their votes as they did on December 10, 2016.
    The governor assured the Etche people of more projects across the area. Earlier, the governor inspected ongoing construction of the Chokocho-Umuechem-Ozuzu road and Chokocho-Igbo Etche road which he flagged off last year.
    Also speaking, Former Acting National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus and PDP Chieftain, Chief Sergeant Awuse urged the Etche people to support the PDP candidates for the rerun legislative elections on Saturday.