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Tag: Nyesom Wike

  • Wike wins NMA merit award

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has been nominated for the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) healthcare merit award.

    A statement yesterday by the governor’s media aide, Simeon Nwakaudu, said Rivers NMA visited Wike to congratulate him on his re-election.

    Chairman Dr Obulebra Adebiyi said: “In view of the far reaching impact of your development projects in the health sector, and by the recommendation of NMA Rivers State, you have been nominated by the NMA President, Prof. Francis Faduyile, National Officers Committee and the National Executive Council for the highly esteemed NMA Healthcare Merit Award.

    “This award is conferred by the NMA to governors with exceptional performance, especially in the health sector, evidenced by the improved quality of care in the state, better equipped healthcare centres, proximity of healthcare centres to rural dwellers and better healthcare delivery indices within the period under review.”

    She said the award will be conferred on Wikeat the National Delegates’ Conference at Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

    Wike thanked NMA for the award, saying his administration will use the second term to address outstanding areas of development. He said the award will spur him to greater service.

    He said: “We had an interactive session with the NMA before the elections, and the doctors assured me of their support. This victory is not for any particular person; it is for Rivers people.

    “With what happened, it is important for all of us to work together to develop the state.”

    The governor announced that the seven-month entitlements owed House Officers will be settled, even as he directed the placement of the House Officers stipends under the management of Ministry of Finance.

  • Rivers APC makes peace with Wike

    Members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state on Monday laid down their swords and pledged support for success of Governor Nyesom Wike-led government.

    Led by Senator Andrew Uchendu(Rivers East), the members under the aegies of  “Elected and appointed members of the APC” told reporters in Port Harcourt, the state capital that the war of attrition was over.

    At the press conference was the State secretary of APC, Charles Bekee and spokesman, Chris Fynbone among other party chieftains.

    Uchendu expressed willingness of the opposition party to accept Wike’s call for peaceful coexistence of the all political parties.

    He said this call was in tandem with Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi’s appeal in his Easter goodwill message.

    The senator announced end to all forms of hate speeches in the state, saying “it is time for governance.”

    According to him: “Wike’s live broadcast marked the end of hate speeches in this state. We want to believe that for the sake of peace in the state that Wike is sincere in the state wide message, and base on that, days of hate speeches are over for is in the APC in the state.

    Read Also: Supreme Court seals Rivers APC’s fate

    “We want to allow Governor Wike to discharge his constitutional responsibilities, primary roles of the government are provided in the constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria to provide security for live and property in the state, no other person takes that responsibility l, and we are saying, we will join in that boat but only one captain will be piloting the boat and that captain is Gov. Wike, we will only help him to take the boat to the shore

    “When two captains are in one boat, there will be no headway. His clarion call we hope is one that should signal the end of politicking and the beginning of governance.

    “It is our considered opinion that Rivers people must now become the centre of all politics and governance.

    “We cannot continue to toy with the lives of our people or take them for granted any longer.

    “A key indicator of good governance is the return of peace and security in the State.

    On what should be the focus of Wike, Uchendus said: “Revitalization of the C4i Security architecture of the previous administration is necessary in fighting these criminal elements.

    “Rehabilitation of sons and daughters roaming the streets of foreign lands because of the cancellation or stoppage of their scholarship awards.

    “Re-activation of the Greater Port Harcourt Project and to decongest the state capital of the present overpopulated state

    “Completion of some of the laudable pro-people projects embarked upon by the administration of the Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. These done, we can expect to begin to see some changes.

  • Rivers Assembly ratifies suspension of 12 council chairmen

    Members of Rivers State House of Assembly on Tuesday approved the suspension of the 12 council chairmen by Governor Nyesom Wike.

    Wike last week announced the immediate suspension of the 12 chairmen on the grounds of failure to participate in a state function.

    The local government areas affected are:  Okrika, Abua/Odual, Emohua, Degema,  Khana, Gokana,  Ahoada East and Ikwerre.

    Others are:  Eleme,  Andoni,  Omuma and Ogu/Bolo local government areas.

    The governor later sent a request to the House to seal the action already effected.

    Read Also: Rivers Assembly rejects local govt autonomy

    The Executive request was read by the Speaker of the House, Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, for adoption, debate and approval by the lawmakers during plenary.

    Lawmakers, who spoke during the debate on the subject matter, said the governor’s action was in line with the Local Government Laws, 2018 as made by the Assembly.

    While making his contributions, Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government, Kelechi Nwogu, said the suspension of the council chairmen will serve as a deterrence to those, who might feel that they are above the law.

  • Minimum wage: I will pay whatever FG approves – Wike

    Rivers state Governor, Nyesom Wike on Friday said he would comply with the provisions of the new minimum wage law as approved by the National Assembly and recently ratified by President Mohammadu Buhari.

    Wike who spoke through the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Emma Okah, said, Rivers state Government will pay whatever is approved by the Federal Government.

    The Governor had earlier in various fora in the State unequivocally announced that the State will be the first to pay whatever was finally settled for as the new wage.

    Read also: Edo promises to pay minimum wage

    President Buhari recently signed into Law the N30, 000 new basic wage earlier approved for by the National Lawmakers.

    It is expected that the Implementation will begin shortly after the inauguration of new administration in the country,  on May 29, 2019.

  • Breaking: Wike suspends 12 council chairmen

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike on Thursday announced the suspension of 12 Local Government Council chairmen for insubordination.

    The suspended Council Chairmen are:  Okrika,  Emohua,  Abua/Odual,  Degema, Khana, Gokana,  Ahoada East,  Ikwerre, Eleme, Andoni,  Omuma and Ogu/Bolo Local Government Areas.

    Read Also: APC to Wike: leave Amaechi alone

    Nwakudu said the affected Chairmen were sanctioned for failure to participate in state official functions, which were not mentioned.

    Details shortly…

     

  • Wike to politicians: take advantage of my olive branch

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has called on all politicians in the state to take advantage of his post-election olive branch to develop the state.

    A statement by his media aide, Simeon Nwakaudu, said Wike spoke yesterday when the Governing Council of the Rivers State University visited him at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

    According to the governor, the state needs peace and security for rapid growth.

    He said: “We want everybody to take advantage of the olive branch if they love the state. We are not afraid of fight, but we want everyone to join us to work for the development of the state.

    “The state is uppermost on our mind. I will do everything possible to promote its peace. We thank God that all the political tension is behind us. You cannot govern a state when it is not peaceful. We continue to reiterate the need for peace. We want total peace and reconciliation.”

    Read also: ‘Wike should address insecurity’

    Governor Wike urged the Rivers State University to check cultism, and advised the university to submit names of cultists to the government for necessary action.

    Wike also approved the employment of academic and non-academic staff, even as he reiterated that the government will implement the de-centralisation of the Rivers State University, with the Ahoada Campus to be built soon.

    The Pro-Chancellor, Justice Iche Ndu, said the Wike’s re-election is well deserved as it flows from the people. He decried the violence which greeted the election, and called on the political class to cooperate with the governor to promote peace.

    Justice Ndu implored the governor to invite elders, statesman, church leaders and mediators to take over the peace building process.

    He also urged the governor to approve the employment of new academic and non academic staff for the institution.

  • ‘Wike should address insecurity’

    The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has called on Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike to address the insecurity in communities being ravaged by cult wars and violence.

    MOSOP President Chief Legborsi Pyagbara, in a statement yesterday, appreciated Wike’s plea for reconciliation and forgiveness, even as he urged the people to embrace the call for reconciliation for the good of the state and its people.

    He said: “Rivers State has for long been on the tenterhooks, making the people a laughing stock in the comity of states, all for the negative reasons. The reconciliation call by Governor Wike is indeed redeeming, refreshing and the needed tonic for brotherhood, peace and good neighbourliness.

    Read also: Wike cautions against ‘avoidable journeys’

    “Governor Wike must match the call for reconciliation and forgiveness with clear and demonstrable actions, by reaching out to leaders of political parties, groups, individuals and communities who have been aggrieved in course of his governance and actions taken.

    “One way the governor can demonstrate this is to ensure that a rainbow coalition of members is put in place in the constitution of a new cabinet in the.”

    Pyagbara was sure economic and social lives would bounce back fully with the reconciliation and forgiveness, thereby making people happy and the state becoming a centre of attraction to local and international tourists, development entrepreneurs and investors.

    He promised that MOSOP would remain committed to and supportive of any institutional, government or individual efforts aimed at giving the people a sense of belonging and the state becoming a pride of place.

  • Wike, others get Certificates of Return

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has gotten his Certificate of Return.

    Wike won the March 9 governorship elections after polling 886,264 votes to defeat African Action Congress (AAC) candidate, Biokpomabo Awara, who scored 173,859 votes.

    The certificate presentation ceremony was held at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Port Harcourt.

    The Deputy Governor-elect, Ipalibo Harry Banigo, and the 32 lawmakers-elect of the House of Assembly were also issued their Certificates of Return.

    The certificate was presented by the National Commissioner in charge of Rivers, Bayelsa and Edo States, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu.

    After receiving his certificate, Wike chided the Army for what he described as its “negative” influence in the elections. He dedicated his victory/certificate to God, the people for their votes and support and to those who died.

    He said: “I dedicate this victory to the people of Rivers State and those killed in defence of votes and democracy. But for their sacrifice, we would not be here.

    “The duty of the Army is not to take over INEC office and carry out collation. We saw the Army take over INEC functions and that of the police. Go to Bori Camp, you will see INEC materials. Should it be there? But for God, we wouldn’t have been here. All powers came, but God intervened and that’s why we are here.”

    The governor urged his opponents to take advantage of his olive branch, saying it was extended in the interest of the state.

    The Army insists that its men were professional, taking no sides.

    INEC National Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who was represented by Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu, thanked the people for their contributions to the successful conduct of the elections. He said steps must be taken to change the narrative of elections in the state.

    Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Obo Effanga said despite pressures and attacks, INEC conducted credible elections in line with extant laws.

    Thousands of people gathered at the Polo Field in Port Harcourt to celebrate the presentation of certificates.

    They kept vigil on Aba Road and proceeded to the Polo Club after the presentation. They sang songs of praises to God for the victory of the PDP.

    Wike, Harry-Banigo, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, described the celebration as historic because it captures the aspirations of the people.

    Secondus described the election as the longest in the history of the country, spanning March 9 to April 3.

    According to him, all Rivers leaders are standing with Wike because he is working for the people and promoting Rivers’ interest.

    He said: “This governor hears directly from God. If you don’t have the fear of God, you cannot forgive others. He has opened his doors for everyone. Our advice is for our brothers to take the opportunity so that we can consolidate on his achievements.”

  • Wike to lawmakers: be humbled by your victories

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has urged the state’s lawmakers to be humbled by their victories and re-dedicate themselves to the service of the people.

    A statement by his media aide, Simeon Nwakaudu, said Wike spoke when members of the House of Assembly visited him at the Government House yesterday.

    The statement reads:  “This victory should humble everyone and ensure that we re-dedicate ourselves to serve the people. We should see this as an opportunity to ensure a new beginning.

    Read also: APC to Wike: leave Amaechi alone

    “If you know the kind of things we faced from everywhere, within and outside, then you will always thank God.”

    Governor Wike stressed that members who lost the party tickets will be accommodated in the government. He particularly praised the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Marshal Uwom, and former Speaker Dabo Adams, for remaining loyal despite losing the party’s nominations.

    Speaker of the House of Assembly Ikuinyi Ibani said the lawmakers were in the Government House to congratulate Wike for his victory in the election. He promised that the Assembly will support the governor to deliver on his campaign promises to the people.

  • APC to Wike: leave Amaechi alone

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Chukwuemeka, has told Governor Nyesom Wike to leave Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi alone.

    Wike, after last week’s Supreme Court judgments, pleaded with Amaechi and other APC chieftains to join him to develop the state. He promised that court cases against APC members would be discontinued.

    But Eze, in a statement yesterday, said: “Wike’s broadcast, among other deficiencies, failed to address the critical issues bedevilling the state, especially insecurity and loss of value for human lives. The starting point for the governor ought to have been an unreserved apology to the people because he engineered the insecurity which has destroyed many communities.

    “Contrary to the erroneous impression contained in Wike’s broadcast, Amaechi has no case that Wike’s Attorney-General has to withdraw or recommend to be discontinued, as it is hypocritical to sit on a seat of the governor unjustly and look for who to hold peace parley with.

    Read also: Adelabu, APC get tribunal’s nod to inspect election materials

    “Neither the Transportation Minister nor the APC is the cause of the current bad governance in Rivers State. Wike, through his lack of vision and ineptitude, has turned the once economically bubbling, secure and peaceful state into a hotbed of cultism, killings, kidnapping and an unsafe haven. Persons who are responsible for the criminal activities are those who the governor and PDP are backing and protecting.”

    Chukwuemeka added that rather than waste time on empty broadcast, Wike should be preparing his defence at the tribunal “because the manipulated and massively-rigged elections would not stand”.

    He added: “It is sad that instead of Wike to address challenging issues confronting the people, he is dwelling so much on the crisis he ignited in Rivers APC, to his benefit.

    “While Wike was holding his state broadcast, medical doctors were protesting their unpaid seven-month salaries. Pensioners and civil servants are at a loss on who to present their plight of unpaid pensions and salaries months to.”

    The chieftain restated that pursuance of peace without social justice, mapping of strategies on job creation and elimination of hunger, amelioration of the plights of the civil servants, pensioners and most importantly strategies on restoration of security in Rivers State, would not bring about the desired results.