The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Port Harcourt

  • ‘Reactivate WAGI” workers appeals to Wike

    Workers of West African Glass Industry WAGI, under the aegis of the Chemical and Non Metallic Products Senior Staff Association (CANMPSSA), of Nigeria have called on the governors of Rivers and Bayelsa states to come to their rescue and save their jobs and the company from being sold by few individuals.

    WAGI is jointly owned by Rivers and Bayelsa state but located in Trans-Amadi Industrial area of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    In a joint “Save our Souls” statement in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Tuesday,  by WAGI labour Union executives, including the chairman,   junior staff union and addressed by the chairman of the Senior staff union,  comrade Agbozu Dinipre , they alleged that few workers of the company being led by one Emmanuel Kany, are making frantic efforts to save the company, have purportedly got court order to sale it.

    They noted that the company has been going through challenging priod which led to its temporary shutdown but said an investor has indicated interest in reviving it and also absorbing the workers but regretted that Mr. Kany and his group are frustrating the planned take off of the company with undue litigation, as a ploy to canvass for a buyer.

    They appealed to Governors Nyeson Wike and Seriake Dickson to quickly intervene and stop Mr.  Kany and co. from carrying out the evil plan.

    They lamented the hardship the workers and their families had faced since the closure in 2009 and said the suffering would be worse if they allow Kany to sale off the property and sack all workers, expressing the expectations to get their jobs back when it is reactivated.

    According to the group, process to reopen operation under the new investor has already begun with the release of the first trench of the workers’ terminal benefits that were not paid before the company closed down and called on the Governors to ensure the company was saved from the activities of these  “disgruntled elements who have no good intentions for the states and the South-south region.” theysaid,

    They further said, ”WAGI is the first glass industry in the then Eastern region built by Micheal Okpara in 1964 and presently a joint property of Rivers and Bayelsa states, should not be allowed to be treated like an orphan that can be sold without anyone asking questions.

    “Meanwhile the investor has begun the payment of the workers entitlement by releasing N40 millions part payment as agreed and more than half of the workers have already collected what is due them.

    “The issue is that Mr. Kany told the Enugu court that he instituted the suit on the grounds that he was the vice chairman of WAGI labour Union branch, which is not true. Kany is our colleague and a senior staff though,  but he holds no position both in the company and the workers union.” he stated.

    Speaking further said, “The amount he claimed in his suit is completely at variance with what the workers were demanding from the state government, while the union was claiming N317 million as our due benefits, he went to court and claimed the sum of N695 million as the same workers terminal benefits.

    “What we are saying categorically is that Mr.  Kany is not in any way the representing WAGI Labour Union, not even in the court and the purported judgement he allegedly got from Enugu industrial court. Kany is an impostor,  impersonator, though a colleague,  but he holds no office in CANMPSSA.” he insisted.

    He reiterated the hopes and interest of the workers in having the company revived and their employments restored and not the clamour for sale by Kany and his cohorts, and called on Governor Wike to come to their rescue, stressing that with the planned expansion by the current investor,  the company when it comes up to full swing would be capable of employing  over 1000 person both in direct and indirect jobs.

    “We are concerned with WAGI coming back on swing,  and presently efforts are seriously on to achieving that but for Mr.  Kany’s court action which is frustrating the progress.

    “Mr.  Kany has no right,  permission of the workers to represent us in any way,  those discussing with him for the sale and purchase of WAGI should be warned to steer clear,  the company is not for sale,  WAGI is government property and no individual has the power to trade the company, joint property of states.

    “I want to use this opportunity to call on the governors of Rivers and Bayelsa state to rise up to the occasion and stop the illegality that is about to take place in WAGI to save the commonwealth of the people of the states, but instead collaborate with the new investors to reactivate the place to create jobs for the teeming unemployed undugenes of the state and citizens of the country at large.”

    Howeve Mr. Kany could not be contacted for his reactions as his mobile telephone line could not be traced as at the time if filing thus report.

     

     

  • Over 32,000 unclaimed driver’s license in Rivers says FRSC

    …says drivers error is major cause of road accidents

     

     

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Zone 6, has disclosed that there are over 32,000 drivers license in various licensing offices in Port Harcourt,  zonal command in Rivers State capital.

    The Assistant Corps Marshal in the zone, Kingsley Agomoh discloses this in the 2018 first quarter town hall meeting by the command in Obio/Akpo Local Government Area of the state, on Monday.

    Agimoh said the documents have been in the offices unclaimed for over one year and wondered how the owners have been successfully using the roads without a valid drivers license; he appealed to those who applied for the issuance of the document to quickly approach any of the four offices for identification and collection.

    He said, “More than 32,000 unclaimed vehicle licenses are in different licensing offices in Port Harcourt,  we are urging those who have applied to go to those centres and collect them.

    “Also, those whose licenses have expired on or before November 2017 and have been operating with the temporary licenses should also go and collect the permanent licenses, they are ready for collection.”

    He urged those who wish to do new drivers licenses or renew their old ones to go to any of the four centres in the state and stop patronizing the fraudsters at the various unauthorized places like the state and federal secretariats among others, stressing that any licens done in unauthorized centres is fake and criminal adding that anyone caught with fake license would be prosecuted.

    Also speaking on drivers license, the Sector commander, Emmanuel Etuk reiterated that driving without a valid license is a serious traffic offence and that anybody from 18 years is qualified to drive in Nigeria but must be licensed to drive or be punished.

    Earlier in his lecture topic, ”Community participation in road crash reduction” Etuk identified human error as the major cause of road accidents on Nigerian roads;- over speeding and drunk driving.

    He also noted mechanical faults and poor state of infrastructure as contributory factors but said if drivers diligently observe traffic rules and passengers comply with them, the later could be managed to the safety of the vehicle occupants.

    The sector commander used the event to urged road users to ensure their vehicles are in good shape to embark on any journey especially at the forthcoming Easter celebrations, just as he advised on the need to avoid night journeys and be free from alcohol while on the steering.

    In his contribution, the state Commissioner of Police,  Zaki Ahmed urged communities in the state to collaborate with all security agencies in the state to deliver a peaceful, accident and crime free state to all residents.

    He reiterated the commitments of the Police in ensuring that cultism, and other forms of crime and cruminalities are eradicated, but tasked communities, and their leaders to volunteer useful information to security operatives.

  • Buhari okays $15 billon loan negotiation for Port Harcourt – Maiduguri rail project

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved negotiation for $15 billion loan for the completion of work on the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri rail project.

    This was disclosed to State House correspondents by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Ameachi, after a closed door meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He also said that the President has approved negotiations of funds for the execution of Lagos – Calabar rail project to ensure its speedy completion.

    He said “Don’t forget that the Lagos-Calabar is yet to start because of funds; the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri is yet to start because of funds, but the President has approved that we negotiate for funds.

    “We are almost concluding negotiations for the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri. We are looking at the cost – is in the neighbourhood of between 14 and 15 billion dollars.’’

    He explained that a lot of progress is being made in the area of revamping rail transportation network across the country.

    According to him, the laying of tracks on the Lagos-Ibadan route would commence next month, stressing that the project would provide a lot of job opportunities to Nigerians.

    He said “If the rain doesn’t start early we will start laying tracks on the Lagos-Ibadan route in April and hopefully we believe we can complete it in December or January and open it up for passengers and business and we expect about 6, 000,000 tons of cargo out of the 30,000,000 tons of cargo that we have between Lagos and Kano.

    “In terms of job creation, you can be rest assured that it will be in thousands,” he added.

    https://soundcloud.com/thenationnewspaper/buhari-approves-negotiations-for-15bn-loans-to-finance-rail-projects

    He said that the Itakpe – Warri rail project was being reconstructed as he hoped  that it would be inaugurated by August.

    He said: “The tracks were already there but they were vandalised so we are rebuilding those tracks and then building new stations.

    “We are also reconstructing a yard that was abandoned. All things being equal, the place should be ready soon, we gave them May as completion period but let’s say by August we should be commissioning.’’ he added

    The Minister reassured that adequate security had been taken to guarantee safety of passengers aboard rail transportation in the country.

    “There are policemen in all the coaches that ply our routes. So if the passengers are attacked by armed robbers, they will report while they take action,” he said.

     

  • Buhari’s proposed visit to Rivers: Wike must be called to order – APC chairman

    Buhari’s proposed visit to Rivers: Wike must be called to order – APC chairman

    The Rivers State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Davies Ikanya, has insisted that Governor Nyesom Wike must be called to order to stop overheating the polity, ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s proposed visit to Rivers.

    Ikanya on Friday in Port Harcourt, through his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media/Public Affairs Consultant, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, declared that he was not so sure of the soundness of Wike’s mind, especially for his (Rivers governor’s) uncouth words on President Buhari, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

    Wike, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Thursday in Port Harcourt, while kicking off the reconstruction of Egbelu Street and construction of link roads in East-West in Rumuodara, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers, stated that the Federal Government had not informed him of President Buhari’s visit and the reason behind the planned visit.

    He alleged that the proposed visit might be aimed at reviving the fortunes of the APC that he claimed to be dead in the state, fondly referred to as “Rivers of Blood,” in view of the fact that Wike emerged governor through violence, massive rigging, killing and beheading of many members of the APC.

    The Rivers governor urged people of the state not to be bothered about the politics or otherwise of President Buhari’s visit to the state, claiming that the state is very peaceful.

    Wike said: “Maybe the President is  coming to make sure that he will improve the fortunes of the APC that is dead in Rivers State. Apart from Jesus Christ, we do not know of anyone who has risen a dead thing. APC is a dead party in Rivers State. No matter how you fast and pray, it will never wake up.

    “Let nobody bother him or herself that the President is coming for security reasons. We do not have security challenges in Rivers State. We have never had herdsmen killings or crisis in the state, except when some criminals tried to disrupt the  peace and they were checked. We resolved that challenge.

    “Since the administration has abandoned Rivers State for three years, this visit may be a blessing in disguise. The President may  use the visit to complete the Port Harcourt International Airport, the neglected East-West Road, the neglected sea ports and the rejected Port Harcourt-Aba Road.”

    Rivers APC chairman, however, stated that Wike attempted to incite the people of the state against President Buhari by insinuating that the Federal Government decided to abandon Rivers state since he assumed office in almost three years.

    Ikanya said: “Wike’s remarks are provoking, uncouth, inciting, unacceptable and should be withdrawn, as a matter of urgency, as members of APC in Rivers State will not for any reason risk the life of our dear President in the hands of Wike and his misguided cohorts.

    “Let Wike be warned that the proposed visit of President Buhari will not be like the visit of some Northern governors that visited Port Harcourt in 2014 to sympathise with their colleague, the then Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (now Transportation Minister), over the wicked humiliation he suffered in the hands of Wike and his collaborators, but the visiting governors were attacked and their vehicles damaged at the Port Harcourt International Airport by Wike’s thugs

    “It is difficult to forget how Wike as Minister of State for Education and the then PDP’s governorship aspirant, ordered his militia group, the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), to attack the visiting governors in 2014. In case Wike is planning similar attack on President Buhari, he will be disappointed this time.

    “Everybody knows Wike’s type of politics of violence, but no harm should be visited on President Buhari or any member of his delegation during the visit to commiserate with the people of Omoku and other parts of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State, for the sad and unfortunate killing of their loved ones during the New Year’s Day massacre of 23 innocent worshippers, after the crossover service, by associates of Wike.

    “Wike’s claim that APC is dead in Rivers State is laughable, because a party with two Senators (Senator Magnus Abe and Senator Andrew Uchendu), compared with Wike’s dying PDP’s one sleeping Senator cannot be said to be a dead party in Rivers State. Wike is the Chief Campaign Officer of APC for the 2019 general elections, based on his wicked policies against the youths, students, civil servants, pensioners and foreign investors. Although, Rivers people are sad over Wike’s lack of good policies to improve the lot of our people, but he (Wike) will unfailingly be voted out in 2019, thereby allowing the enthronement of a government that will be ready to work for the people of Rivers State.

    “If Rivers State is peaceful, as claimed by Wike, why is he budgeting a whopping sum of N22 billion to establish a private army unit, named Neighbourhood Watch, or is he saying that he intends to divert the fund to his private businesses? Wike should educate us on what his actual motive is, if we do not have any security challenges in Rivers State.”

    Rivers APC chairman also maintained that President Buhari’s visit to Rivers would not be for the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate Wike’s motor parks and markets, his major projects since he assumed office.

    He insisted that President Buhari had not and would not abandon Rivers state, considering the risks that APC members and other lovers of democracy took to get him elected, at the risk of their lives, in the hands of Wike, his collaborators and thugs.

    Ikanya said: “President Buhari has visited Rivers State on four remarkable occasions, through the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, SAN, to establish a peace pact in the Niger Delta region, inaugurate or kick off key projects. For Rivers governor, because of politics, to turn around to accuse President Buhari of abandoning Rivers State is unacceptable, wicked, evil, divisive and exhibition of ingratitude to a man who has done so much to develop Rivers State and the Niger Delta region.

    “Prof Osibanjo, with the express approval of President Buhari, visited Rivers State to kick-start the Ogoni clean-up, abandoned by the PDP government of the then President Goodluck Jonathan, with the connivance of Wike. The Vice President also visited Rivers State to kick-start the construction of the strategic Bonny-Bodo Road. Prof. OsInbajo was also in Rivers State on another occasion to inaugurate the world-class fertilizer plant, built by Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited in Port Harcourt, among other visits by the Presidency.

    “Wike forgot so soon that Dr. Jonathan, a son of the Niger Delta region, in his six years as the President of Nigeria, acknowledged that he failed Rivers State and the Niger Delta by not embarking on any meaningful project in the region, apart from imposing Wike as the governor of Rivers to promote insecurity in the state and other parts of the Niger Delta region.

    “The APC-led administration of President Buhari has proved within less than three years that the party has the best interest of Rivers State and Niger Delta region at heart, by the various interventions the Federal Government has embarked upon in the region within the last three years.”

    Rivers APC chairman also stated that Rivers state would benefit from the Calabar–Lagos Rail Line, the renovation/reconstruction of both Enugu–Port Harcourt and the West-East Roads, the renovation of the Afam power plant in Rivers State, resumption of work on the Port Harcourt International Airport, renovation and reconstruction of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Rail Line, among other projects that were abandoned by the previous PDP’s governments.

    Ikanya lauded President Buhari on the proposed visit to Rivers at this time, based on his love and commitment towards the development of the state.

     

  • 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.

  • Wike slams traders for defacing Port Harcourt

    Wike slams traders for defacing Port Harcourt

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has decried the manner street traders deface roads across Port Harcourt.

    He spoke yesterday after stopping traders, who defaced Nkpogu roundabout on Garrison-Trans-Amadi-Elelenwo road under construction by his administration.

    The governor appealed to them to sell goods at the markets, saying their activities at the roadside defaced streets.

    Wike, accompanied by ex-Governor Celestine Omehia, told the traders that selling at such places endangered their lives.

    He directed security operatives to work with government agencies to restore sanity.

    The governor enjoined residents to support government’s efforts to improve sanitation.

  • DANA Air passengers retrieve luggage from aircraft 

    DANA Air passengers retrieve luggage from aircraft 

    Fresh facts emerged on Thursday that the luggage of the 44 passengers that boarded the DANA Air MD 83 aircraft Flight 9J0363 from Abuja to Port Harcourt on Tuesday has been retrieved.

    The retrieve of the luggage a source close to the airline hinted came on the heels of complaints by some of the passengers who boarded the aircraft which overshot the runway of Port Harcourt Airport due to heavy rain.

    The source hinted that the Accident Investigation Bureau ( AIB), the agency saddled with the probe of air accidents and serious incidents is yet to release the aircraft to the airline.

    The source said the delay in releasing the aircraft may be unconnected with detailed probe into the serious incident.

    A team of investigators from the AIB, led by its director of operations, Captain Dayyabu Danraka is in Port Harcourt to unravel the remote and immediate cause of the incident and make recommendations to forestall future occurrence.

    Investigations revealed that DANA Air is reaching out to some of the 44 passengers for possible post trauma treatment.

    The offer for post trauma treatment, including possible payment of medical bills for those that may have sustained  injuries is to reduce the pain of the affected passengers.

    A source close to the airline said some of the passengers were impressed with the professionalism of the pilot in controlling the aircraft into the bush

    Meanwhile, Consumer  Protection Council (CPC) has called for calm among passengers and other stakeholders

    According to a statement by signed by CPC, Director General, Babatunde Irukera, the relevant aviation authorities have secured perimeter scene of the incident with ongoing probe on the damaged aircraft.

    Irukera said the Council is in communication with DANA Air and the NCAA as it awaits detailed investigations by the AIB in compliance with the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

    He said: “Thankfully, all passengers and crew were safely evacuated without injury. The Consumer Protection Council congratulates relevant airport and aviation authorities, as well as the airline for this safe evacuation and management of what could otherwise have been tragic.

    “The Council further calls for calm as we await more information and a detailed investigation by the Accident Investigation Bureau in compliance with ICAO standards.  In addition, the Council has been in communication with the airline and NCAA.

    “The Council understands that Dana Air has provided logistic support and accommodation to passengers. The Council insists this must comply with minimum standards in accordance with prevailing Regulations under Part 19, Nigerian Civil Aviation Rules (NCAR).

    “An open, transparent, sensitive and responsive approach by the airline and relevant authorities is vital to sustaining confidence and assuring consumers. The Council welcomes this openness and attention to consumers, including providing medical or psychological support where necessary.

    “The Consumer Protection Council in collaboration with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, other aviation agencies and service providers remains available to all passengers in the sector to answer questions, provide assistance and required assurances at this and other times.”

    Read Also: AIB begins investigation into DANA Air incident

  • Diesel theft: Navy arrest seven suspects

    Diesel theft: Navy arrest seven suspects

    The Nigerian Navy has arrested seven men for allegedly transporting 522 tonnes of diesel believed to be stolen from pipelines, an official said on Wednesday.

    Capt. Victor Choji, the Executive Officer of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, told newsmen in Onne, Rivers, that the suspects were arrested on board a vessel, MV Mac Clint.

    He said that the seizure was part of the ongoing clampdown on illegal refineries, illegal bunkering, sea piracy, robbery and pipeline vandalism in Rivers and its environs.

    “In furtherance of our campaign against all forms of illegalities within Rivers State maritime environment, one of our patrol elements on Nov. 22, intercepted a vessel, MV Mac Clint.

    “The vessel was caught transporting 522 metric tonnes of diesel around Okono oil field without clearance to move the product.

    Read Also: Navy seeks funds to solve accommodation shortage

    “MV Mac Clint, suspected to be involved in illegal bunkering activities, had seven all-male sailors of Nigerian nationality on board.”

    Choji said that NNS Pathfinder would not rest on its oars until it puts criminals operating within Rivers and its environs out of business.

    “We are committed to doing this so that we can encourage and create a conducive environment for lawful social and economic activities to thrive within the state and environs.”

    Choji said the Navy had concluded its preliminary investigation, and that its findings showed that the product was allegedly stolen from an undisclosed location.

    The executive officer handed over the vessel, product and suspects to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to carry out further investigation on the matter.

    A senior detective of the EFCC, Aminu Ismaila, said the commission would conduct speedy investigation on the matter.

    According to him, the suspects will be arraigned and if found culpable, would be appropriately dealt with by the laws of the land.

    The Captain of the vessel, Mr William Ajohworode, said he was contracted by an undisclosed company to deliver the petroleum product to FPSO Mistra Limited.

    He said that his employees told him before sailing the vessel that the permit would be handed over to him by Mistra upon delivery of the product.

    “When we got close to our destination, a Navy gun-boat stopped us and demanded for our permit and we couldn’t provide it.

    “We told them that Mistra would send the permit but the security men arrested us,” he said.

    NAN

     

  • Dana Air plane skids off runway in Port Harcourt

    Dana Air plane skids off runway in Port Harcourt

    Dana Air plane last night skidded off the runway while landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa in Rivers State.

    Passengers were evacuated by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) emergency officials. There was no casualty.

    The FAAN attributed the incident to a downpour accompanied by a strong wind and storm.

    Flight number 9J0363 took off from Abuja.

    A statement by FAAN General Manager (Corporate Affairs) Mrs Henrietta Yakubu said : “A Dana aircraft numbered 9J0363 flying from Abuja to Port Harcourt airport has overshot the Port Harcourt runway.

    “The incident was suspected to have been caused by a heavy rain, which was accompanied by strong wind and storm in Port Harcourt.

    “No casualty was recorded, as all passengers on board were safely evacuated.”

    Dana Air, in a statement, attributed bad weather occasioned by torrential rain.

    Corporate Communications Manager Kingsley Ezenwa Okwudili said:” On Tuesday , 20 February 2018, one our aircraft (9j0363) operating the Abuja- Ph flight  skidded off  the runway  at the Port Harcourt International Airport,  as a result of the  bad weather situation and torrential rain at the time of landing.

    “No casualty was recorded and all passengers and crew disembarked safely.

    “We commend the Pilot-in -command who was able to control the aircraft to a complete stop, before passengers and crew disembarked. We also wish to applaud the Captain for exhibiting the highest safety standards and handling the situation professionally. ”

    There were 49 passengers on board.

    Dana Airlines Limited operating as Dana Air is a fully private sector-owned carrier. The airline commenced flight operations on November 10, 2008.

    From its hub at the Murtala Mohammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), Dana Air operates on the Lagos – Abuja; Lagos – Port Harcourt, Lagos – Uyo as well as the Port Harcourt – Abuja and Uyo – Abuja routes using its fleet of Boeing McDonnell 83 and Boeing B737-500 aircraft.

    It runs a daily Lagos-Accra international route

    Dana also undertakes scheduled flight operations in addition to offering executive charter services, using a brand new Bombardier Learjet 45XR.

    On June 3, 2012, Dana Air Flight 992 travelling from Port Harcourt to Lagos, operating on McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft, crashed into a furniture works and printing press building in the Iju-Ishaga neighbourhood of Lagos.

    All 153 people on board and 10 more on the ground died.

  • No apology for rejecting cattle colony in Rivers – Wike

    No apology for rejecting cattle colony in Rivers – Wike

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, has reiterated the stands of the state against the creation of cattle colony in the state.

    Wike who spoke at a solidarity rally in Port Harcourt,  the state capital on Tuesday  by Rivers south-Eaat senatorial zone.

    He said he has no regrets for his stands saying that he will not apologies to anyone for rejecting cattle colony in the state.

    He said: ‘I am a proper Rivers man in all ramifications, therefore I owe no one apology for rejecting cattle colony in Rivers State.”

    “I will stand by that, whether you are in Abuja or wherever you may be hear me well, I do not owe any body any apology.”

    Wike however, accused his predecessor of selling off state assets worth $308 million and expending N50 billion on the Rivers Monorail, a project he said Rivers people do not need.

    He added “I will not let the people of Rivers East senatorial district and the entire Rivers people down; PDP is the only hope for this country come 2019, Buhari led APC has failed in all its promises.”

    Read Also:  ‘Wike is fulfilling his campaign promises’

    “All they are doing is to kill the economy of Nigeria but by the grace of God they will not succeed.”

    Meanwhile, former Governor Celestine Omehia has apologized to the people of the state on behalf of the minister for transportation and the for governor of Rivers state Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

    Omehia who apologized to Rivers East senatorial district on behalf of former Governor Amaechi, whom he called his younger brother, alleged that the problems face in the area was caused by Amaechi.

    He said “I am sorry that the problem Rivers East is facing is led by a person from the zone, I am in a position to say sorry for what my younger brother is causing for the senatorial district and am advising him to stop now for if the people of the Rivers East senatorial district decide to cook for him (Amaechi) to eat, he cannot be able to eat it.”