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Tag: Rivers Govt

  • Miscreants using SSG’s office to issue misleading information, says Rivers govt

    Miscreants using SSG’s office to issue misleading information, says Rivers govt

    The Rivers State Government has raised the alarm that miscreants are using the office of Secretary to State Government (SSG) to dish out misleading information.

    A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the SSG, Sir Dede Friday, urged members of the public to disregard such information.

    It was gathered that the statement became necessary following viral reports on Thursday that claimed that the Sole Administrator of Rivers, Vice-Admiral lbok Ibas (retd), approved the recruitment of 1000 persons into the state’s civil service.

    The statement, which asked interested applicants to submit their applications via a yet-to-be-opened portal, claimed that it was signed by the SSG.

    But the office of the SSG swiftly denied it, describing it as false and misleading.

    Another statement reportedly signed by the SSG also claimed on Friday that a former Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Dr Samuel Nwanosike had been appointed by Ibas as the Sole Administrator of the Rivers Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA).

    Read Also: Miscreants using SSG’s office to issue misleading information, says Rivers govt

    But the statement from the office of the SSG said: “It has come to the notice of the Secretary to the Rivers State Government that some miscreants are going about misinforming the public with purported Special Government Announcements or Releases claimed to have been signed by the Secretary to the State Government.

    “Please be informed that all official communications from the Office of the Secretary to the Rivers State Government have appropriate channels through which they are circulated.

    “Be aware that while the Rivers State Government is focused to ensure progress and sustainable development, any individual or group of persons out to disinform and misinform the public to cause disaffection in the system will be appropriately dealt with upon being identified.”

  • Doctors urge Rivers Govt on housing scheme

    Doctors urge Rivers Govt on housing scheme

    The Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) has called on the state government to introduce a housing scheme or policy to address the accommodation challenges faced by its members.

    The association reiterated that affordable housing options would significantly improve the quality of life for resident doctors, enhance their productivity, and strengthen their commitment to delivering quality healthcare services.

    This appeal was part of a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the association’s 2024 Annual General Meeting, held in Port Harcourt.

    The communiqué, signed by the outgoing RSUTH ARD President, Dr. Nimi Ngo Briggs.

    The RSUTH ARD stressed the urgent need for targeted initiatives to provide medical professionals with access to decent and affordable housing, especially considering the challenges posed by demanding work schedules and rising living costs.

    The communiqué read in part: “The government should develop a housing scheme to provide proximity to the hospital, enhance comfort, and reduce brain drain. We also recommend supporting vehicle procurement for resident doctors to improve emergency response and introducing international training exchange programmes to expose doctors to advanced global medical practices.”

    The association further urged the state to domesticate and implement the Medical Residency Training Act passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, noting that it would raise the standards of medical training and ensure consistent grants for resident doctors to achieve optimal training outcomes.

    Read Also: Fed Govt to foreign-trained doctors: resist Japa syndrome

    Additionally, the ARD commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the recent employment of new resident doctors and other staff at RSUTH, describing it as a step toward addressing manpower challenges in the healthcare system.

    The AGM concluded with the election of a new executive council to lead the association. The newly elected leadership includes Dr. Nonju Tamunobarabi as President, Dr. Egbelekro Homachi as Vice President, Dr. Njoku Bestman as General Secretary, Dr. Wunuh Cyril as Assistant Secretary, and Dr. Uzoma Emeka as Treasurer, among others.

    In his acceptance speech, Dr. Nonju Tamunobarabi pledged to prioritize the welfare of resident doctors by advocating for better remuneration, improved working conditions, and professional growth opportunities.

    The ARD assured its members of continued efforts to champion their holistic well-being and remain a strong voice for their interests in the state.

  • Rivers govt asks Amaechi to account for sold state’s assets

    Rivers State government has asked the Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to account for the  $308 million (about N112 billion) proceeds of the sale towards the end of his administration of the state’s gas turbine power stations to Sahara Energy, belonging to Tonye Cole, the endorsed governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communications Emma Okah yesterday in Port Harcourt alleged that the proceeds of the sale of the power stations were diverted to fund political activities of APC was responsible for why Amaechi’s government abandoned so many uncompleted projects and owed salaries and pensions to workers before he left office in 2015.

    The transportation minister, on Sunday in Port Harcourt, at an APC’s rally to receive defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said: “Nothing is greater than God. I closed my mouth for nearly three years, to enable Wike to do his work. Instead of doing his work, he was busy going everywhere, talking and stealing our money. Wike stole N117 billion belonging to Rivers State, as revealed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”

    Okah claimed that besides the power assets which Amaechi sold to Sahara Energy, the same company also bought the Olympia Hotel in the old Government Reservation Area (GRA), Port Harcourt and other high-value state assets, under suspicious circumstances.

    He said: “The Justice Omereji Commission of Inquiry investigated the spurious sales and indicted the Minister for Transportation. Instead of refunding the money, the minister rushed to court to set aside the findings of the commission. He lost at the High Court and at the Court of Appeal. His appeal to the Supreme Court has been abandoned, because for over a year, he has failed to file a brief of argument.

    “This is why the minister is arm-twisting his party members in the state and forcing Mr. Tonye Cole on them as their anointed flag bearer in the 2019 governorship polls. There is need to cover the skeletons in the cupboard.

    “Instead of explaining why he took such contagious economic steps against the state, the former Rivers governor is busy blackmailing the government of Rivers State and supporting the EFCC to disobey existing court orders and harass the government of Rivers State and its officials.”

  • Rivers govt, APC disagree on students’ levy

    The Rivers State government and the state’s Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, have disagreed on the alleged N20,000 levy on each student in tertiary institutions.

    Flag-Amachree, yesterday in an interactive session with reporters in Port Harcourt, stated that levying the students would be through heads of the tertiary institutions.

    Commissioner for Education Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, however, described the accusation as a lie, insisting Wike’s administration, since 2015, had not levied students in tertiary institutions any levy and never planned to do so.

    Gogo-Jaja said: “The rumour on N20,000 levy by APC in Rivers State is mere propaganda by a faction of the party seeking relevance.”

    Rivers APC chairman insisted levying the students have commenced at the state Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuorlumeni, Port Harcourt, through a circular by the school authorities, requesting each student to pay a “dubious” entrepreneurship training levy of N20,000.

    Flag-Amachree said: “The collection of the fee of N20,000 is part of a grand design by Wike to use the heads of tertiary institutions in Rivers State to raise funds through sundry levies to support the governor’s 2019 campaigns. Already, students of IAUE have been served a circular to that effect.

    “The plan includes levying each of the students to submit their typed projects with payment of N20,000 each, for the binding of such projects. You can imagine how callous this governor can be.”

    APC chairman in Rivers wondered why the governor should compound the problems of students and their parents at a time families were going through rough times to survive.

    He said: “In most other states in Nigeria, governors are alleviating the burden on students and their parents through scholarships and bursaries, but here in Rivers State, Wike is heartlessly inflicting pains and anguish on students and their parents.

    “It is disheartening how we got to this sorry pass. Elsewhere, caring governors in many states are paying students bursaries and awarding scholarships, just to lessen the burden on students and their parents. But here, Wike withdrew young men and women the previous administration placed on foreign scholarships and now he is levying students in local institutions in the state to raise money for his 2019 political campaigns. This is wickedness at its highest level.

    “Most saddening is that this whole thing is happening at a time the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered fraudulent withdrawals of over N117 billion of our money by Wike since he assumed office in 2015, with no explanation or purpose.”

    Flag-Amachree also called on students and parents to resist the various “suspect” levies the various tertiary institutions were demanding from them, maintaining that the “spurious” levies were meant to fund the insatiable lust for money by the Rivers governor.

    He added: “Let me plead with our students and their parents not to succumb to the fraudulent levies Wike is using heads of tertiary institutions to request from students.

    “Students and parents should vehemently reject the levies. They should refuse to pay the illegal levies, as they are only meant to fund Wike’s 2019 campaigns.”

  • Rivers Govt kicks as EFCC probes N117b transactions

    Detectives are probing about N117b suspicious transactions by the government of Rivers State in the last three years.

    The huge cash was intermittently withdrawn over the counter by a state official designated for the purpose, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sources said at the weekend.

    There were indications that the withdrawals from the state accounts were laundered by some state officials.

    The state government yesterday described the probe as a “political witch-hunt” and vowed not to be intimidated.

    Four suspects have been shortlisted for interrogation in connection with the massive withdrawals.  They include an official in charge of Finance and Accounts at the Government House in Port Harcourt and a cashier.

    The EFCC has detained a bank’s Managing Director (MD), who admitted that N5.2billion was realised as charges for the “controversial” transactions.

    According to the sources, the withdrawals were made in tranches of N10million with as many as 50 cheques cashed in a day.

    The sources said it was a case of “gross violation” of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act of 2011.

    One of the sources said: “Based on intelligence report, the EFCC swung into action.

    “Our findings indicated that the withdrawals were made in cash from the state accounts mostly by one person. There are no records of what the cash was used for. We are working on clues that it was diverted.

    “The EFCC team has obtained all the records of the withdrawals, including date and time. For instance, on June 8, 2015 barely few days in government, about 45 cheques amounting to N450million were cashed over the counter for no justifiable purpose.

    “Also, on June 9, 2015 about 50 cheques amounting to N500million were withdrawn. We will soon release the details of findings by our team.”

    Another source spoke of how a bank chief was quizzed last Thursday and released on administrative bail.

    “But he was asked to come back on Friday and we have been interacting with him up till Sunday. He admitted that all the withdrawals were made over the counter in cash.

    “He also said the bank benefited about N5.2billion from the charges collected on the transactions,” the source said.

    Another source said the bank was guilty of “lack of Suspicious Transaction Report(STR)” and violation of Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, especially sections on special surveillance on certain transactions and Limitation to make or accept cash payment.

    The Act reads: “Special surveillance on certain transactions.

    “6. (1) Where a transaction –

    (a)     involves a frequency which is unjustifiable or unreasonable;

    (b)     is surrounded by conditions of unusual or unjustified complexity;

    (c)     appears to have no economic justification or lawful objective; or

    (d)     in the opinion of the Financial Institution or Designated Non-Financial Institution  involves terrorist financing or is inconsistent with the known transaction pattern of the account or business relationship, that transaction shall be deemed to be suspicious and the Financial Institution involved in such transaction shall seek information from the customer as to the origin and destination of the fund, the aim of the transaction and the identity of the beneficiary.

    (2)     A Financial Institution or Designated Non-Financial Institution shall within 7 days after the transaction referred to in subsection (1) of this section –

    (a)     draw up a written report containing all relevant information on the matters mentioned in subsection (1) of this section together with the identity of the principal and where applicable, of the beneficiary or beneficiaries;

    (b)     take appropriate action to prevent the laundering of the proceeds of a crime or an illegal act; and

    (c)     send a copy of the report and action taken to the Commission.

    (3)     The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall apply whether the transaction is completed or not.

    (4)     The Commission shall acknowledge receipt of any disclosure, report or information received under this section and may demand such additional information as it may deem necessary.

    (5)(a)          The acknowledgement of receipt shall be sent to the Financial Institution or Designated Non-Financial Institution within the time allowed for the transaction to be undertaken and it may be accompanied by a notice deferring the transaction for a period not exceeding 72 hours.

    (b)     Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection, the Chairman of the Commission, the Governor of the Central Bank or their authorized representative shall place a Stop Order not exceeding 72 hours, on any account or transaction if it is discovered in the course of their duties that such account or transaction is suspected to be involved in any crime.

    (6)     If the acknowledgement of receipt is not accompanied by a stop notice, or where the stop notice has expired and the order specified in subsection (7) of this section to block the transaction has not reached the Financial Institution or Designated Non-Financial Institution, it may carry out the transaction.

    (7)     Where it is not possible to ascertain the origin of the funds within the period of stoppage of the transaction, The Federal High Court may, at the request of the commission, or others persons of authority duly authorized in that behalf, order that that the funds, accounts or securities referred to in the report be blocked.

    (8)     An order made by the Federal High Court under subsection (7) of this section shall be enforced forthwith.

  • IG orders F-SARS chief to sue Rivers govt

    •Fakorede says he was slandered in publications

    The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has ordered the Rivers State Commander of Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS), Mr. Akin Fakorede, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), to sue the government for libellous publications against him.

    A May 17 letter, signed by the IGP’s Principal Staff Officer (PSO), Usman Umar, authorised the commander to sue the state.

    The letter, passed through the Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed, reads “I refer to your letter No. CB:3960/RVS/VOL.1/3, dated May 16, 2018 with its attachment on the aforementioned subject (request for authorisation to seek legal/civil remedy against continuous publication of false, malicious and libellous publications against ACP Akin Fakorede by the Rivers State Governor, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, and agents of the Rivers State government) and respectfully convey the approval of the IGP that you direct the officer (Fakorede) to go to court, please.”

    The authorisation to sue Wike and Rivers came after IGP exonerated the commander in Rivers of allegations levelled against him.

    Fakorede, a lawyer, in his request for authorisation, with reference number: CB:3960/RVS/F-SARS/VOL.2/8, addressed to IGP, passed through the commissioner and dated May 15, said he wanted permission to institute legal action, seeking an injunction against the continuous publication of the false advertisements against him.

    The F-SARS said: “In the last one month, the Rivers State government has taken up paid advertisements on the front and inside pages of major national daillies in the country, alleging falsely that some staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), specifically one Mary Tunkoyo and Dr. C. Odekpe were assaulted by my person and I am presently engaging in the plotting, training, recruiting and arming of a special squad in Kaduna, Abuja and Port Harcourt, for the purpose of rigging the 2019 elections.

    “These allegations are not only false, but are very malicious, more so considering the fact that the so-called INEC report has been investigated extensively by the IGP’s Special Investigation Panel and I was completely and totally exonerated from blame, as the evidence of all the parties attest to our (F-SARS operatives’) good work of protecting INEC staff under attack.

    “It is my humble appeal that I be granted the authorisation of the IGP to seek an injunction against the malicious publications, which are causing irreparable damage to the image of the Nigeria Police Force, my reputation and the good name of my family.”

    Wike claimed Fakorede  was indicted for the 2015 elections and rerun, and allegedly colluded with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The IGP’s  December 7 letter of exoneration, signed by the Deputy Force Secretary 2, DCP M. C. Mukaddas, addressed to the then Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Fakorede, Akingbade Victor, read: “You will recall that you were queried for act of serious misconduct, vide letter: AP: 41985/FS/FHQ/ABJ/13 of March 9, 2017. The IGP has carefully considered your representation to the query and found that you are not blameable.”

    “He (IGP) has decided that you be exonerated and you are hereby so exonerated, with effect from December 5, 2017. You are to acknowledge receipt of this letter through the appropriate channel, please.”

    Wike, however, claimed page 66 of the report of INEC into the Rivers rerun indicted the F-SARS commander in Rivers, alleging that Fakorede was accused of hostage taking, hijack of electoral materials and physical attacks on INEC’s officials.

    Wike called on Rivers people and lovers of democracy to stand up and say no to any officer who would steal their votes and still assault the people.

     

     

  • Rivers govt to begin massive empowerment in 2017, says Wike

    Rivers govt to begin massive empowerment in 2017, says Wike

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has assured the residents that his administration will begin extensive empowerment programmes in 2017.
    The governor also said the state’s share of the Paris and London clubs’ Deduction Refunds would be applied to aggressive project execution in 2017 since the state had settled salaries and pensions.
    Addressing the residents at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Wike said his administration would combine aggressive projects execution with empowerment schemes.
    He said: “This year will be a year of the empowerment of our people. While we are doing projects, we will also be doing stomach infrastructure.
    “Our stomach infrastructure this year will go round the people. We will transform the state in all ratifications.
    “We will increase the tempo of project execution in January to the level that our people will be amazed.
    “Work starts on January 3. We will release more funds for the execution of the Ogoni Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road. The Sakpenwa-Bori Road, Buguma Internal roads and several road projects will be executed.
    “Between this year and early 2018, we will deliver on all our road projects. Within this period, Rivers State will witness total transformation.”
    Hailing the leaders of Rivers State for their support and loyalty, Wike assured that his administration would continue to invest in the maintenance of security.
    The government pledged never to support the intimidation of the Judiciary in any circumstances, adding that if the Judiciary failed, democracy would collapse.

    He stressed that Rivers residents deserved an award from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for standing up in defence of democracy during the legislative rerun.
    Wike said the state government would stand by the families of those who died while defending the integrity of Rivers State.
    He said: “Nobody will intimidate or blackmail me. No one person can own Rivers State.”
    The governor pledged that Rivers State would roll out the drums in 2017 to celebrate the state’s Golden Jubilee.
    Former Transport Minister Abiye Sekibo said Wike’s style of governance must be applauded as it had brought development and stability to the state.
    He said: “This government has brought an inclusiveness that has never been seen for a long time in the state.”
    The Head of Service (HoS) Rufus Godwins said the state’s leader had revived the economy when the country was in a recess.

  • Rivers Govt, CBN partner to promote commercial agriculture

    Rivers Govt, CBN partner to promote commercial agriculture

    Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers has said that his administration will promote commercial agriculture to create employment opportunities for youths.

    Wike said this while receiving the Port Harcourt Branch Controller of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Kazeem Adekunle-Alaka, in Port-Harcourt on Tuesday.

    The governor added that the government focused on oil palm and cassava production as the areas of investment.

    He said that massive investment in agriculture would further develop the state’s economy and enhance food security.

    Wike used the occasion to commend the CBN for its firmness and consistency in the application of the nation’s monetary policies.

    “The current attitude of the CBN toward monetary policy issues has put to rest the policy somersaults’ witnessed in the past.

    “I commend the CBN governor and the bank’s management for being firm in the application of economic policies, this to me is a good omen for the country,’’ he said.

    Wike identified the Bank Verification Number (BVN) policy as one that had resulted in huge positive gains to all facets of the economy.

    “The BVN policy has led to tremendous reduction in the wage bill of our state; today only verified staffs are paid salaries.

    “With the good policy initiatives springing up from the CBN, I want to assure you that we will always collaborate with you in our programmes,’’ he said.

    Earlier, Adekunle-Alaka said that the apex bank would collaborate with the state government in order to ensure the development of agriculture.