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Tag: Rivers State

  • ‘Ogoni people’ll never allow resumption of oil production, without broad discussion’

    Ogoni people in the four Local Government Areas of Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme of Rivers State have declared that they will never allow resumption of oil production in the marginalised area, without broad-based discussion with the masses of Ogoni people.

    They called on the Federal Government to initiate the broad-based discussion with Ogoni people, by urgently setting up a proper mechanism for engagement that would recognise the critical parties to the Ogoni conflict: the Federal Government, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and the Ogoni people, as equal partners in finding lasting solutions to the crude oil-induced conflict.

    These were contained in a communiqué issued yesterday at the end of a special Ogoni congress, held at the Peace and Freedom Centre, Bori, the traditional headquarters of Ogoniland.

    The congress was called by the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), with the communique signed by MOSOP President, Chief Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, and the congress was attended by many Ogoni women, youths, politicians, activists, traditional rulers and Ogoni professionals.

    Ogoni people stressed that they welcomed the reconciliatory efforts being facilitated among different groups in Ogoniland, while urging every Ogoni person to work for the greater unity and peace in the area.

    The communique read in part: “Congress urges the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to make public its work programme, implementation plans and budgets through a dedicated portal and website for proper and appropriate information delivery to enable the community and other stakeholders to monitor and follow-up on the implementation of the report of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on the environmental assessment of Ogoniland.

    “While congress appreciates the medical outreach programme being embarked upon by HYPREP and appeals for its continuous expansion to other areas, congress  calls on HYPREP to move to fully carry out the health study and medical evaluation of every Ogoni person, as recommended by the report.

    “Besides the health component, HYPREP should immediately embark on the implementation of other emergency measures, particularly as it relates to provision of water and vigorous commitment to the implementation of the livelihood-restoration programme for the youth and women.

    “Congress welcomes the ceremonial signing of the Ogoni Trust Fund Escrow Agreement on April 27, 2018 at the Presidenrial Villa, Abuja, in the presence of the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN).”

    Ogoni people also called on the contributing partners to immediately follow-up the Abuja’s signing ceremony with making available their respective contributions into the Ogoni trust fund escrow account, without further delay.

    SPDC was sent packing from Ogoniland in 1993, while the renowned environmentalist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and eight other Ogoni activists were hanged at the Port Harcourt Prisons on November 10, 1995, during the regime of the late Gen. Sani Abacha. Shell is yet to be allowed to return to Ogoniland, after 25 years.

  • Port Harcourt to host Super Eagles versus Congo Friendly

    The Rivers State Government has announced its  readiness to host the International Friendly between the Super Eagles and the  Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the  Adokiye Amasiemaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on May 28, 2018.

    The agreement for the hosting of the Super Eagles and Democratic Republic of Congo in Port Harcourt on May 28, 2018 was reached after a high-profile meeting between the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinick and Super Eagles Coach, Gerhard Rohr at the Government House Port Harcourt on Thursday.

    Addressing journalists after the meeting at the Government House, Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Boma Iyaye said that the state government will do everything possible  to ensure that the Adokiye Amasiemaka Stadium is ready for the International Friendly.

    The State Government thanked  the Nigeria Football Federation for their collaboration targeted at the  development of football in the country.

    He said: “Governor Wike has done well in terms of funding national sporting events.  He hosted the African Wrestling Championship on behalf of the Federal Government.  Now he is hosting the Super Eagles and Democratic Republic of Congo on behalf of the Federal Government.  This is something that is worthy of commendation”.

    Also speaking, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick commended the Rivers State Government and the people of the state for their unflinching support for the Super Eagles.

    He said that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is happy with the state of facilities at the Adokiye Amasiemaka Stadium.

    “We are playing on the 28th of May, 2018 against the Democratic Republic of Congo. After the match, the Rivers State Governor will host the two teams to a dinner”, he said.

    He said that the CAF President will watch the International Friendly  in Port Harcourt.

    “Everywhere is home to the Super Eagles.  Lagos, Port Harcourt, Uyo, Kano, Kaduna or Minna. They are Super Eagles of Nigeria and every part is integral to the development of football “, Pinick said.

    The NFF President outlined the World Cup preparation programme of the Super Eagles, saying that the target of the team is to lift the World Cup.

    Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr said that the Super Eagles need three major international friendlies to be prepared for the World Cup.

    Rohr said that he expects the Adokiye Amasiemaka Stadium to be fully ready for the Congolese  friendly by the next  four weeks.

    He said that some key players of the team are injured, adding that those on the injury list will be nurtured to fitness ahead of the World Cup.

  • Why looters don’t want Buhari to be re-elected in 2019 – Rivers APC

    The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that looters do not want President Muhammadu Buhari to be re-elected in 2019, in order to protect their loot.

    It also described the brouhaha generated by a cross-section of Nigerians on the resolve of President Buhari to seek a second term next year as unnecessary and unwarranted, stressing that the President is constitutionally empowered to seek re-election, if he so desires.

    Rivers APC stated these Monday in Port Harcourt through the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media/Public Affairs Consultant to its state chairman, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze.

    It noted that it was fully aware of the dangers inherent in the propaganda and wicked rumours being peddled by economic saboteurs and persons who looted with impunity, in order to ensure that the re-election of President Buhari became a bit difficult, but maintained that no matter their level of propaganda, the President had performed well to guarantee his re-election.

    Rivers APC said: “The party will not be deterred by the antecedents of the enemies of Nigeria. We wish to reassure Nigerians that the people who ruined the country’s economy and are attempting to frustrate the re-election of the African icon of anti-corruption struggle (President Buhari) will surely not succeed.

    “The looters are fully aware of what the re-election of President Buhari entails, as it will constitute a challenge to their keeping and securing their loot, but we will not allow them to come back to continue their looting spree from where they stopped in 2015, no matter the odds.

    “APC-led Federal Government, under President Buhari, has proved within less than three years that the party has the best interest of Nigerians, especially Niger Deltans, through the various intervention projects and programmes being embarked upon. President Buhari will surely be supported for his second term bid.

    “Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, a son of the Niger Delta region, in his six years as the President of Nigeria, acknowledged that he failed the people of Niger Delta by not embarking on any meaningful project in the region, besides imposing Nyesom Wike as the Governor of Rivers State, to promote insecurity in the state and other parts of the Niger Delta.”

    The main opposition party in Rivers (APC) also urged the people of Niger Delta to massively vote for President Buhari in 2019 and not to repeat the blunder of the 2015, where they mostly mistakenly supported their son (Jonathan), whom APC said failed the region and Nigeria abysmally.

    Read Also: It’s wrong to say Buhari shouldn’t run, says Olanipekun

  • NDDC to complete 25km road project in Imo – Ekere

    The Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC ) plans to complete 25-km dual carriage way to connect Imo and Rivers states, an official said.

    Mr Nsima Ekere, the Managing Director of NDDC, gave assurance while inspecting the road project, according to a statement by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Ibitoye Abosede, on Monday in Port Harcourt.

    Ekere said the project would run through Port Harcourt Owerri junction-Avu-Adapalm-Etekuru-Ohaji Egbema and terminate at Ogba Egbema Local Government Area in Imo.

    He said: “The road is very important project for the NDDC and the Niger Delta. It will enhance regional integration which is one of the things the current things that we are passionate about.

    “Also, the expansion of the road means that the project will cumulatively amount to constructing 50-km of road.

    “This is so because 25-km of the existing road will be totally reconstructed,” he said.

    According to the statement, Ekere also inspected construction of internal roads in Umueze, Ehime Mbano and Obolo, Isiala Mbano local government areas in Imo.

    The NDDC boss said that NDDC would construct other undisclosed internal roads spanning four kilometres across the two local government areas.

    “We are committed to building sustainable infrastructure in the region. We don’t want to build roads that will fail after six months.

    “If we are able to complete one kilometre road, then it should be a solid road infrastructure that will last for a long time

    “We are happy with the contractor working on the Obolo-Umueze road for taking measures to guarantee quality delivery considering the challenging terrain of the region,” he said.

    The NDDC boss urged the people to continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to develop rural communities in the Niger Delta.

    According to the statement, Eze Igu, the paramount ruler of Umueze 1, thanked the commission for building internal roads in the area.

    “By fixing our roads, the NDDC board and management have shown us love and has given us hope and confidence on the administration of President Buhari,” he said.

    NAN

  • Gov. Wike chairs task force on illegal road trading

    The Rivers State Executive Council has set up a Special Task Force chaired by the State Governor Nyesom Wike to clear illegal traders from major roads and streets  in Port Harcourt and its environs.

    In a press statement issued today after the State Exco meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communications Mr Emma Okah said the decision to set up a high powered task force and chaired by the Governor   is to demonstrate the irreversible determination of Govt to rid major roads in the State of the environmental hazards and sanitary embarrassment and nuisance which the activities of illegal traders are inflicting on the State and her people.

    The Government notes with sadness the recalcitrance of these street traders who have continuously dared the efforts of government to keep our roads and environment clean. Sadly, they mess up the environment, litter the roads, cause disorder and contribute nothing by way of tax or otherwise to clean their mess.

    “As a government, we owe a duty to those we serve to protect the environment, enhance sanitation and promote order in our state, Okah said, noting that illegal traders in our major roads are on the wrong side of the law and will face the right music.

    Consequently, from Thursday 12th April, 2018 the Governor of Rivers State will lead members of the Special Task Force,  in the first phase of their mandate, to flush illegal traders from the roads and affected streets and restore nomalcy. The exercise will be a continuing one until the ugly situation is reversed.

    However, it is necessary to warn that in the course of this exercise, traders caught by the special task force may lose their goods, suffer arrest, face prosecution and possible jail term upon conviction.  If this happens the consequences may be unpleasant and unattractive for anyone to test the will of the special task force.

    Major roads and spots to be cleared by the task force in the first phase of this exercise include Bishop Okoye Street in Diobu, Garrison, Nitel near Garrison, GRA 2 junction,  other parts of GRA Phase 2 where illegal tradings are going on, Old GRA, Ikwerre Road, Wimpey Junction, Trans Amadi, etc.

  • Easter: Governor Wike felicitates with Christians

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has felicitated with Christians on the celebration of Easter, urging them to emulate Jesus Christ by making sacrifices that will advance the course of development.

    In an Easter Message, Governor Wike said that that Easter exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ to save mankind, noting that as individuals, Christians must take into consideration the welfare of others.

    He called on the people of Rivers State to re-dedicate themselves to the service of the state as they reflect on the ideals of Good Friday and Easter Celebration.

    Governor Wike assured the good people of Rivers State that he will continue to make sacrifices for the state, defend her interests and ensure that the people always enjoy good governance.

    He said Easter is a period of fresh beginning, forgiveness, love and friendship. The governor urged the privileged to reach out to the less privileged as everyone works to deepen the culture of true Christianity.

    While wishing the people of the state a Happy Easter Celebration, Governor Wike assured them of their security before, during and after the celebrations.

     

  • Nigeria is now completely directionless – Wike

    Swears in four judges of the Rivers State Judiciary 

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Read Also: Wike, Rivers APC clash again

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

     

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Read Also: Wike’s commitment to Rivers people

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

  • Nwuche seeks unity of South South leaders

    Nwuche seeks unity of South South leaders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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