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Tag: Wike

  • Wike gets AIPS Africa Power of Sports Award

    In recognition of his administration’s giant strides in sports development, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has been conferred with the prestigious AIPS Africa Power of Sports Award.

    In a letter signed by Mitchel Obi, president of International Sports Press Association-Africa, Wike received huge commendation for raising the bar of Sports matters and using sports as a veritable vehicle and catalyst in the development of the state and the country as well as effectively engaging the youth populace on the continent.

    The decoration of the badge of honour will take place in Brussels at the annual congress of the AIPS on the 8th to 9th May, 2018.

    The Governor who will lead a delegation of 15 or more to Brussels will be decorated with a badge of honour after making a special 15 minutes presentation on the theme ‘Peace and Progress Through Sports in The Niger Delta Region of Nigeria’ in the presence of the full house of the 94-year-old International Sports Press Association (AIPS) comprising of no fewer than 108 countries.

    The President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), the AIPS Africa leadership and the president of AIPS would be on ground in Brussels to welcome Governor Wike and his delegation.

    Just last month, Rivers State successfully hosted a week-long African Wrestling  Championships tagged Port Harcourt 2018, which was held at the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre’s indoor Sports Hall.

    The championships had about 19 countries from the continent participating. They included Liberia, Egypt, Morocco, Guinea-Bissau, Tunisia, Algeria, Namibia, Kenya, Burundi, Senegal, Ghana, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Central Africa Republic, Madagascar and host, Nigeria.

    No fewer than 90 wrestlers represented Nigeria at the championship in all the categories namely, the Cadet – within the age group of between 15 – 17 years (Greco Roman, Freestyle and Women wrestling); Junior and senior.

  • Nigeria completely directionless, says Wike

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has said Nigeria is completely directionless.

    He spoke while swearing-in four judges of the state High Court and Customary Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt yesterday.

    Wike commended elder statesman Gen. Theophilus Danjuma for saying  the truth about the security architecture of the country.

    He said Rivers State security was deliberately compromised by security agencies.

    Wike said:”Nigeria has got 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.

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

    Wike urged the judges to uphold the rule of law and be fearless.

    He advised the judges not to allow themselves to be intimidated by agents of the political class.

    Those sworn in are Justice Godwin Ollor and Justice Uche K-Chuku of the High Court as well as  Justice Legor Senewo and Justice Frank Onyiri of the Customary Court of Appeal.

  • Wike woos European investors

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has assured investors that his administration has implemented sound economic policies and programmes that have made the state the investment destination of Nigeria.

    Speaking during a special investment programme organised for Rivers State by the Financial Times tagged: “Invest in Rivers State” at its headquarters in London yesterday, Wike told the select investors at the event that return on investment (RoI) in the state is the highest in Nigeria.

    Wike said: “The government of Rivers State remains committed to making Rivers State the best place in Nigeria to live, work and do business through the implementation of sound policies and creating the enabling peaceful, secure and friendly environment for doing business in Rivers State.  Investors are warmly welcomed, Rivers State awaits you.”

    He assured intending investors that the government has lined out incentives that has made the state investor friendly.

    According to him, the Rivers State government under his leadership has provided visibility gap funding, minimum revenue guarantee, provision of land for development, provision of subsidies and reduction of/exemption from payment of taxes and levies.

    “There is a stable, focused and progressive government that is committed to the state’s economic objectives, which is to build a strong, balanced and growing economy for Rivers State.

    “The government has created the most business friendly environment for Rivers State with unprecedented investments in infrastructure, tax reforms and related economic incentives to reduce cost of doing business.

    “We have given unprecedented attention to security of lives and property, Rivers State is now safe and secure for businesses and investors,” he said.

    The governor added that his administration has eliminated double taxation, instituted expeditious processing and grant of land documents, facilitation of investment processes and regulatory approvals.

    Wike said intending investors in oil and gas would benefit from the presence of the Oil and Gas Free Zone in the state, noting that the facility provides opportunities for the establishment of businesses across the oil and gas value chain.

    The governor assured that the state government has institutionalised laws, processes and policies to protect investments in the state.

    He said: “Besides national laws, the Rivers State government has also put in place appropriate legal framework to promote and protect investments in the state.”

    Wike said as a gateway into the Southsouth and Southeast zones, the state also boasts of immense investment opportunities in the area of information and communication technology.

    He assured that there are investment opportunities in the areas of tourism and hospitality, pointing out that as the destination of choice for organisers of events, conferences and sporting events, the state investment climate will reward any foreign investor.

    He pointed out the successes recorded by establishing the innovative Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, which is now a regional centre of tourism, attracting several thousands of Nigerian and foreign visitors.

    Wike told the European investors that investment opportunities exist at the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, where his administration has established framework for public-private partnerships, land subsidies and  the development of infrastructure.

    He also stated that there are investment opportunities in the area of manufacturing where investors can take advantage of the Trans-Amadi Industrial Estate.  He added that public housing and property development remained another profitable outlet because of the population of the state.

    The governor maintained that the availability of vast arable land and water make Rivers State the national hub of agriculture and agro processing.

    He said: “The state’s population, including the middle class is increasing in geo-metric proportions;  besides, the availability of a young educated, skilled and semi-skilled population eager for employment offers abundant workforce and large emerging and relatively untapped market for consumer products and services.”

    Wike said Rivers State possesses abundant natural resources, two existing seaports, an international airport and Nigeria’s second largest economy, waiting for credible international investors.

    In his remarks, Commercial Director of Financial Times in charge of Africa and Middle East, Mark Cowardine assured the governor that the message of the investment potentials of Rivers State will promote economic growth in the state.

    Vice Chairman of Westminster Africa Business Group, Mr Tim Johnsen noted that the presentation of Governor Wike has highlighted key areas of investments to be explored by European investors.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Invest Africa and United Kingdom Business Council for Africa, Karen Taylor said the state government has redefined the economic advantage of Rivers State, making it attractive to the world.

    Editor, Special Reports of Financial Times, Leyla Boulton, said Rivers State has become Nigeria’s leading economic destination due to the programmes initiated by Governor Wike.

    Imad Mesdoua, Senior Consultant at Control Risks expressed satisfaction with the quality of information and opportunities that Governor Wike has exposed to Europe on Rivers State.

    Governor Wike was accompanied by Senator George Sekibo, Commissioner of Information and Communication, Emma Okah, Chairman of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Chief Ferdinand Anabrabra, Commissioner of Sports, Boma Iyaye and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Austin Opara.

  • Buhari’s planned visit to Rivers based on killings, beheading in the state- Adesina

    Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina has explained that President Muhammadu Buhari plan to visit Rivers State is due to recent killings persons in parts of the state.

    According to him, Governor Nyesom Wike is faulting the proposed visit based on wrong premise.

    The Presidency had listed Rivers among the states the president will visit over killings in parts of the country, most of which is blamed on herdsmen.

    When told that Wike does not understand why the President is basing the Rivers visit on crisis, Adesina said that Buhari wants to condole with the families of those affected by various killings in the state.

    He recalled the Omoku killings and the beheading of victims whose heads were taken away by their assailants.

    “If he (Wike) doesn’t understand, the rest of the country understands. We understand, other Nigerians understand. Even people in Rivers state understand because on New Year Day, a minimum of 24 people were killed in Omoku.

    “So, is that not crisis? And can you count the number of people that have been beheaded in Rivers state in recent times?

    “People will be killed and heads will be cut off and the assailants will go away with the heads. So, can anybody say that there is no security issue in that kind of place?

    “It’s left to the governor. He’s the chief security officer. If he says there’s no security crisis in his state, good luck to him.”

    On what will become of the trip if the governor does not welcome it, Adesina said: “I’m sure he will be formally informed of the date. So, if he now says he doesn’t want the visit, it’s left to him and the federal government to decide the next step.

    “But the president is visiting so that he can condole with people who lost their loved ones, 24 people minimum, were killed in Omoku.

    “So, those people are the reason. Those people and the many beheaded; relations of those beheaded and their heads taken away, are the reason why the president is visiting the state.” he said.

  • Wike, Rivers APC clash again

    RIVERS State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and the state’s Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Davies Ikanya, are at loggerheads over the controversial Neighbourhood Watch law. Wike signed the bill into law on Thursday, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, while Ikanya declared that it was illegal for members of the neighbourhood watch to bear arms, in a state with a recent history of killings and violence during elections.

    The governor assented to the Neighbourhood Watch bill, while ignoring Wednesday’s service of a suit filed on the legality and constitutionality of the establishment of the agency at the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, by two chieftains of the APC: Ezemonye Ezekiel Amadi and Chizy Enyi, against Wike and eleven others, with reference number FHC/PH/CS/34/2018. The matter was adjourned till May 2. Wike stated that he established the neighbourhood watch to improve the security of Rivers communities, stressing that the outfit will support security agencies with intelligence and information, for them to efficiently fight crimes and make the state safer.

    He noted that the neighbourhood watch could not work without the approval of security agencies, which he said would profile all the operatives, claiming that anybody who loves Rivers state would not do anything to undermine steps that would enhance the security of lives and property in the state. The governor said: “If your hands are clean, you have nothing to fear. By tomorrow (Friday), I will appoint the person that will head the Neighbourhood Watch Safety Corps. “All criminals will face the full weight of the law.

    We will fight crime and ensure that Rivers State is safe for investors.” Wike also debunked claims by opposition that the Rivers government planned to use the neighbourhood watch to arm youths, claiming that the corps was a replica of what was already in existence in Lagos State. Rivers APC chairman, however, declared that the law, passed by the members of the Rivers House of Assembly on February 15 this year, was unacceptable, considering what Wike and other members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did to win the 2015 general elections in Rivers at all costs, especially the violence, killings and beheading of innocent people. He maintained that allowing members of the neighbourhood watch to bear arms would be inimical to the peace of Rivers state and would also violate the exclusivity of firearms to the Federal Government, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

    Ikanya, through his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Media/Public Affairs Consultant, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, noted, yesterday in Port Harcourt, that allowing the neighbourhood watch would amount to having a militia in Rivers state. Ikanya said: “Considering the bloodletting that accompanied the 2015 general elections in Rivers State, with this type of legally-approved militia group, only God knows what will befall the state.

    “The sinister law that authorises members of the neighbourhood watch, Wike’s private army, to carry arms, enter, search and arrest citizens without warrants, is evil, wicked and unacceptable. “Allowing Wike to formally arm his militia men will not only pose severe threats to the security of everybody in Rivers State, including those urging him on this sinister plot, but will make the evil, satanic, autocratic and fascist regimes of Mobutu Sese Seko, Emperor Fidel Bokassa or legendary Idi Amin of Uganda to be saints and angels of their countries.

    “We are talking of Wike, who in 2014, ordered members of his militia group, the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), to attack and stone the Northern governors that were on official visit to Rivers State, with their vehicles damaged at the Port Harcourt International Airport. “We are talking of Wike, who ensured that the then Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, now Transportation Minister, was so humiliated and embarrassed, that on several occasions, he (Amaechi) was prevented from entering the Government House, Port Harcourt. We are talking of Wike, who proudly influenced five members of the Rivers House of Assembly, constituting of 32 members, to attempt to impeach the then Speaker, Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Dan Amachree, with Amaechi as the target.”

    Ikanya also expressed shock that the Rivers governor, who claimed that his administration had no money to take care of Rivers students on overseas scholarships, could not pay pensions and salaries of civil servants for over six months or employ any Rivers indigene into any meaningful enterprise, could budget a whopping N22 billion for the purchase of guns and ammunition to arm Rivers youths to kill themselves, in the guise of having neighbourhood watch.

    He declared that the acquisition of guns, ammunition and explosives are within the exclusive legislative list of the Federal Government, adding that the Rivers neighbourhood watch law will do more harm than good to the already heated polity. Meanwhile, Wike has appointed ex-police officer, Uche Chukwuma, as the Acting Director General of the Neighbourhood Safety Agency. A statement by the Special Assistant to Governor Wike on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakudu, in Port Harcourt, the State capital revealed that Chukwuma, who retired as an Assistant Commissioner of Police, holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree and is a seasoned security professional.

  • Rivers APC warns Wike ahead of Buhari’s visit

    Rivers APC warns Wike ahead of Buhari’s visit

    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, yesterday 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 People’s 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.

    The 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.”

  • Rivers APC warns Wike ahead of Buhari’s visit

    Rivers APC warns Wike ahead of Buhari’s visit

    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, yesterday 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 People’s 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.

    The 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 Osinbajo, 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. Os- Inbajo 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: APC is dead in Rivers

    Wike: APC is dead in Rivers

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is dead in the state.

    He added that President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit will not revive the party.

    The governor spoke while launching the reconstruction of Egbelu Street and construction of link roads in East West in Rumuodara, Obio Akpor, yesterday.

    Wike said the Federal Government was yet to inform him of the President’s visit and the reason behind it.

    He said: “I hear they say that the President is coming to our state.  I have not been told the President is coming and why he is coming. He has the right to come to any state.  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 don’t 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”.

    Wike urged  Rivers people not to be bothered by  the politics or otherwise of the visit, because the state is very peaceful.

    “Let nobody bother him or herself that the President is coming for security reasons.  We don’t have security challenges in the 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.”

    He added  that there is no state where kidnappers and robbers are not operating.

    The governor noted that if President Muhammadu Buhari is visiting  because of kidnappers and robbers, then he should visit all 36 states.

    Wike said: “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 seaports and the rejected Port Harcourt-Aba road”.

    The governor said the Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, King Dandeson Jaja, drew his attention  to the challenges faced by residents of the  surburb.

    He urged the people to cooperate with the contractors to ensure scheduled completion of the road.

    Commissioner of Works Dum Dekor said the seven roads would be completed in six months.

  • 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.

  • Na’Abba: Wike is the type of leader Nigeria needs

    Na’Abba: Wike is the type of leader Nigeria needs

    Former  House of Representatives Speaker Ghali Na’abba has described Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike as the type of leader needed for Nigeria’s  rapid development.

    Na’abba endorsed Wike’s brand of politics,  which he said is focused on the development of all communities, kindness to all politicians irrespective of their political affiliation and display of  uncommon maturity in all political situations.

    Na’abba spoke yesterday after he inaugurated the Edeoha-Ikata-Ochigba Road in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    He said with his political attitude and high level performance in office, Governor Wike will grow to be the President of Nigeria.

    Na’Abba said: “The message I have for Governor Wike is that this kind hearted politics, this statesmanship that you have demonstrated, please continue.  Nigeria needs politicians like Governor Wike.  With this kind of posture, one day, you will become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  Should you declare for the Presidency one day, count on my support and that of those under me. What we need in this country is this kind  of attitude.  Attitude of friendship.”

    Na’abba commended the Rivers State governor for playing inclusive politics that promotes development. He said it takes statesmanship for a governor to construct projects in the communities of his opponents.

    He noted that the brand of politics being practiced by Governor Wike will introduce sanity into the political terrain.

    Former Deputy Speaker Chibodum Nwuche said Governor Wike is not just politician, but a statesman.

    He said the Edeoha-Ikata-Ochigba Road was abandoned by Former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, because of him (Nwuche).

    The Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives noted that Governor Wike released funds for the construction of the road, despite the fact he (Nwuche) is a member of the APC.

    He said: “I tell people that politics is about the people.  People love Wike for his good works.  They love him for the roads he has for Ahoada people . I urge Governor Wike to keep being the good person that he is”

    Wike stated that he constructed the Edeoha-Ikata-Ochigba Road in fulfilment of his promise to Nwuche.

    Wike said: “This road was abandoned because of Chibodum Nwuche and I gave him my word that we shall construct the road.

    “We cannot allow our people to suffer simply because their leader belongs to another political party”.

    He said that under his leadership there is no  politics of victimisation because everyone is carried along in the spirit of New Rivers State.

    “There is no politics  of victimisation in Rivers State. The only political party we have in this state  is Rivers State.  All of us are working for Rivers State “, he said.

    The governor  urged  all the people of the state to attract developmental projects, whenever  they have the opportunity.

    Commissioner  of Works Dum Dekor said the length of the road is 8.4kilometres. Member Representing Ahoada East Constituency 2, Mr Ehie Edison stated that the prople will support  Governor Wike for  a second term.