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Tag: Wike

  • Rivers APC chair faults Wike

    Rivers APC chair faults Wike

    The Rivers State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Davies Ikanya, yesterday insisted that Monday’s broadcast by Governor Nyesom Wike on insecurity and bloodbath in Rivers was full of lies and half-truths.

    He said: “While some of the lies may be ignored at the moment and dealt with at a later date, however, it is manifestly important to immediately prevent unsuspecting members of the public, critical stakeholders and particularly security agencies from being hoodwinked by a frivolous list of supposed cultists and kidnappers contained in the governor’s broadcast.

    “The truth has come out. Wike merely compiled names of cult groups opposed to his own gang of killers, names of his hit-men known to have fallen out with him and some APC members, while he is asking for their arrests.

    “Since the broadcast by Wike, many are still asking a plethora of questions. Why did the governor know those persons as criminals, as he claimed and never did anything since he came into office over 2 years ago? Why did he not make the names of those individuals available to security agents for arrest, investigation and prosecution? Why were those names kept until Don Waney was killed, before he made them public, in less than 48 hours after? Were those names given to him by security agencies? Indeed, how were those names generated? Were they generated in Government House, Port Harcourt or by the police?

    “The bravest attempts to answer the aforementioned questions simply confirm the fact that Wike merely want to muddle up investigations by security agents, following the killing of his associate, Don Waney. The governor very well knows that if Don Waney and his boys could be tracked and killed in faraway Enugu, then information from his  mobile call logs, text messages, bank accounts, etc. will likely reveal a lot, which may incriminate him or his party leaders, who freely played host to and/or appeared in photographs with Don Waney at various times in the past.”

  • Rivers PDP chair hails security agencies, Wike for ending killings

    Rivers PDP chair hails security agencies, Wike for ending killings

    The Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Felix Obuah, has lauded security agencies and Governor Nyesom Wike for ending the senseless and unprovoked killings in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the state.

    A terrorist, Igwedibia Johnson, aka ‘General’ Don Waney, 34, who masterminded the New Year’s Day killing of 17 worshippers after crossover service in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State, was on Saturday killed in Enugu, Enugu State, along with two of his lieutenants: Ikechukwu Adiele and Lucky Ode, by soldiers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Obuah, in a statement yesterday in Port Harcourt by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Pastor Jerry Needam, noted that Wike and the security agencies deserved special commendation for their proactive action and gallantry in bringing to an end, the reign of terror in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of the state.

    Rivers PDP chairman said: “The visit of Governor Wike to Omoku, sequel to the slaughtering of some worshippers during the New Year crossover service and the promise of a handsome reward N200 million to any person with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the hoodlums, was a morale booster to the success recorded in tracing and killing the notorious criminal, Don Waney, and his gang in Enugu, Enugu State.

    “I give security agencies a pat on the back for displaying the highest professional skills in bursting the killer gang, without taking the lives of innocent people during the gun duel between the soldiers and the bandits.

    “The PDP-controlled Rivers State government is prepared to continue to partner and give all necessary logistic support to the security agencies, in their efforts to make Rivers State cult and crime free.

    “The euphoria occasioned by the news of the death of the notorious kidnap kingpin, Don Waney, believed to be behind most of the criminal activities across Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA in recent times is a pointer that the people had lived in fear and always prayed for the end of the dark period, which has come, with the great feat recorded by the gallant soldiers and DSS officers.”

    Obuah also described the killing of Johnson and his gang members as God’s answer to the prayers of the peace-loving people Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA and the bereaved families of the victims, while expressing optimism that the much-needed peace had returned to the area.

    He urged the security agencies not to rest on their oars, until all forms of criminality were wiped out in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA and other parts of Rivers state.

    Rivers PDP chairman said: “On our part, we will make sure every encouragement is given to the Rivers State government and the security agencies for a more secure and peaceful Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA and its citizens.

    “May we also use this opportunity to warn all those who derive pleasure in promoting insecurity in the state by politicising security matters and spreading false information and propaganda to desist forthwith, to enable the security agents fish out the real enemies and perpetrators of the heinous crimes against our fatherland.”

    Obuah also stated that the security agencies and Wike’s government must be supported at all times.

  • Amaechi to Wike: protect Rivers people or resign

    Amaechi to Wike: protect Rivers people or resign

    The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has asked Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to protect the people or resign.

    He said the people would no longer tolerate Wike’s inability and/or refusal to protect them.

    Amaechi, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), who is also the director-general of Buhari/Osinbajo Re-election Campaign Organisation, said the people already had enough of insecurity and bloodbath.

    The minister, yesterday in a statement  on New Year’s Day massacre in Omoku and insecurity in Rivers, said he was sad over the incident.

    He said: “In the last few years, we have suffered and endured a debilitating state of insecurity in Rivers State. Many lives have been cut short, while many have been maimed. Hopes and dreams have been dashed, families distraught and destroyed. Murderous cults and rival gangs reign supreme. Our once peaceful state has lost its serenity and lustre. We are now been derisively referred to as ‘Rivers of Blood.’

    “However, the killings in Omoku in the first few hours of this new year and the uninspiring, inept, blame-game response of a government that swore to an oath to protect every Rivers man and woman, should compel us to action and scream that we have had enough of insecurity and bloodbath.”

     

     

  • Dakuku to Wike: show political will

    Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr Dakuku Peterside has hailed the army and Directorate of State Service (DSS) for working together to end the life of notorious criminal Igwedibia Johnson aka Don Waney, who for long terrorized the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State.

    He said: “This is a confidence-building step towards restoration of law and order in Rivers State.”

    Dr Peterside commended the gallantry of the security men and urged them not to rest on their oars until all criminal elements in Rivers state were arrested and made to face their days in court.

    He said: “The people of ONELGA have been harassed, traumatized, maimed and killed needlessly. This is a great day for the people and end of the road for those who felt this day would never come. For their sponsors, they should know that there is a consequence for every action and a day of reckoning for all of us.

    ”This is a good warning to all those who think they can be protected and accommodated by politicians. Those who live by the sword will die by the sword; we must give every support to the security agencies to help them rid our state of these criminals.

    “Let me also call on the Governor Wike-led administration to create policies and programmes that will create employment opportunities for the teeming Rivers youth. The government must go beyond brick and mortar and, fashion out ways of getting our youth employed.

    “Rivers has huge potentials in agriculture and allied products; I see no reason why the state government has not looked at such opportunities to engage our youth. Governance is not just about building houses and painting roads; human capacity development is also very crucial.”

  • Amaechi to Wike: stop breeding militants

    The Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi yesterday urged Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, to take up his responsibilities seriously in order to secure the state.

    Speaking on the killings in Rivers state, Amaechi pushed for more criteria other than age for as condition for seeking the governor’s office.

    He said: “I think the governor needs to get a bit more serious, he should stop encouraging the militant groups in the name of politics and election. You heard about 21 only in Omoku, what about in Akutoru where two person were killed, what about other LGA. I think there should be much more than age to qualify to be a governor because it takes much more than age.

    “I was governor of Rivers State, I did not play PDP/APC politics, life is life it has no symbol. Nobody has APC life or PDP life. The first responsibility of a governor which is what the oath of office requires, is that you swear to protect lives and property.

    “When you don’t protect life and property what do you do? Is it impeachment? Unfortunately there is no House of Assembly in Rivers State.

    “Too much noise coming from Rivers State, the governor just wakes up and starts shouting, abusing people that’s all he does. Mr. Project painting roads, the first thing you do is human capacity development and keeping human beings and we are losing lives every day.

    “Two important men were kidnapped before I left Port Harcourt, the first person is Chief Adoke till today, nearly one month after nobody can tell you where he is. The next person is Chief Omogu was kidnapped luckily the villagers ran after the people and rescued the old man from the bush.

    “It never happened when I was governor. We (the security and myself) ensured that we will not sleep at night. We stayed awake for then citizens to sleep, I think the governor needs to do much more than that or quit the office.” he added

    On what is lacking in Wike, he said “I just don’t know because the things are there for him to work with. He is not like me when during my second term the President Goodluck Jonathan took away Police, SSS, the Army brigade commander couldn’t visit me but in his case everyone is disposed to him.

    “He can see the commissioner of Police, director SSS, unlike my period but we fought insecurity. But because he needs these people for election purpose that is why they are still there, that is why they are killing we need much more than that.

    “Unfortunately, I swore not to be talking about Rivers anymore but you don’t keep quiet in the face of 21 lives, you can’t just keep quiet. I have said it that nobody should criticize us, successor let him do his beat but a successor that watches the lives of people go like that and does not care? God will bless him.” he stated

  • Amaechi to Wike: Improve your performance or quit

    Amaechi to Wike: Improve your performance or quit

    The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday charged Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, to take up his responsibilities seriously in order to secure the state.

    At least 21 people were killed  in the state on Monday.

    The victims were returning from New Year service when they were attacked by unknown gunmen in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of the state.

    Speaking to State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Amaechi pushed for inclusion of more requirements other than age for position of governor.

    He said: “I think the governor needs to get a bit more serious, he should stop encouraging the militant groups in the name of politics and election. You heard about 21 only in Omoku, what about in Akutoru where two person were killed, what about other LGA. I think there should be much more than age to qualify to be a governor because it takes much more than age.

    “I was governor of Rivers State, I did not play PDP/APC politics, life is life and it has no symbol. Nobody has APC life or PDP life. The first responsibility of a governor which is what the oath of office requires is that you swear to protect lives and property.

    “When you don’t protect life and property what do you do? Is impeachment. Unfortunately there is no House of Assembly in Rivers State.

    “Too much noise coming from Rivers State, the governor just wakes up and starts shouting, abusing people that’s all he does. Mr. Project painting roads, the first thing you do is human capacity development and keeping human beings and we are losing lives every day.

    “Two important men were kidnapped before I left Port Harcourt, the first person is Chief Adoke till today, nearly one month after nobody can tell you where he is. The next person to be kidnapped was Chief Omogu. Luckily the villagers ran after the people and rescued the old man from the bush.

    “It never happened when I was governor. We (the security and myself) ensured that we will not sleep at night. We stayed awake for the citizens to sleep. I think the governor needs to do much more than that or quit the office.”

     

     

  • Buhari, Wike meet over Rivers security

    Buhari, Wike meet over Rivers security

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met behind closed doors with Rivers State Governor, Nyeson Wike, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The governor updated the President on the security situation in the state.

    Speaking to State House correspondents after the closed door meeting, Wike said the meeting centred mainly on security, adding that he was happy with the discussion.

    Describing his relationship with the President as cordial, the governor said their discussion also bordered on other developmental issues in the state.

    He said: “I’m happy with the discussion and I believe that something has to be done about (security) it. Nothing political just security issue that affects the state and things that may lead to the breakdown of law and order. We talked on security challenges and he received me very well.

    “We don’t have any bad relationship, I come here when he asked me to come.’’

    He also criticised the $1 billion approved by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to fight insurgency in the country.

    According to him, the approval was illegal.

    Wike, however, said he was in support of any effort embarked upon by the Federal Government to address insurgency and environmental challenges in the Niger Delta region.

    He added: “Even though for me it’s illegal, for me it is. However, we are told we are fighting insurgency and no right thinking person in the country will say that he would not support the government in fighting against insurgency.

    “But on the other hand too, I believe that when you are talking about environmental issues in the Niger Delta particularly the Ogoniland I believe that we can also take money from there (Excess Crude Account) to solve the problem of Ogoniland and other Niger Delta areas. That is my position.”

    On the allegation that he manipulated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congress to install his candidate as chairman of the party, Wike said it was impossible for an individual to install a party chairman in the country.

    “ It is impossible for one person to own a party. The only thing is that people are vibrating and the ruling party is jittery about it,’’ he said.

     

  • Wike offers 12-year old musician N40million scholarship

    Wike offers 12-year old musician N40million scholarship

    Talented 12-year old musician, master Nengi Jaja, has been offered a N40m scholarship by the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

    The young musician put up a spectacular performance on Sunday at the Thanksgiving Service in honour of Prince Uche Secondus which held at the State Ecumenical Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    The scholarship will cover the musician’s education to university level.

    In a statement released by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, the governor directed the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Province 5, to open an account for the musician in liaison with his family for the purpose of the scholarship.

    Jaja emerged as second-runner up in an international music festival where over 10, 000 children participated.

  • Ambode, Wike preach love, friendship, peace

    Ambode, Wike preach love, friendship, peace

    Governors Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos) and Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (Rivers) have urged  Nigerians to use this year’s Christmas to promote love, friendship, peace and reconciliation.

    Ambode, in his Christmas message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna, said the season symbolises love, care and compassion for persons, especially the weak, vulnerable and less-privileged.

    According to him, his message to everyone at this period is to put a smile on the face of persons who may not necessarily be able to pay them back.

    “Christmas is a season that explains the depth of God’s love for mankind and exemplary sacrifice that we should emulate in our relationship with our neighbours irrespective of status and creed.

    “This season is another opportunity to increase our acts of kindness and touch the less privileged in our society.

    “Therefore, this Christmas means so much more than just mere merriment. It is a veritable avenue to extend love to the less-privileged who are disadvantaged in several ways.

    “In this special season therefore, I urge you all to spread love and be our brother’s keeper. Let us reach out to those who struggle to provide for their families. Let us put smiles on the faces of the weak and vulnerable. This is the real essence of Christmas,” Ambode said.

    He said the last 12 months brought about different challenging situations which combined to make both residents and the state stronger, just as he expressed optimism that Lagos would get even better in the New Year.

    “Our hope is based on our unshaken faith in the grace of God, the solid foundation which we have laid in terms of infrastructure development and renewal.

    “It is also based on the policies and programmes which we have put in place to positively impact on the social and economic well being of our people,” he said.

    Ambode commended residents for the peaceful atmosphere the state had enjoyed over the years and urged them to emulate Jesus Christ and embrace peace and continue to pray for continued peace in the state.

    “We shall continue to pray for continued peace in Lagos; we shall continue to pray for increased prosperity of our people.

    “We shall not relent in our prayers for Lagos to continue in its path of accelerated and unprecedented growth and we shall look forward to more of your prayers, now, in the New Year and beyond.

    “Our government appreciates the spirit of tolerance and cooperation which has provided the enabling environment for growth and development in Lagos State.

    In a Christmas Message, Wike said the season exemplifies love, advising that Nigerians should always  love one another.

    He urged Rivers people to use this year’s Christmas to erect  platforms  of love, peace  and reconciliation for the greater development of the state.

    The governor advised Rivers people to pray for the state to enjoy greater peace for the state government  to consolidate on her developmental programmes  that have made the state first amongst equals.

    He assured the people of the state that he would remain  focused in his delivery of pro-people projects and programmes to improve their standard of living. .

  • Community begs Wike to intervene in chieftaincy crisis

    Community begs Wike to intervene in chieftaincy crisis

    The people of Umuebulu in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State have urged Governor Nyesom Wike to call the lawmaker representing Etche II in the House of Assembly, Tony Ejiogu, to order.

    In a save-our-souls letter to Wike, the people said Ejiogu’s desperation and ambition to forcibly become the Ochimba/paramount ruler of the community would create chaos.

    The letter, titled: “Tony Ejiogu’s Disrespect Against the Traditional Head of Etche,  (Ochie) E.N.B. Opurum, Onye-Ishi-Etche/Ochie of Etcheland, is Fast Destroying the Stronghold Support Base of Governor Wike in Etche Local Government Area”, was signed by the oldest man in the community, Elder Enyiazu Okere; the Ochimba/paramount ruler Eze James Nwagwu; the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman Victor Okere; the Youth President Prince Tony Anele; and 45 others.

    They pleaded with Wike to ask Ejiogu to stop acts that could cause crisis in the community, following his desire to double as their paramount ruler.

    The letter reads: “Sir, we humbly implore you (Wike) to call Tony Ejiogu to order, to stop using your good name and hard-earned political image to advance his chieftaincy tussle, to prevent further damage to your strong political grip in Umuebulu and other parts of Etcheland.

    “This should be a cause for concern for anybody who truly loves Governor Wike, our own Mr. Project.

    “We are piqued at the fact that the only project and appreciation we have received from Ejiogu is to engage us in crisis, due to his quest to be our Ochimba. All his constituency allowances are now being used to prosecute only his chieftaincy tussle.

    “Your Excellency Sir, our greatest fear, worry and concern is that Ejiogu’s ambition to double as our Ochimba is fast eroding your greatest stronghold and grassroots support base in Umuebulu community in particular and Etcheland in general

    “Ejiogu’s challenge against the decision of the traditional head of Etche, over his final settlement and resolution of the Ochimba of Umuebulu, is also becoming a serious political baggage to the massive loyalty and support to Governor Wike.

    “On May 16, in a town-hall meeting, all the people of Umuebulu, led by the eldest man in the community, the Onye-Oke-Manu, unanimously resolved, agreed and endorsed Eze James Nwagwu as the Ochimba and paramount ruler of Umuebulu, in line with our tradition.

    “On October 24, the head of Etche Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, E.N.B. Opurum, unanimously confirmed and crowned Eze James Nwagwu as the Ochimba of Umuebulu.”

    But Ejiogu urged discerning minds not to take the protesters serious, describing the allegations against him as frivolous.