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Tag: Wike

  • Polls: Army GOC threatens Wike, PDP with legal action

    —Demands unreserved apology, withdrawal of frustrating statements within 72 hours or face legal action

    THE General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Maj.-Gen. Jamil Sarham, has berated Governor Nyesom Wike and other members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers over their reckless comments against the 6 Division and its personnel.

    Maj.-Gen. Sarham also demanded an unreserved apology from Wike and theCommissioner for Information and Communications, Emma Okah, a lawyer, who doubles as the Director of Information and Communications of Rivers PDP Campaign Council, as well as the withdrawal of the offensive and frustrating statements within 72 hours or face legal action.

    The 6 Division covers Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states in the Niger Delta.

    Okah, yesterday in an online statement, accused a Senior Officer of 6 Division, Brig.-Gen. Nasiru Najaja, who is the Commander, 6 Military Intelligence Brigade, of allegedly tampering with sensitive electoral materials in Port-Harcourt and planning to rig Presidential and National Assembly elections in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The GOC, through 6 Division’s Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, said: “The attention of Headquarters 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has been drawn to some unscrupulous and wicked assertions by one Barr. Emma Okah, who claims to be the Director of Information and Communications of PDP Rivers State, in a statement he issued and published in an online medium.

    “In the most bizarre and slanderous statement, Emma Okah criminally and frivolously accused the person of a respected professional, Brig.-Gen. Nasiru Najaja, the Commander 6 Military Intelligence Brigade, to the effect that the senior officer was prevented access to the Port Harcourt Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) premises by some so-called PDP members, who stopped him from tampering with sensitive electoral materials. Okah went ahead to brazenly accuse the institution of the 6 Division for planning to rig the election in favour of another political party.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, as part of the Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibility of aiding civil authority and our mandate to safeguarding key points and vulnerable points of our dear nation, troops of 6 Division were accordingly deployed and further reinforced at various locations, including the CBN, Port Harcourt, where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) usually deposits sensitive materials before, during and after elections.

    “Brig.-Gen. Najaja, as the Coordinator of all deployments, was at the CBN, Port Harcourt and other locations to assess the level of troops’ deployment and alertness. This deployment must have thwarted Mr. Okah’s sinister plans and that of his paymasters, thereby making such frustrating statements.

    “Emma Okah and his cohorts are advised to henceforth restrict their politicking to themselves and avoid dragging the respected institution of the Nigerian Army and its personnel for cheap popularity. The 6 Division and indeed the Nigerian Army have over time reiterated and genuinely demonstrated our neutrality and apolitical posture and will continue to play our constitutional mandates responsively and professionally, despite the distractions.

    “The 6 Division wishes to categorically demand an unreserved apology and withdrawal of the slanderous statements by Emma Okah against the Nigerian Army and the person of Brig.-Gen. Nasiru Najaja within 72 hours, failure of which will lead to institution of legal proceedings.”

    Maj.-Gen. Sarham also reassured the good people of Rivers State and the crude oil and gas-rich Niger Delta region of the 6 Division’s unflinching resolve to protect lives and property, in conjunction with other security agencies, for a conducive atmosphere in the entire region.

    The GOC also hailed the people of Rivers State and the Niger Delta for their continued support and cooperation with the division in the area of provision of useful and timely information, which he said greatly assisted the operations of the division, while urging them to do more.

     

  • Wike receives Buhari in Port Harcourt

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Tuesday received President Muhammadu Buhari at the Nigeria Air Base airstrip in Port Harcourt.

    Wike and some members of the State Executive Council welcomed the President at about 10.17 am.

    Wike who was also accompanied by members of the Rivers State Security presented a bouquet of flowers to the President.

    The President boarded a Nigerian Air Force helicopter and left to Bayelsa State for Campaigns.

     

  • Wike first governor to drive into Opobo

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, yesterday, received the Golden Key to the city of Opobo as the first governor to drive into the ancient island.

    The Amayanabo of Opobo Kingdom , King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, presenting the key to Wike, thanked the governor for building the road.

    He said: “Opobo people are happy you have constructed this road into our town. This is a historic moment that the Rivers State governor is the first to drive into the kingdom”.

    King Jaja prayed God to continue  to bless Wike and lift him up for improving  the area.

    “This is the Golden Key into the historic city of Opobo . With this key, you are now a citizen of Opobo. You have all the rights of an Opobo citizen  “, he said.

    Speaking, Alabo Godwin Omoni Bupo said since Opobo town was founded in 1870, no governor had driven into the island.

    He said: “By this act, you have made history which cannot be equalled.  We remain grateful to you for keeping  your promise to our people that they would drive home in December 2019”.

    The governor was happy he made history as the first governor to drive into the town.

    While thanking the Council of Chiefs, Wike assured them his administration would fund the project.

    “This road has gone beyond the level of abandonment. We will source funds and drive it to completion”, he said.

    He said King Jaja insisted he drove, instead of flying, adding that he felt fulfilled helping them actualise their dreams.

    “I give God the glory that during my time, Opobo people can drive into their beautiful kingdom.  Sir Peter Odili started this road, but could not complete it. The past administration could not complete  it. We are happy  we have completed  it”, he said.

    Although the Opobo axis is yet to be completed, Wike has driven the project  to 85 per cent completion.

    He assured the people he would complete all aspects of the road by May.

  • Wike alleges plot to implicate 200 federal judges

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike yesterday alleged of a plot by the Federal Government to intimidate 200 judges, especially those of the federal judiciary.

    The governor hinged his claim on what he called “strategic credible intelligence” intercepted by him.

    He said the report showed a minister told a gathering that “following the destabilisation of the Supreme Court, the next target will be the Court of Appeal and Federal High Court”.

    But the President said the governor was afraid of his shadow and crying wolf where none existed.

    Speaking during service of the Greater Evangelism World Crusade in Port Harcourt yesterday, Wike alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration has collected the asset declaration forms of 200 judges from the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) for the planned mass onslaught.

    He said: “I intercepted a discussion by a minister where he was telling a gathering that they are happy that they have dealt with the Supreme Court. The Minister said that the next set would be the Court of Appeal judges and the Federal High Court judges. The minister said any judge that fails to cooperate will face trump-up charges and compelled to resign.

    “This Federal Government has gone to the Code of Conduct Bureau to get the asset declaration forms of 200 judges.  Any judge that fails to follow their evil plot, will be harassed with false allegations and persecution.”

    The governor noted that the government will generate several false allegations to compel upright judges to resign from the bench.

    Governor Wike called on the Church to pray for the federal judiciary to survive what he described as “deadly siege”.

    He said: “The Church should continually pray for the Federal Judiciary.  The judiciary in Nigeria is under siege. If anything happens to the judiciary, our democracy is in trouble.

    “The Church needs to pray for the judges to remain strong in the face of intimidation and harassment.”

    On the forthcoming general elections, Wike urged the people to vote for the revival of the country, which he said must make progress.

    International Director of Greater Evangelism World Crusade, Pastor Isaac Olori, said the forthcoming general elections are crucial to the country moving away from the era of under-development and siege.

    He said that the Church shares in governor Wike’s passion for prayers as a platform for making a difference in a Christian society.

    Pastor Olori said every leader must have a listening ear and the ability to respond to the needs of the people by addressing their challenges.

    The cleric said: “We are not looking for helpless people to lead us. We want leaders with capacity.  That is why the forthcoming elections are very important.

    “If anyone is looking for leadership, be prepared to make a difference in the society.”

  • Rigging allegation: NSA replies Wike

    The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has dismissed the allegation by the governor of Rivers State, Mr Nyelsom Wike, that there were plans by the ONSA to rig the forthcoming general elections by shutting down the nation’s internet system.

    The NSA, Major Gen. Babagana Monguno(rtd), in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, said there was no iota of truth in the allegation.

    He advised Nigerians to disregard the allegation entirely.

    The statement reads :”The attention of the Office of the National Security Adviser has been drawn to the allegation making the rounds in the media that the Federal Government, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to work with internet service providers to shut down internet access during the forthcoming elections to facilitate rigging of the 2019 elections.

    “The office wishes to advise the general public to disregard the allegation which is disinformation.

    “This office wishes to state that the internet and associated communications infrastructure are major components of the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) which the ONSA is mandated to ensure its security.

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    “Accordingly, the office, in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments and agencies of government, makes continuous efforts to protect them and improve service delivery to Nigerians.

    “Furthermore, every single national security platform in the country rides on the same internet to function. Therefore ‘shutting down’ the internet is akin to shutting down national development and security.

    “The Office of the National Security Adviser remains committed to protecting the rights of the public to access Information and Communication Technology facilities.  The office also remains non-partisan and committed to ensuring that Nigerians freely exercise their civic rights.”

  • Wike: this is Nigeria’s opportunity to end dictatorship

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has said Nigerians have the best opportunity to end dictatorship during the presidential election.

    At a special mass at the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) yesterday in Port Harcourt, Wike said the failures of this administration had made the elections more important than mere politics.

    He said: “In the coming presidential election, you have the opportunity to end dictatorship or embrace freedom. But the best way forward is to embrace freedom for good of the country.

    “Today, nobody is enjoying the economy; the economy has degenerated to the level that the Church is affected as people can no longer give offering and tithes. We have the opportunity to fix our economy by voting for the right person. This is a time to change the country’s economic direction.”

    The governor lamented that the collapse of the security infrastructure was due to the inability of APC to initiate quality policies. He urged Nigerians to vote Atiku Abubakar, who has the blueprint to secure the country.

    He urged the Church to pray for peaceful polls, saying nobody should shed blood for political relevance.

    “What is important is that the Church must pray for peaceful and credible polls. No position is worth the blood of anyone. We preach peaceful and credible polls,” he added.

    The Catholic Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese, Rev Camillus Etukudo, prayed for peaceful polls, and urged Nigerians to participate in the elections and vote according to their conscience.

    Rev. Mosignr Pius Kii, of CIWAfrica, praised Wike for his outstanding projects delivery and human development programme.

    He said Rivers people were happy with Wike for improving their living condition, and prayed God to grant him strength to continue with his project delivery.

  • Rivers governorship: Wike, Lulu-Briggs in hot exchange of words

    THE governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Rivers State, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs and the Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike who is also the standard bearer of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the governorship election are currently engaged in hot exchange of words.

    Lulu-Briggs, an oil magnate, while addressing a ‘world press conference’ in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, berated Wike for poor performance and allegedly deceiving Rivers people with the sobriquet of “Mr. Projects,” while declaring that from May 29 this year, Rivers people would be calling him “Mr. Jobs,” promising to perform excellently and much better than the incumbent governor.

    However, Wike, on Thursday, through Rivers Commissioner for Informa tion and Communications, Emma Okah, a lawyer, who doubles as the Director of Information and Communications,  Rivers PDP Campaign Council, described Lulu-Briggs as a comedian, who knew nothing about good governance, insisting that his ‘world press conference’  was a jamboree. The Rivers State Governor also accused the governorship candidate of Accord Party of ignorantly spreading falsehood, while challenging Lulu-Briggs, whom he described as a joker, to mention anything that he had contributed to the development of Rivers state, besides telling lies and blackmailing leaders of the ruling PDP, knowing full well that he had already failed in his governorship bid, especially without having structure in any of the 23 local government areas of Rivers, but merely making noise.

    Lulu-Briggs while replying  through his campaign organisation’s Director of Media and Communications, Sotonye Ijuye-Dagogo, yesterday said: “It is most disheartening that we should react to the weightless statement by the PDP campaign council. Our discomfiture stems from the realisation that such an empty statement is the product of the minds that currently govern our beloved state. “If Mr. Okah had ended his poorly-thought-out response with the usual eulogy for the mediocre achievements of the ‘workaholic governor’, then we would have ignored him as merely engaging in the trademark political narrative known to them in the PDP.

    In his zeal to impress, Mr. Okah went on to de scribe the contents of a well-received, factual and clearly articulated press conference of the Accord governorship candidate as ‘mere street talks.’ “Worrisome to us is the display of crass ignorance or is it a case of deliberate misrepresentation (as is their custom). Otherwise, how could a Commissioner for Information fail to understand the holistic and integrated development plan as enunciated in the Chief Lulu-Briggs’ press conference speech and the attached policy document? If the comprehension of such a lucid presentation by Dumo Lulu-Briggs is a challenge to the PDP, is it any wonder that Rivers State has been going round in circles under the watch of the Wike-led administration?”

  • Protect and defend your votes, says Wike

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has said Nigerians should protect their votes to stop the “desperate All Progressives Congress (APC) Federal Government from rigging the elections”.

    According to Wike, the Federal Government was in panic mode, and working with security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rig the elections.

    Wike spoke yesterday during a campaign rally at Abua/Odual Local Government at County State School.

    He said: “APC is afraid because it knows that Atiku Abubakar will win fair and square. Therefore, the party is planning to use security agencies and INEC to rig, but it will not work.

    “The only way to ensure that Atiku Abubakar and all PDP candidates win is to protect all votes from the polling units to the collation centres.

    “All the APC is doing is to cause crisis because they are not popular; we want free and fair elections.

    “There will be no room for manipulation in the election. If anyone hits you, retaliate. Follow them bumper-to-bumper. APC is desperate, but we will not allow them.”

    Wike assured the people that he would kick off a key road project in the area once the people vote for Atiku Abubakar and other PDP candidates.

    Chairman of Abua/Odual council Daniel O. Daniel said the people would always stand with Wike, and they would speak with their votes.

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Marshal Uwom said the council would deliver all PDP candidates.

  • Wike: we won’t allow N-power personnel as ad hoc workers

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has said the state will not allow the use of N-power personnel as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ad hoc workers.

    Wike, who addressed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign rally at Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government yesterday, said the N-power list was concocted to favour the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig the elections.

    He said: “I hear INEC wants to use N-power personnel as ad hoc workers for the elections.

    ‘’This is a ploy to rig. N-power personnel will not be allowed to serve as INEC ad hoc workers in Rivers. If you bring them, we will chase them away.”

    Wike said Nigerians should share the blame of allowing a man without knowledge of the economy to become the President.

    “The mass unemployment in the country is due to Buhari becoming the President. All Nigerians should share the blame for their suffering. We took our future and mandate and handed over to people who don’t understand job creation,” he lamented.

    The governor admonished the people to vote for the PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar for his understanding of the economy and ability to create jobs.

    He said: “All his life, Atiku Abubakar has been involved in job creation. He is one of the highest employers of labour in Nigeria.”

    PDP state Chairman Felix Obuah, handing over flags to the party’s candidates, appealed to members to be steadfast.

    Ex-Governor Celestine Omehia described Wike as a true son of Ikwerre, who has transformed the state and the people are happy with him.

    “Wike is our son in who we are well pleased. Ikwerre people are happy that you have kept your promises,” he said.

     

  • CJN Onnoghen: Amaechi replies Wike

    TRANSPORTATION Minister Rotimi Amaechi yesterday dismissed as another blatant lie, a statement by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, that he (Amaechi) masterminded alleged plot to pull down the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

    The minister, who doubles as the Director General of the Buhari/Osinbajo Reelection Campaign Organisation, said in an online statement that the governor’s allegation was aimed at putting him (Amaechi) on collision course with the judiciary.

    “Amaechi is not a judicial officer and he is not part of whatever is happening in the judiciary. We challenge Wike to mention the name of the APC’s chieftain he falsely alleged that Amaechi discussed the ‘destruction of the CJN with,” Amaechi’s media team said in the statement.

    It recalled how Wike, during the Ikoyi-Osborne-gate scandal, claimed that Amaechi was the owner of the $43 million cash found in the Osborne apartment and that the money was stolen from Rivers State government’s treasury.

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    It said: “In Wike’s usual chicanery, up till today, he has refused to go to court to claim the $43million found in the Ikoyi apartment, which he claimed was Rivers money stolen by his predecessor. Even when a court of law openly asked anyone laying claim to the money to come forward and collect it, Wike ran far away from the court.”

    The transportation minister said Wike should remember that the immunity he currently enjoys against prosecution for his many libelous attacks on him would not last forever.

    Coninuing, Amaechi’s media office said: “At the appropriate time, he (Wike) will no doubt face the full wrath of the law and ultimately that of the Almighty God.

    “Wike should by now know that Nigerians are tired and are no longer interested in his ranting and cock-and-bull stories against Amaechi.

    “Wike’s outburst against Amaechi is diversionary. Rivers governor knows too well that he has nothing to show Rivers people for his almost four years in office, in a state obviously with one of the highest allocations, thereby resorting to casting aspersions on Amaechi, instead of telling the people what he has done for Rivers State.”

    Transportation minister also called on Rivers people and other lovers of democracy to ignore Wike, whom he described as a frivolous.

    The Rivers State governor had, on Thursday, accused Amaechi of working against his Southsouth brother (Onnoghen).