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Tag: #Nyesom Wike

  • PDP Must Resolve Its Crisis To Win 2023 General Election – Wike

     

    Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has again urged the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to do the right thing, if the party must win the presidential election in 2023.

    The right thing, Governor Wike insisted, is the resignation of Senator Iyorchia Ayu as PDP national chairman, in order for a southerner to occupy the seat within the principle of equity, fairness and justice.

    Governor Wike restated his position during a live interactive media chat in Port Harcourt on Friday.

    He emphasised that any leader of a group who causes crisis within the group that he leads, truly lacks the requisite skills to navigate affairs of such group.

    “This is the time to show leadership skill on the part of those who are leaders of the party. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is the presidential candidate. He is the one who feels the pain.”

    Governor Wike made reference to the party’s constitution that spells it out in Section 7 (3) (c) that that all political and elective positions must be zoned.

    He wondered why it is now so difficult for Senator Ayu to respect the constitution or even keep to his promise and quit the office if a northern is elected as PDP standard bearer.

    “We have not held the presidential primary before the national chairman of the party said if the presidential candidate emerges from his area, he will quit.”

    Governor Wike also accused Senator Ayu of collecting one hundred million Naira, first from a certain governor to renovate the party’s democratic institution, and later went to PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to collect exact amount for the same purpose. Governor Wike dares Senator Ayu to deny it.

    “In fact, let me also tell you, Ayu collected N100million naira from a governor that he was going to renovate our democratic institution and then he went back to the PDP NWC and took the same N100million naira for doing the same work.”

    He further added, “What kind of system is that? I am telling you all these are facts. Let him (Ayu) say no first and I will tell you (those he collected money from).”

    The Rivers State governor pointed to the importance of the mission of rescuing Nigeria expected of the PDP by Nigerians. But the mission, he said required a leader with proven integrity to lead the party.

    “For God’s sake, knowing that you are in a party that wants to take over the reign of governance in the country, we know Nigerians know the problems confronting the country.

    “If a leader does not have integrity, forget it. We need a man who will tell his people this; a man who will be firm, a man who will be courageous to do those things that even people find it difficult to do.

    “You are presenting a man who is the head of the party, the chairman of the party, who has no integrity to lead the campaign to take over the reigns of governance.”

    Governor Wike explained that the chairmanship position of the party should go to the south before the elections. According, if Alhaji Atiku Abubakar wins in February presidential election, the hawks around him won’t wait until May to take major decisions.

    “Who is there to decide for the South? Why will you tell me until when you finish election that’s when a southerner will emerge as chairman.”

    Governor Wike described as untrue the report in the media that some former PDP governors, including Dr Peter Odili, were sent to him to resolve the crisis in the party.

    Speaking further, Governor Wike decried the perennial flooding experienced in parts of the country as a result of lack of initiative on the part of the federal government to dredge the River Benue and River Niger respectively.

    Governor Wike asserted that one way of solving the ravaging yearly flooding situation, is to pay attention to the sources of water flow and end the suffering of Nigerians who become impacted every year.

    “I asked what is this problem that we can’t dredge River Benue and River Niger? Each time I fly over Benue, the sight makes me cry. We won’t have had so much problem to this extent if we dredge them

    “But the politics, I do not know. Who is interested for River Benue, River Niger not to be dredged, and that has caused so much hardship for our people.

    “How can government from time refused to dredge the rivers and I heard, sometime, that they awarded the Calabar River. What happened, where is the money?”

    Governor Wike imagined why the federal government will award an all important contract like the dredging of Calabar River and will not demand its execution, even when communities continue to suffer from such negligence.

    Governor Wike also informed that the taskforce on flood set up in the State is directly supervised by him to ensure that the impacted victims directly benefits from the relief materials that they would eventually require.

    The governor dismissed insinuation that Sir Celestine Omehia was derecognised as ex-State Governor of Rivers State by the State lawmakers because he is supporting Atiku. According to him, the lawmakers took their decision based on Supreme Court judgment that sacked him.

    Governor Wike dismissed claim by the management of Africa Independent Television (AIT) that the company acquired the land from the State government.

    According to him, when the State Assembly started deliberation of the land, AIT until date failed to provide any letter of allocation to claim ownership of the land that was supposed to house its regional office in Port Harcourt.

    Governor Wike also mentioned that he desired to construct a ring road that is estimated to cost N70B. The road, he said is planned to start from Okrika Town axis through Eleme to the Port Harcourt International Airport and terminate at Choba town.

    He stated that since the tenure of his administration will end in May 2023, he will recommend to the incoming administration to execute the project because of its importance.

    The Rivers State governor said the appointment of fifty thousand Special Assistants by him has provided jobs opportunity for the affected persons.

    October 14, 2022

  • Wike Commissions Multi-Chain Supermarket, Says Rivers More Attractive To Investors

    Rivers State governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says he is delighted that measures taken by his administration to make the State an investment destination have continued to yield results.

    One of such recent evidence is the formal opening of the HyperCity Supermarket that is located at the Eastern Bye-pass Junction, Ogbu-nu-abali community in Port Harcourt Local Government Area.

    Governor Wike was on hand to formally inaugurates the supermarket on Wednesday and opened it for daily business.

    The governor said the land on which the supermarket is sited used to be a mangrove forest from where criminals terrorise the adjoining Ogbu-nu-abali community and motorists.

    With his administration sand-filling the area, governor Wike noted how attractive it became to the owner of HyperCity Supermarket who has today established his venture there.

    Concerning growing the business stakes of the state, Governor Wike said his administration is more interested in anything that will attract investment and create jobs for Rivers people.

    “But government took it upon itself to make sure that criminals don’t continue to thrive here. We owe the economy of the State to grow. We owe to provide security for businessmen and women, and security of communities.

    “You have seen how beautiful it looks, it cost us money to sand-filled this area. Just like people are approaching us now at the other site that they want to establish this and that. We feel happy and encouraged

    “The duty of government is to provide enabling environment. I want investors to come to the State. When investors come to the state, our people will be employed. When our people are employed, government will collect taxes and use those taxes and do other things for the State.”

    Governor Wike commended the management of HyperCity Supermarket for keeping to the agreed business timeline concerning the use of the land they secured from government.

    The governor said since his administration was ending soon, any investors that has secured land for use for business must begin to actualise that purpose or lose the land.

    “Just like we said that anybody that wants land from Rivers State government, you’ll tell us the duration.

    “Because in previous administration, people come and tell government they want to do this, they want to do that. And then, government will give them the land, and then you’ll find out that in five or six years, nothing has happened.

    “Before you know it, they take government land and sell and make more money or use the government land as collateral for loan.

    Governor Wike recalled how the land on which Silverbird Cinema is located along the Abonnema Whaff Road was also secured by an investor from the State government but instead of concentrating on the business purposes, used it to borrow money.

    Today, the governor expressed the regret that State government is struggling to regain the land from Amcon that seized it from Silverbird for defaulting in repaying the loan it took from the bank.

    “Today, you know where you have Silverbird Cinema, that is government landed property. You know that was where Obi Wali cultural centre used to be. But somebody came and told government they’re going to build something underground and this and that, and government gave the land.

    “You know what the person did? He took our land and went and took loan from the bank without building what is supposed to be there. AMCON now came to seize the property that the person did not pay the loan. And today, we are struggling to take it back.”

    Governor Wike enjoined the management to provide employment to members of the host community and Rivers youths.

    He also insisted that such indigenous staff must be offered requisite training that will enable them grow to become management staff of the company.

    In his speech, managing director of HyperCity Supermarket, Mr. Sunny Chuwla said HyperCITY is a modern retail store based on Hypermarket store format l.

    He stated that they offer unparallel choice of local and international products cutting across the entire spectrum of consumable needs of a family under One Roof.

    “HyperCITY story started a year ago. When we were given the opportunity to invest here, it came with a condition that we need to open the store before Dec. 2022, or the land will be revoked without excuses

    “Today, we are glad that we have opened the 1st Store much before the deadline. Our second store is also lined up for opening very soon.

    “We all know that retail is one of the largest employment sectors in the world and as at today, HyperCITY has generated over 200 direct and indirect jobs to the Rivers people in this single store.”

  • Ayu Must Go, Nobody Will Make Me Change My Stance – Wike

    Culled From Vanguard

    GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike says he is committed to leading the charge to compel Sen Iyorcha Ayu to give up his national chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to a Southern Nigeria that no one can make him change his stance.

    Wike who asserted this while hosting Cross River State PDP governorship and all state and national assembly candidates along with local government chairmen of his private residence in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Wednesday night, also said genuine efforts to amicably resolve the impasse in the PDP were being frustrated by rent-seekers in the party.

    ADVERTISING

    Addressing his guests with South-South National Vice Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, present, Wike fingered perceived “hyenas and rent seekers,” as remaining obstinate and averse to justice, fairness and equity in the party.

    He said, “We’ve finished presidential primaries. We have a presidential candidate. Is Wike saying to remove the presidential candidate? Is Wike saying to remove the vice presidential candidate? So, what are you begging me for?

    “All I am saying will continue to say is you have taken president, give us national chairman. Nobody wants to speak the truth. If I am saying remove the presidential candidate, remove the vice presidential candidate, then you will say why is he doing this.”

    “He (Ayu) said, if the presidential candidate comes from the north, he will resign, which means he has had this in mind. Now, the thing has come to reality, now resign, he says no. And people are saying go and talk to Wike.

    “I’ve accepted the presidential candidate, accepted the vice presidential candidate, what’s the problem again. You, fulfil your part. Let the South have something, that is all I’m preaching. You cannot have presidential candidate, national chairman, director general of the campaign.”

    The governor described as hypocritical, PDP members criticising APC Muslim/Muslim ticket while supporting a particular region of the country to retain the presidency for another eight years.

  • Wike Hosts Cross River PDP Candidates, Donates 25 Buses For Campaign

    Channels Television

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday night, hosted Peoples Democratic Party’s candidates for the State and National Assembly elections in Cross Rivers State.

    The delegation which includes chairmen of the party in the various local government areas was led by the Cross River Governorship Candidate of the party, Senator Sandy Onor.

    In his speech, Onor said, “Today is historic. Wike is a trailblazer for justice and equity. He speaks the truth fearlessly.”

    He said the candidates were in Rivers to “thank Wike for being a good friend when Governor Ben Ayade defected to the All Progressives Congress”.

    “Wike has defended us and protected us from intimidation. He has made PDP a party to beat in Cross River.

    “There is nothing that Wike is asking for that is personal. All he seeks is justice,” he noted.

    Onor also announced that Wike donated 25 brand new buses for the campaigns in Cross River State.

  • Governor Nyesom Wike’s Love For Cross River State Is Unrivalled And Unpretentious BY DESMOND-CRUZ

    Governor Nyesom Wike’s love for the people of Cross River State is unrivalled and unpretentious.

    Nyesom Wike is that proverbial good friend that is better than a bad brother. Unlike some transactional Politicians whom today have turned themselves into self-acclaimed advocates for the Southern Senatorial District, Nyesom Wike stood firm for the entire People of Cross River State, particularly the Southern Senatorial District.

    When Justice Walter Onnoghen was faced with unmitigated persecution, while some Cross Riverians within the corridors of power in Abuja were busy writing copiously in Support of Justice Walter Onnoghen’s removal, Governor Nyesom Wike stood strongly for him.

    Today, the same set of transactional Politicians that were busy bootlicking the Northern hegemony in Abuja and joined forces with the aristocratic Northern Cabals to remove the duo of Justice Walter Onnoghen and Mrs Winifred Oyo-ita –both from the Southern Senatorial District– are now everywhere writing patronizingly for the same Southern Senatorial District that they orchestrated the removal of their illustrious son and daughter from Office.Thankfully, karma served them their own breakfast when they least expected it.

    Though, it was never my intention to travel down this memory lane but it is absolutely necessary, lest the South forget who their actual enemy is.

    According to a publication made by Punch Newspaper today 7th October 2022, Governor Nyesom Wike was reported to have nominated Former Governor, Donald Duke as running mate for Atiku Abubakar, even when he had the option of nominating himself. Isn’t this another form of sacrificial love for the people of Cross River State, particularly the Southern Senatorial District? Today, a certain man that wasted his opportunity in Abuja fighting Cross Riverians especially those from the Southern Senatorial District, is now the one trying to profess love for the people of the South more than everyone else. What an act of pretentious treachery!

    *©Umezulike Desmond-cruz*

  • Understanding Nyesom Wike, Atiku Does Not Know BY DOMINIC KIDZU

     

    Brash, incontinent and laudatory, with a generous semblance of a stormy petrel, that is how Governor Nyesom Wike possibly comes across to those of us who have never met him in the unique manner that only he can conjure. Were he to feature in the dramatic art, he could quite possibly have been a tragicomedic character, presenting the grim reality of human tragedy in scenes of mirthful ribaldry and self deprecating guffaws.

    The twist however, is that Nyesom Wike is neither a comedian nor is he an actor. He is surprisingly, a very serious and meticulous man with a genial sense of humour. He is also a man of duty, of friendship, a man of principle, with the memory of a dolphin, which recalls every good deed and unfortunately also, every slight and debt. It would appear that Atiku Abubakar and Iyorcha Ayu did not know Wike well enough before they undertook to tango with him. And the duo are not fortunate to be friends of Rotimi Amaechi who may have lend them a wee bit of his own experiences with the enigma called Nyesom Wike.

    If Wike’s trenchant posturings on television in the last few months have exposed the rotten underbelly of the PDP, it has also exposed the hubris in Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate. It has shown him up as proud and arrogant and as a man who still worships in the shrine of nepotism and corruption, ala Cousin Muhammadu Buhari.

    Atiku reminds one of the folk story where all the animals gathered together to choose a king for themselves and it was suggested that the duck fowl would best occupy the position because it could walk, fly and swim. But alas, before the crowning ceremony, the duck began to walk and prance about with the cockiness and arrogance of a king. It was the tortoise that first noticed this with alarm and drew the other animals attention to the kingly gait. In the end the animals out of fear that the worst might happen should the duck become king withdrew their support for its candidacy leaving the duck only with the majestic walk without a crown.

    And Atiku may yet end up without a crown because of hubris which now clearly appears to be his tragic flaw. William Shakespeare wrote that “the abuse of greatness is when it disjoins remorse from power.” The hawks are all over Atiku today buoying him up with false assurances and telling him what a great man he is. Atiku might well be a great man, but he must listen to himself first, he must stoop to conquer. The North will vote for him alright, they will vote for their brother. Even president Buhari may well vote for Atiku. But he needs other sections of the country as well to fulfil the constitutional requirement precedent to his being declared President.

    In the wake of the Peter Obi phenomenon it is rather surprising that Atiku is not doing realpolitik. He is still typically condescending to his colleagues from the South, as if to say “mai za su yi”? (what can they do?) Alhaji Atiku, they can do a whole lot. Already, the word on the street is that a man who cannot unify his party cannot possibly unify the country, and the evidence is all laid out for all to see.

    Nyesom Wike threw the clanger yesterday, that Atiku gave and Ayu took, all very typical of the tragic story of PDP. Nyesom Wike may well sink the ship of PDP, which is already approaching the iceberg, if Alhaji Atiku does not find the wisdom to climb down from his high horse, and pull the chestnut out of the fire before it is burnt. Underestimating Governor Nyesom Wike is a strategic mistake at this time. Na small shit de spoil nyash.

    Dominic Kidzu writes from Calabar.

     

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Dominic Kidzu and does not represent TheLumineNews or its agent.

  • Wike Dissociates From Suit Challenging Atiku’s Candidacy

    Rivers State Governor, Mr Nyesom Wike few moments ago (Friday) distanced himself from a purported suit said to have been filed by him seeking the removal of Atiku Abubakar as presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in next year’s general election.

    This comes few hours after some media outfits had reported that Wike had ordered the removal of PDP flags in Rivers State government house, which also turned out to be false.

    In an exclusive chat with THISDAY, the Governor denied knowing anything whatsoever about the purported suit or even knowing the lawyers who filed the suit in the first instance. “I don’t know anything about the so called suit. I did not ask anyone to file any suit for me”

    The media was on Friday morning awash with reports that Governor Wike and one Chieftain of the PDP, Mr Newgent Ekamon, had dragged the PDP to court seeking the removal of Atiku as Candidate of the PDP in next year’s presidential polls.

    According to the purported suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/782/2022, the plaintiffs were said to have hinged their claims on the grounds that the PDP primary conferred undue advantage on Atiku which aided his emergence as candidate of the PDP in the May 28 and 29 primary.

    Reacting to the publication, Wike flatly denied the suit said to have been filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja. He described the suit as the handiwork of mischief makers who merely want to use him to score cheap political goals.

    He stated emphatically, “I don’t know the lawyers”. Continuing, he said, “am I a kid to be filing a suit at this time. I had 14 days after the primary within which to have filed any suit. I didn’t do that then, is it two months after primary I will file a suit?

    He also recalled that, “just yesterday they came up with the claim that I ordered my Chief Security Officer to pull down PDP flag in Government House. This is all false, it’s all propaganda. Some people are trying to use me to win the election. Please disregard all these lies”.

    ThisDay

  • Gov Nyesom Wike Visits Katsina State, Harps On National Unity

    By Joseph Ndifon

    Rivers State Governor, HE Barr Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has enjoined Nigerians to work cohesively for the development of the country while calling on politicians across political divide to cultivate the virtue of prioritising national unity above personal interest.

    He stated this during a consultation visit to his Katsina State counterpart, Rt Hon Aminu Bello Masari at the Katsina State Government House, Katsina.

    Governor Wike, a frontline presidential aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who was in Katsina State to meet with party leaders and delegates ahead of the PDP National Convention later this month also deemed it proper to visit and notify Governor *Masari* of his presidential ambition.

    “I am formally informing you that I am making myself available to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And, I am here today to talk to delegates who will make it possible on the 28th and 29th of this month, which is our National Convention”.

    “We cannot say because you don’t belong to our party and therefore, we shouldn’t give you that respect, no, it is not allowed. By our tradition, party cannot divide us. Party is a vehicle that conveys you to your destination”.

    In his response, Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State said it was gratifying that the Rivers State Governor is aspiring for the exalted office in Nigeria.

    “You have contributed immensely in your own way to the development of the political process in Nigeria. And, we really thank God people like you come from that part of the country; it shows confidence in the oneness of Nigeria and the political process”.

    The former Speaker of the House of Representatives further explained that he remained eternally grateful to the people of Rivers State for the immense support given to him while at the helm of affairs in the Green Chambers.

    “During my days as Speaker of the House of Representatives, if there is any one State I could count 100 percent support, it was Rivers State and we remain friends up till this moment. So anybody coming from Rivers State to wherever I am, he/she is welcome into my personal house or official residence”.

    While in Katsina, the incoming President also visited Hajia Aya Dada Yar’Adua, mother of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, a woman who has not only been a blessing to Nigeria, but a Matriach in the history and political development of our Nation.

    The massive crowd as shown is a reflection of the support and legitimacy he enjoys across the states of the Federation, beyond party lines.

    Ndifon Joseph
    WIKE FOR PRESIDENT SUPPORT GROUP

  • The Leading Presidential Aspirant In PDP, Nyesom Wike Will Be In Calabar Today – Joe Obi Bisong

     

    Dear partners, this is to officially inform you that our own His Excellency Barr Nyesom Wike Governor of Rivers state and leading Presidential Aspirant will be in calabar today by 11am
    We are expected to mobilise in our numbers to the calabar Airport by 10am to recieved and accord our August visitor a resounding welcome to calabar.
    Give this information very wide publicity. Thank you and God bless you all.

    Joe obi Bisong
    DG

    Caterpillar Movement

  • Wike, Udom Leads Campaign Council For Ogoja/Yala Federal And Akpabuyo State Constituencies Bye-election

    February 22, 2022

    Press Statement

    PDP Constitutes Campaign Council for Cross River Bye-Elections

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the nomination of the following party members as members of the National Campaign Council/Election Management Team for the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency and Akpabuyo State Constituency bye-elections scheduled for saturday, February 26, 2022 in Cross River State

    The members of the committee are;
    1. H.E Chief Nyesom Wike – Chairman
    2. H.E Emmanuel Udom – Co. Chairman
    3. Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu – Member
    4. H.E Sen. Liyel Imoke – Member
    5. H.E Donald Duke – Member
    6. Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe – Member
    7. Rt. Hon. Patrick Nathan Ifon – Member
    8. Chief Ferdinand Alabraba – Member
    9. Sen. Gershom Bassey – Member
    10. Sen. Prof. Sandy Onor – Member
    11. Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe – Member
    12. Hon. Daniel Asuquo – Member
    13. Hon. Essien Ekpenyong – Member
    14. Hon. Friday Okpeche – Member
    15. Hon. Effa Esua – Member
    16. Hon. Aniekan Akpan – Member
    17. Hon. Solomon E. Agwana – Member
    18. Hon. Ikem Venatius Ayabie – Member
    19. Hon. Barr. Kingsley Esiso – Member
    20. Dr. Tony Aziegbemi – Member
    21. Amb. Desmond Akawor – Member
    22. Chief Dan Orbih – Secretary

    The Directorate of Organization and Mobilization shall serve as Secretariat for the Council.

    Signed:

    Hon. Debo Ologunagba
    National Publicity Secretary