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Tag: #Nyesom Wike

  • Wike Did Not Abuse Ayade Or Cross River, He Raised Salient Issues That Demand Answers – Agba Jalingo

    Wike Did Not Abuse Ayade Or Cross River, He Raised Salient Issues That Demand Answers – Agba Jalingo

    Wike Stir Clear, Wike Stir Clear, Wike Stir Clear, From Where?

    Indeed, I will not allow my voice to be drowned by that sanctimonous claim that Wike in that his recent video reaction, is leading an assault on Cross River State and our governor. It is those who are urging other full grown adults not to express how they feel about Wike’s reaction to Governor Ayade’s earlier outburst that should actually be ashamed of themselves.

    When aides and Governor Ayade himself were throwing direct jabs and veiled diatribes at Wike on TV, were they actually expecting that the Rivers State governor will keep mute?

    You don’t call someone out for an open fight, the person accepts your challenge and calls you out also, then some self appointed defenders of Cross River state are on the prawl warning Wike to stir clear of Cross River as if our State is not part of Nigeria. Is there anything that legally preclude Wike from commenting on developments in Cross River? Did any law say that if you are a governor of another State, you cannot comment on the State of affairs in another?

    It is true that Wike is seeking to interfere in the politics of Cross River State but in the end, it is the people of Cross River that will determine their governor come 2023, not Wike. We have had governors in Cross River before Ayade and every succession was a tough battle for the incumbents with external interference, but in the end, it was always Cross Riverians that went to the polls to decide their leader. This time will also not be different. I think the Wike-phobia is exxaggerated.

    As for what Wike said, was he even wrong?

    He said, “I am not a 419 governor.” Implying that Ayade that he was referring to is a “419” governor. In Nigeria, 419 is obtaining something under false pretence.

    Has governor Ayade not been collecting lands up and down in the State under the false pretence of building this and that?

    Has he not made numerous promises and failed Cross Riverians?

    Has he not pretended to cry on TV and the things he cries about never change afterwards?

    Wike also said, he declosed Rivers state’s share of the money FG refunded to the State for the construction of federal roads in the State and wondered if Ayade did same. Is Wike lying? Has Ayade disclosed to Cross Riverians how much was refunded to Cross River State and what it has been used for or will be used for?

    Wike talked about Ayade selling our forest reserves as timber. Is that a lie? Our forest, the largest rain forest in West Africa, is ferociously depleted by criminal timber cartels who daily carry truck loads of illegal timber for sale with the active connivance of State government and security officials. The governor has appointed numerous SAs and PAs on Forestry, who have no other job specification than to depend on illegal logging for survival. Till today, we have no knowledge of what happened to the timber that was harvested from the portion of the Super Highway that was cleared before the project was abandoned.

    Wike also mentioned the scandalous budgets that our governor has signed in the past five years. No matter the professorial grammar you want to use, it was never going to be possible for a State that earns barely N50billion as allocation to meet an annual budget of over a trillion Naira. Those highfalutin figures were not only unrealistic, they were actually hallucinatory and the governor has abandoned that path himself. So what is the lie that Wike told?

    Those urging us to go up in arms against Wike for insulting our State, what exactly did he say that is a lie or are you just angry with the manner he said it?

    Since #TeamAyade had already dared Wike and vowed that they were ready for a fight, they should go right into the ring and respond to Wike, allegation for allegation and stop whining. Wike did not abuse or insult Ayade or Cross River, he raised salient issues that demand answers. That is what I want to hear. Not anyone telling me, an adult, how to react to what Wike said.

    In a State where most of the citizenry is cowed by fear and stomach infrastructure, where the political class have lost their voices to complicity in the rot, if Wike and Ayade’s unusual style of open peer review is the mechanism that will stir the nest in our State, so be it. Let the roforofo continue. Afterall, both are not radically different.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Wike, Ayade, Diri, Gbajabiamila, Others Condoles With Jarigbe As He Lays His Father To Rest

    Wike, Ayade, Diri, Gbajabiamila, Others Condoles With Jarigbe As He Lays His Father To Rest

    By Jari Media Team

    The governors of Rivers, Cross River and Bayelsa states condoled with the Member Representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency and Cross River North Senator Elect, Rt.Hon Jarigbe Agom as he laid his late father Pa. Leonard Agom Jarigbe (Ndah) to rest in his hometown.

    In his condolence message, Gov. Nyesom Wike stated that, Late Nda was a great administrator who worked tirelessly to stir the affairs of government at various levels maintaining an upright character.

    “As a civil servant, Pa Leonard was a tireless worker for the development of his State and progress of his people. Above all, we will also remember him as a genuine Christian and committed Catholic who dedicated his long life to the service of God and humanity”

    Pa Leonard’s passing away has left an irreplaceable void and loss not only in you and your family but also in the entire Ogoja community and Cross River State. We will miss him, but his priceless legacies will continue to keep him in our minds forever”

    Gov Ayade said ” Late Mr. Leonard Agom Jarigbe was a respectable gentleman, a fine administrator and a community leader. An acclaimed Civil Servant par excellence, he rendered dedicated and committed services to his fatherland and was a positive reference point to hard work, excellence and integrity… He was an acclaimed disciplinarian who brought up his children and others who passed through his tutelage with the proper academic and moral upbringing. He will indeed be missed by many.”

    Gov. Diri of Bayelsa, extolled the late patriarch saying “We recall the professional, spiritual and social achievements of your late
    father, as a devout Christian and accomplished administrator, Pa Jarigbe during his lifetime impacted positively on the lives of many and contributed to the development of his immediate community, Cross River State and
    indeed our Country Nigeria.”

    “His exemplary qualities are evident in the lives of his children and close associates, there is no doubt that his, immediate family, the ogoja community
    and indeed the nation has lost a great man. Although his demise is a painful
    one, we thank God for the life he lived and the ripe age he attained.”

    Speaker of the House of Representative, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila who was represented by Hon. Dennis Agbo in his condolence message, prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and the fortitude for the family to bear the loss.

    The burial rites of Late pa Leonard Agom Jarigbe, which was carried out on the 3rd and 4th of February 2021, had in attendance dignitaries from all works of life some of those in attendance include, HE Effiok Cobham, Sen Sandy Onor, Sen Michael Nnachi (Representative of Gov Wike), Rt.Hon Etta Mbora, Rt. Hon Daniel Asuquo (Representative of Gov Diri Duoye), Rt. Hon Essien Ayi, Hon Dennis Agbo, Prince Akwaji Offiono, Rt. Hon Regina Anyogo, Hon Matthew Ojugbo, Rt. Hon Peter Igbodor, Chief Igbaji Monkom, Alhaji Hassan, Alhaji Husseni, Hon Michael Usibe, Hon Rita Ayim, Barr Godwin Offiono, Prince Nwosu, John George, Mr Peter Akpanke, Barr Leonard Anyogo.

    Others were, Bishop Donatus Akpan (Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Ogoja), Priests, religious and other clergymen, Justice Eneji, Barr Venatius Ikem, Associate Prof. Dave Imbua, DG, Catapillar Movement, Joe Obi Bisong, Chief Jude Ngaji, Hon Omaga Odo, Barr. Paul Ishabor, Eddy Achi amongst others.

    Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom in his tribute, extolled the virtues of his late father. He alluded that his father’s counsel helped nurtured himself and his siblings.

    One of such counsels was the one given to him as a younger man which goes, “My son, sacrifice pleasure, in order to have pleasure that will last”.

    Dance groups from various communities, entertainers and traditional groups from different parts of Nigeria were present to display and entertain the guest, including the famous Zule Zoo dancers from Benue State.

    Late Pa. Leonard Agom Jarigbe, before his death was a retired astute administrator and devoted Christian who brought all his children up in a Godly way. He died on January 17, 2021 at 90 years and he is survived by his wife Mrs. Dorathy Moku Jarigbe and 11 children. He was laid to rest on the 4th February, 2021 at Ibil, Ogoja LGA.

    In honor of Late Pa. Leonard Agom Jarigbe’s memory, about N50 Million was raised in support of the construction of a new Auditorium for St. Michael Catholic Church Ibil, Ogoja LGA, Cross River State.

    May the soul of Nda and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace, Amen.

     

  • Rivers State Govt Pledges 500M To Support Sokoto Rebuild Burnt Market

    Rivers State Govt Pledges 500M To Support Sokoto Rebuild Burnt Market

    By Kelvin Ebiri – Rivers Govt House Press

    Rivers State government has pledged Five Hundred Million Naira (N500m) to support the Sokoto State government rebuild the Sokoto Central market that was gutted by fire on Tuesday.

    Part of the money will also be used to support victims of the devastating fire that destroyed goods worth billions of Naira.

    Rivers State governor , Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, made the pledge on behalf of the State government during a visit to the Governor of Sokoto State ,Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Wednesday.

    Governor Wike who was conducted round the destroyed market by Governor Tambuwal, said he was saddened by the devastating fire that razed over 60 percent of the 16000 shops there.

    “We have come here to commiserate and sympathise with our brother, our friend and the good people of Sokoto State on what had happened to one of the biggest market in this country, the Sokoto central market.

    “When I got the information last night, I was touched and I said as brothers, what affects you affects us. What affects Sokoto State affects Rivers State.”

    The Rivers State governor who empathized with the traders over the loss of their good worth billions of Naira, thanked God that no life was lost in the disastrous inferno.

    “There is nothing you can equate with life. That there was no life lost, we give glory to the almighty Allah. Having come here, I’ve seen the level of destruction, it is unfortunate. People have lost their goods, the state government will have to see how this market will be brought back to the way it is supposed to be .

    “We sympathise with you. We identify with you and we know the negative effect on the economy of the various families; families who depend for day to day trading and sales of their goods .”

    Governor Wike expressed his appreciation to the various security and paramilitary agencies that prevented the fire from destroying the entire market.

    He pledged that the government of Rivers State will support Sokoto State to rebuild the market and ameliorate the plight of the traders with N500 million.

    “On behalf of the government and the people of Rivers State, we will support the Sokoto State government to see how quickly they can rebuild this market” he added.

    Governor Tambuwal thanked Governor Wike and the people of Rivers State for the kind gesture.

    Governor Wike also paid a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar in his palace to commiserate with him over the demise of junior brother , Hon. Abdulkadir Jeli Abubakar, who was Sokoto State Commissioner for Home Affairs.

    In his response, Sultan Abubakar, acknowledged the age-long relationship between Sokoto and Rivers State and lauded to Governor Wike for sustaining it.

    He explained that Governor Wike’s visit and pledge to support Sokoto State is a demonstration of what Nigeria is and should be.

    The Sultan further commended Governor Wike for his remarkable developmental stride in Rivers State

    ” I commend you and congratulate you for all what you have been doing for Rivers state in particular, because we have seen a lot of infrastructure being put in place and that is why they call you Mr project in Rivers.

    ” You have just some few more years, please do much more so that no body will beat you when he take over from you

    Similarly, the Sultan lauded Governor Tambuwal for his judicious management of the state resources which earned the State a World Bank grant under the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability And Sustainability (SFTAS) program.

  • Breaking: Another PDP Governor Sets To Defect To APC

    Breaking: Another PDP Governor Sets To Defect To APC

    By Admin

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has alleged that another Governor, elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is on his way to the ruling All Progressive Party (APC).

    Wike disclosed this when he spoke as a guest Channels television programme ‘Politics Today’, while reacting to the defection of the Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. Dave Umahi who defected from PDP to the APC.

    Wike, however, maintained that the PDP remains undaunted and is prepared for the 2023 elections. He however failed to disclose the identity of the governor he referred to.

  • River State Executive Council Approves The Construction Of The Fifth Flyover, Sets Guidelines For Marriages In The State

    River State Executive Council Approves The Construction Of The Fifth Flyover, Sets Guidelines For Marriages In The State

    By Admin

    The Rivers State Executive Council has graciously approved the construction of a five hundred and five meters long flyover at the GRA Junction along the Port Harcourt Aba Expressway.

    The Wednesday, June 24, 2020 meeting that held at Government House, Port Harcourt was presided over by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

    Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for works, Austin Ben-Chioma said council also approved the dualisation of Ezimbu Link Road connecting Stadium Road from GRA junction and the Tombia Road extension linking Ikwerre road.

    He said “Council considered the
    Rumuola flyover not more fitting for the city and approved its expansion to become four lanes to ease vehicular movement and boost economic activities”

    According to him “to ensure that motorists do not suffer untold hardship during the road constructions, the state government will create alternative routes”

    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim announced Council’s approval of guidelines for marriages during the Covid-19 period.

    He said prospective couples would be required to apply to the State Governor through the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation.

    Such applications, he said, must be accompanied with information on the venue of the ceremony, names, addresses and phones numbers of attendees to make contact tracing easy if the need arises.

    He stated that henceforth, those seeking to bury their loved ones would also be expected to include names, addresses and phone numbers of those to attend such funerals in their applications.

    Pastor Nsirim said government would not grant approval to any application without names, addresses and phone numbers.

    The Information Commissioner said marriages would not have more than 50 attendees including family members who must wear face masks and adhere strictly to
    social distancing of not less than two meters.

    According to him, while church weddings must be conducted between 9am and 12noon, traditional marriages would be conducted between 4pm and 7pm .

    The Commissioner said venues of marriages must have provisions for running water and soap at three points and the venue decontaminated after the event.

    Pastor Nsirim said after wedding receptions are prohibited under the guidelines to reduce the risk of community transmission of COVID-19.

    He added that violators of the guidelines would be made to pay a fine of 10 million Naira.

  • Nigerian Governors Forum Now A Toothless Bulldog – Gov Wike

    Nigerian Governors Forum Now A Toothless Bulldog – Gov Wike

    By Paulinus Nsirim – Port Harcourt

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says the Nigeria Governors Forum has become a toothless bulldog because it has lost focus on its role in defending the rule of law in the country.

    Governor Wike said the Forum used to be non-partisan and a powerful voice on national issues.

    He noted that since the All Progressives Congress(APC) took over the leadership of the body in 2015, Governors have turned to beggars.

    The governor made the assertion at media parley that held at Government House, Port Harcourt.

    “Before 2015, the Governors Forum used to be very powerful as symbols of their respective states but APC killed it because they were protecting the interest of the ruling Party.

    “During of one of the rerun elections in this state, my security aides were withdrawn thus exposing me to danger, the Forum did not say anything because the Chairman was a member of APC.

    ” I told them then that what they were doing was wrong. Now they have become a Beggars Forum even when there are constitutional infractions.

    “You can see that APC Governors say that they are progressive. You can see how progressive they are when they keep quiet when a fellow sitting governor is disqualified from contesting elections.

    ” Adams Oshiomole campaigned for Governor Obaseki four years ago. The same man has turned around to say that Obaseki has a defective certificate.

    “Has Oshiomole apologised to Nigerians that he supported someone with a defective certificate? Who is saying that a sitting governor has a defective certificate? Is it a man that does not have a certificate?

    ” Oshiomole should be told to practice what he preaches.

    ” APC wants to perpetrate impunity in Edo State the way they unleashed terror in Rivers State in 2019.

    “They think because they have the Army, Police and INEC they can do anything and get away with it.

    “They tried it in Rivers State but God gave us the will to say no. I hope Edo people will also say no to their impunity,” he stated.

    Speaking on Governor Obaseki’s planned defection to PDP, Governor Wike said he would be happy to receive him.

    He however, said that he would not guarantee automatic ticket for him because Edo people would decide.

    “Edo PDP have a role to play. There is nothing like endorsement. But I must tell you that I am not happy the way he was disqualified by the APC because it will affect his integrity, “he said.

    The governor debunked insinuations made by the State Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association(NMA), Dr. Obelebra Adebiyi about the State’s response towards COVID-19 and said the State Government has given the Ministry of Health all that it requires to fight the pandemic.

    The governor stated that the increasing number of Covid-19 cases results from more testing conducted on persons and Obelebra who is in charge of the state treatment centre cannot politicise the fight by creating unnecessary panic to score cheap political points.