Wike accuses Atiku supporters in Rivers of spreading propaganda after failing to deliver for ex-VP
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has accused supporters of PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar of spreading propaganda after failing to deliver for the former Vice President in the state.
He also denied sending hired killers to the Director-General of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Council in the state, Dr Abiye Sekibo.
Sekibo had on Friday attributed an assassination attempt on him to Wike’s machinations, saying gunmen dressed in police uniform had opened fire on his vehicle in Port Harcourt.
Wike, who reacted to the development at the Rivers East Senatorial District rally of the PDP on Saturday, dismissed the allegation as untrue.
The governor also denied the allegation of burning the venue approved by his administration for the PDP Presidential Campaign Council to hold its Presidential Campaign rally.
He accused Atiku Abubakar’s supporters in the state of inability to mobilize support for their principal.
“Let me use the opportunity to debunk an allegation that some persons may have made that one Abiye Sekibo said that I sponsored assassination; attempted assassination on his life”, Wike said.
“I want to state categorically clear, all of us from Rivers State know who is who. We know who has killed so many people in this state.
“So, we granted approval for the presidential candidate of the party to hold their rally at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. I do know that if you go there today, no stadium has been burnt.
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“This is not the first time. If you know you don’t have the capacity to mobilise support which you have promised some people say so. Do not carry propaganda against innocent people”, he concluded
The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has been conferred with a chieftaincy title, Okokocho K’Idoma in the Idoma Kingdom of Benue State.
The Paramount Ruler of the Kingdom, HRM. Agaba’Idu Chief. Dr Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John conferred the title on the governor on Thursday during the inauguration of the kings’ ultramodern palace in Otukpo.
The newly built edifice was part of several projects executed by the Governor Samuel Ortom-led administration.
Acknowledging the title, Wike thanked Ortom for putting up the ultramodern palace for the Idoma kingdom.
He said, “I thank my brother, Governor Ortom, for what he has done. Last year I was in Benue for the commissioning of the Tor Tiv Palace and during the event, I was given a chieftaincy title.
“Today, again, we are commissioning the palace of Och’Idima, and I have once again, been conferred with a chieftaincy title.
“I thank the Och’Idoma for seeing me worthy to be conferred with the title. And I congratulate you for this befitting edifice”.
The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has applauded the Supreme Court over its ruling which temporarily stopped the Federal Government from ending the use of the old naira notes as legal tender on February 10.
Supreme Court on Wednesday restrained the federal government and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from effecting the February 10 deadline for withdrawal of the old banknotes from circulation.
The apex bank delivered the ruling on an application filed by Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), and Bello Matawalle (Zamfara).
In the ruling, the seven-member panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice John Okoro held that the old Naira notes would remain legal tender until the determination of the suit on February 15.
Wike, who spoke at the Rivers Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign rally held at County State School in Emilaghan, Abua/Odual local government area of the state, said the ruling would save the masses of the country, and promised to join the suit challenging the CBN’s policy.
He said: “I want to on behalf of the Rivers State government commend the Nigerian Supreme Court for what they have done today to save the masses of this country and to save democracy.
“Today, the Supreme Court has restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from embarking on stopping the old Nigerian Naira notes from circulating.
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“And let me commend my brother states — Kogi, Kaduna, and Zamfara — who took it upon themselves to go and challenge the federal government at the Supreme Court.
“I also want to say that the Rivers State government will join them in that suit to challenge what the CBN is doing. We will not support anything that will go against the masses, anything that makes the masses suffer.
“I have said before, this democracy can only survive with the support of INEC, security agencies, and the judiciary. With what happened today, the supreme court has shown that the hope of the common man lies in the judiciary.”
The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Wednesday, turned down the approval by the state governor, Nyesom Wike, to use the Adokiye Amesiamaka Stadium, Igwurita-Ali, Port Harcourt, for its presidential campaign rally.
Recall with 𝕹𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖊 𝕽𝖊𝖕𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆 that Wike, who fell out with Atiku following the outcome of the party’s primary election last year, had denied giving the approval for the venue.
However, while speaking at the PDP governorship campaign rally at Ogu in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, the governor announced the reapproval of the facility.
Reacting to the latest approval, the spokesperson of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council in Rivers State, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, said the Atiku campaign was no longer interested in the facility.
The spokesperson, who spoke during a radio programme in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, said the Council could not take Governor Wike by his words.
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The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has alleged that the move by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to redesign Naira notes was aimed at causing riots in the country.
Wike, who spoke on Saturday during a campaign in the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of the state, alleged that the aim was to cause crises which would lead to the postponement of the February and March elections.
The governor alleged that there were plots by some persons in power to scuttle the election and introduce an interim government.
He urged Nigerians to remain calm despite the hardship emanating from scarcity of the newly redesigned Naira notes, insisting that the election must not be shifted.
He said, “This policy (naira redesign) is targeted at making people angry so that they will demonstrate and riot and then the election be postponed. Then, they will introduce an interim government.
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Governor Nyesom Wike says Rivers state people already know the candidate he wants them to vote for in the 25 February 2023 presidential election, stressing that those expecting him to make public declaration on his choice candidate would wait in vain.
Wike in Port Harcourt, Wednesday, for Rivers Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign rally for Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, also accused Commissioner of Police, CP Okon Effiong of shying away from checking perceived infractions on elections campaigns by opposition parties in the state.
Apparently responding to 2015 Rivers All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside, who had dared him to declare his preferred presidential candidate, Governor Wike said he, at no point, promised to make public declaration on who to support for president.
He said, “I never told anybody I will face cameras to announce to you this is who we will vote. I said I will tell Rivers people the candidate they will support. I did not state the method of telling it. I did not say I will hold live coverage to declare it.
“And Rivers people know already. Are you no aware. So ‘mumu’ people who never win in politics are expecting me to make live declaration that we’re now going for Joseph (hypothetically).
“Far from it. But you (Rivers people) are aware. Have we not said it? I’ve told people who don’t know. In G-5 we are fighting a guerilla warfare. The more you look the less you see.”
On perceived indifference of the CP Rivers Police Command, to alleged infractions in campaigns by opposition parties in the state, Wike warned CP Okon that he would take over his job and unleash Neighborhood Watch, the state’s established community policing outfit on opposition parties.
He said of the CP, “You are the one making them (opposition parties) to break the law. If you don’t do your work, we will take over your work from you. We will release our Neighborhood Watch. You cannot support people who are breaking the law.
“You know the truth of the matter, you are scared so they won’t transfer you. You can be transfered anywhere, any day. So you are neither here nor there. Your fear of being transfered will not save you. Do your work. Nobody should intimidate you. Tell them not to push us to the wall.”
Ahead of the forthcoming presidential election, chances are that the Governor of Abia State, Okozie Ikpeazu might dump the G-5 governors to retain his political relevance following the death of Prof. Uchenna Ikonne, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the March 11 governorship election in the State.
Recall with 𝕹𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖊 𝕽𝖊𝖕𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆 that Ikonne died on January 25 at the National Hospital Abuja. His demise was confirmed by his son, Chikezie, in a statement he issued on behalf of the family.
The governor had confirmed that Ikonne was ill and assured that he was recovering gradually and progressively, adding he would be strong enough in the future to join political campaigns. But that did not happen.
Ikonne, a former vice-chancellor of the Abia State University Uturu, ABSU, was Ikpeazu’s preferred candidate for the 2023 governorship election and he ensured Ikonne emerged against all obstacles.
Leading up to the announcement of Ikonne as the winner by the Chairman of the PDP governorship primary for Abia State, Chief Ayo Fayose, the gubernatorial primary in the State was reportedly characterised by a massive withdrawal of aspirants, who all cited “illegalities and irregularities” on the delegates list.
Governor Ikpeazu belongs to the Governor Nyesom Wike-led G-5 governors who have been embroiled in a political battle with Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate, over the control of the party.
𝕹𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖊 𝕽𝖊𝖕𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆 learnt that the G-5 Governors and other aggrieved party members have been clamouring for the resignation of the PDP National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, shortly after a northerner, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, won the party’s presidential ticket.
Meanwhile, on Friday last week, the PDP announced a fresh governorship primary election to produce Ikonne’s replacement.
This is following the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, directive to the party to conduct a fresh election to replace the deceased.
The directive relied upon the provisions of the New Electoral Act on the replacement of candidates caused by death.
The party said a fresh primary would be conducted on Saturday, February 4, 2023.
“All interested aspirants are requested to collect Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms from the PDP Headquarters at Wadata Plaza, Wuse Abuja.
“The sale of both forms begins Friday, January 27 and ends on Wednesday, February 1. Screening of aspirants will be held at the PDP National Headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, on Thursday, February 2 at 11:00 am prompt”, Abia PDP Vice Chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, noted.
A top party official in the State, who is also part of the government, confided to the DAILY POST that governor Ikpeazu would be working for Atiku in the presidential election.
He said the PDP in Abia is working for Atiku Abubakar and does not see the chance of Governor Ikpeazu working for any other candidate.
He said, ”Our party (PDP) is intact. The national leadership of the party will do the right thing by giving us a good candidate. The party has made a publication to that effect that those who want to contest should go and purchase their nomination and notification of interest form. The death of Ikonne has nothing to do with G-5 governors. So we are one family.
”I am not the governor; he is entitled to his choice of support. He is a full PDP person, and I don’t see him having any other candidate, but I am not his spokesperson. Abia is PDP.
”We are one PDP family; we are working together. PDP in Abia State is working for Atiku Abubakar. We are one party. We are not divided; there is nothing like the Atiku camp and the G-5 camp in Abia State. PDP is one united family.”
Also, speaking to DAILY POST, Mr Paul Ibe, the media aide to Atiku Abubakar, said he believed that all hope was not lost in finding common ground and resolving the issues.
Mr Ibe also said the issues centred around the election and nomination of the vice presidential candidate of the party.
He acknowledged that some negotiations have happened that might be outside the public knowledge.
”The rerun primary is the responsibility of the PDP, leaders, stakeholders and delegates. In Abia State, they are the ones to determine who will replace Prof Ikonne.
“I am aware the leadership of the party has reeled out guidelines, starting with the procurement of forms, screening and all of that. And so far, so good; I don’t think there is any challenge right now. As I said, it is the responsibility of the Abia leaders, stakeholders and, most importantly, the delegates.
”This opportunity, as tragic as it is, reinforces the indivisibility of the PDP as a party. The election is going to be conducted by PDP. The governors, whether of the Abia State or any other State, are PDP governors. They will pursue the PDP agenda.
”I believe that all hope can never be lost in terms of finding common ground and resolving the issues around the election and nomination of the vice presidential candidate because that was what generated all of this.
“A resolution is underway because everybody realises that we all need to stand united around a common cause to oust the APC and recover and rebuild Nigeria. And everybody is aware of that, whichever side of the divide they may be,” Mr Ibe said.
Meanwhile, Governor Ikpeazu has assured members and supporters of the PDP in Abia State and across the country that the party remains strong, viable and united.
He gave the assurance at a meeting with PDP national leaders at the Government House, Umuahia.
The governor also informed the delegation that the State caucus met and agreed to retain the ticket in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, where Ikonne hailed from.
The National Working Committee (NWC) members included the Deputy National Chairman Amb. Umar Damagum, the National Secretary, Sen. Sam Anyanwu and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN
Wike reacted to the alert by the PDP national leadership about some lawyers appearing in court without legal briefs and authorisation.
The PDP said it would not hesitate to take stringent measures on any infractions that are misleading, questionable and fraudulent.
The spokesperson Debo Ologunagba referred to Article 42 of PDP’s constitution (as amended in 2017) which places the exclusive responsibility of conducting litigations on the National Legal Adviser.
Ologunagba stated that only the official has the competence to engage external solicitors to handle cases on behalf of the party.
Wike, who is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, has been at loggerheads with the main opposition party leadership after the presidential primary that produced Atiku Abubakar as the PDP presidential candidate.
Wike and other aggrieved PDP governors tagged G5 have been calling for the resignation of PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has dared the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyorchia Ayu to suspend the G-5 governors and see if the party would be able to withstand the storm that will follow.
Speaking on Saturday, at the campaign flag-off rally of the State PDP Campaign Council in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of the State, Governor Wike boasted that the G-5 Governors are above the threat of suspension.
“We are above that level that you think you can threaten anybody; intimidate anybody with whatever illegal decision you have taken.”
“So, we are waiting for you to announce my own and any other of my friend. Like I have said, when a man says you will not sleep, he too, will he sleep? Will Ayu sleep? Will those his cohorts sleep? So don’t worry, we have the capacity to pay back. We have the capacity to tell you that enough is enough.”
Reacting to the dissolution of the Ekiti State executive committee of the Iyorchia Ayu-led National Working Committee (NWC), Wike described it as an act of tyranny that would be challenged in court.
He warned that the resort to despotism by the PDP National Working Committee would not do the party any good in the forthcoming general elections.
Governor Wike said that the reason why the dissolution of the Ekiti State working committee would be challenged in court was that there were still members of the PDP who believed in the rule of law and that the party should respect its constitution.
“Let me also use this opportunity to say to Iyorchia Ayu and his team, your dissolving Ekiti State Exco will not help you in anyway.
“Your suspending people will not help you in anyway. The battle line has been fully drawn. As I speak to you, we will do everything legally possible to challenge any decision we know is illegal.
The Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court sacking 14 House of Assembly candidates of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in Rivers State.
Justice Turaki Mohammed of Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, had sacked the NNPP House of Assembly candidates in a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which alleged that the NNPP candidates did not comply with the Electoral Act in the conduct of their primaries.
But the three-man panel of appeal in a unanimous judgment held that the PDP has no locus standi to challenge another political party on the issue of party primaries.
The Appeal Court panel also ruled that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the matter in the first place and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to enlist the 14 House of Assembly candidates of the NNPP.
Counsel to the NNPP, Lanson Igwe who is also a House of Assembly candidate for Emohua Constituency in the state said the judgment is a sign of victory for his party and a failure for the ruling party in the state.
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has advised Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State to end their romance with Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement on Friday by the National President of the group, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, he said the advice became necessary to avoid regrets. (Watch Video Here)
Okwu said the two governors, who are running for political positions in their respective States, would do themselves great injustice by endorsing a candidate of another political party.
He observed that, “Governor Ugwuanyi is an asset we will need in the Senate as he has the experience needed to attract federal presence to the State. However, should Wike lure them into endorsing another presidential candidate, it could backfire and cost him the ticket. It will be a political doom.
“We have it on good authority that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, national leadership has concluded plans not just to expel the governors from the party, but to dissolve their State executives. (Watch Video Here)
“This should not be taken for granted as it would totally destabilise them and come with huge and avoidable electoral loss.
“What happened to the AD in 2003 should be a lesson to the governors, when the party endorsed then President Obasanjo of the PDP and the AD ended up losing every other position.”
Okwu reiterated that Governor Wike was fighting a personal war, stressing that “if the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar had chosen him as running mate, we wouldn’t have been hearing ‘Ayu must go’. (Watch Video Here)
“Suffice it to say that Wike is only nursing personal anger and frustration against Atiku and the two South-East governors who are with him should think deeply about it.”
“The Rivers governor is not running for election and stands to lose nothing, unlike the other governors who are on the ballot. They should immediately end their romance with Wike,” he further advised. (Watch Video Here)
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that politics of violence is alien to him because he is a believer of the rule of law.
The governor maintained that even in the face of political provocation, unfounded allegations and outright disregard to statutory laws by unruly political actors, his administration can not resort to political violence. (Watch Video Here)
Governor Wike made the assertion at the inauguration of the 17.2 kilometres long Bori-Kono Road that held at Methodist Comprehensive High School Premises in Baen community of Khana Local Government Area on Friday.
The governor said his administration has done so well for Rivers people in terms of project delivery, ensuring security and promoting good governance, which have earned political goodwill of Rivers electorate.
Governor Wike stressed that already Rivers people are at home to listen to his political counsel on who to vote in the 2023 election, and there is no need to recourse to political violence against anybody. (Watch Video Here)
The governor noted that Senator Lee Maeba and Dr. Abiye Sekibo have been trying to instigate violence in the State by deliberately violating a State law that prohibits the location of political offices in residential areas of the State.
“Few days ago, you (Maeba) and Abiye went to Igboukwu Street, D-Line (Port Harcourt) without the approval of government to site a political office.
“We are talking about Executive Orders 21and 22 that has now been taken over by the law passed by the State House of Assembly. We did not send the chairman of Port (Watch Video Here) Harcourt council to go and bring it (the building ) down. We have the powers.
Governor Wike spoke further insisting that, “But we say, no, let’s take a step further. We went to court to say, look, this is in violation of the provisions of the law. It is the count that has placed the seal-off.
“If we are violent, since you want to try to see whether we are violent or not, we would have shown it. But you’ve been defeated. We have always followed due process and we cannot be violent.” (Watch Video Here)
The governor stressed that nobody was harassing anybody and preventing them from their political campaigns but such must be done in line with statutory laws of the State.
Governor Wike explained that his administration and other State governors challenged the Executive Order 10 that President Muhammadu Buhari signed in the court and won at the Supreme Court of Nigeria. (Watch Video Here)
On the illegal deductions of State fund to support the Police Trust fund, governor Wike explained that it was also challenged in court and the Federal Government was directed to refund Rivers State.
Governor Wike informed that the State is already in court over VAT collection and remittance and another collection of fund by the Federal Government for one of its agencies without resorting to violence.
The governor said instead of politicians daring to disobey the Executive Orders 21 and 22, they should test the position of those regulations and laws in court. Otherwise, governor Wike said under the prevailing system, nobody will dare disobey and not face the full wrath of the law.
Governor Wike also took time to dismiss the alleged assassination attempt levelled against him by Senator Lee Maeba. (Watch Video Here)
The governor said he had never contemplated sending people to kill the senator because he is not his style of politics.
Governor Wike stressed that his explanation has become necessary to set the record straight for posterity.
He asserted that politically, Senator Lee Maeba is not a threat or a major influential of votes whether in Khana council or in the entire State.
Governor Wike insisted that while he as council Chairman, Chief of Staff, minister and now governor , he attracted projects to his immediate community and the state. whereas, Senator Maeba has never attracted any project to Ogoni.
According to him, the former senator was awarded an oil block, instead of growing the business, he it sold for $15M. (Watch Video Here)
Even with such fund, Governor Wike maintained that Senator Maeba has never sponsored any Ogoni person on scholarship, or executed even a constituency project for his people.
Governor Wike challenged Senator Maeba to mention anything he had done for his people because the school he attended has not got any intervention from him. He further revealed that even the Bori Town Internal Roads and Luae East West Road that was awarded to him was not done.
The Rivers State governor said despite the refusal of Senator Maeba to execute the contract concerning Bori Town Internal Roads, he will re-award the project that will be likely completed by the administration of Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Siminialayi Fubara when he wins the 2023 general election as governor.
Providing the description of the project, Dr. George-Kelly Dakorinima Alabo said the contract for the construction of Bori -Kono Road was done in March 2022 and work started in June 2021.
Dr. Alabo explained that the first phase of the project, the 16.5 kilometres long Saakpenwa- Bori was completed long and this second phase of 17.29 kilometres long Bori-Kono Road has also been completed making a total length of 33.79 kilometers Road .
He noted that Bori -Kono project is essentially a major booster of the socioeconomic dynamics of Ogoni land. This is because the road connects three local government areas in Ogoni land and serves as route to neigbhouring Opobo/ Nkoro and Andoni local government areas.
The General Manager, CCECC Nigeria Ltd, Eric Shen commended the Rivers State government for the confidence reposed in the company.
He assured the governor the company remains committed to working with the State government in her drive to advance the socio-economic fortunes of the State.
Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike expressed strong displeasure at recent comments by his political rival and former National Chairman of the Peoples Demoractic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus over the former’s reluctance to support the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. (Watch Video Here)
Wike, on Thursday, promised to reveal his preferred candidate in January 2023. In response, Secondus reportedly gave an assurance that the people of Rivers were too sophisticated for anyone to impose a candidate on them. (Watch Video Here)
But on Saturday, the governor countered the former PDP chairman while during commissioning of Aluu-Omagwa Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA).
“I read in the newspaper this morning where a former member of our party, one Prince Uche Secondus said that no one man can impose a presidential candidate on Rivers people. He’s not a member of our party. (Watch Video Here)
“His ward expelled him from this party; the court affirmed it. He went to the Court of Appeal – he lost. He went to the Supreme Court, the matter is coming up on October 23rd, 2023,” he said.
Wike bragged to the attendees, “I told him he would not be national chairman or conduct the convention. Did he conduct it? Was he at the national convention?” to which the crowd chorused, “No!” (Watch Video Here)
“In any case, I never said I was going to impose my candidate on Rivers people,” he added. “I said I was going to tell Rivers people whom I’m going to support, whom I’m going to campaign for. But you see, you don’t blame them.
A photo combination of Nyesom Wike and Uche Secondus “When you didn’t finish secondary school, you will not understand the grammar that ‘I will tell Rivers people whom I want to support’ does not mean I said, ‘Rivers people, I will impose a candidate on you.’”
Wike argued that the only person that would defend the people of Rivers had their ear, adding that Secondus allegedly had no influence on them. (Watch Video Here)
“You (Secondus) cannot defend the interest of Rivers people is that Atiku wins so you can get an oil block. That’s all. Just like the one you forced to be a senator in Rivers South-East because he was not supposed to be a senator. It was Magnus Abe that was supposed to be senator, an educated man at that level,” he said. (Watch Video Here)
“I don’t know how Secondus would have the effrontery, the temerity to talk to somebody like me who finished primary school, secondary school very well, who went to university very well, went for youth service, (Watch Video Here) came back for university, went to law school, was called to bar.
“I’m going to Rumuepirikom where I come from. I’m going to mobilise them to vote where I want them to vote. I will bring 98 percent of the vote. Let them assure their own candidate that they will bring five percent; I will bring 98 in my community.
“The community will say, ‘Look at it; what don’t we have, from chairman of local government, he gave us this. As chief of staff, he gave us this. As minister, we had this. As governor, see what we’re having.’”
A Party Divided Following the PDP presidential primary in May where he lost out, Wike has been at loggerheads with Atiku Abubakar over the chairmanship of Iyorchia Ayu.
After the presidential primary, Atiku, a former Vice President, stung Wike when he passed over his closest rival at the primary and chose Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.
Wike, with four other PDP governors known as the G5 or the Integrity Group, have insisted that Benue-born Ayu must step down for a southerner as a precondition to support the 2023 ambition of Atiku
Governor Nyesom Wike has said immediate past National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus remains expelled from the party and can therefore not speak or interfere in the party’s affairs. (Watch Video Here)
Wike stated this on Staurday at the inauguration of Aluu-Omagwa in Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government Area in Rivers state.
The governor was responding to Secondus position that no individual has powers to impose a presidential candidate on Rivers electorate, apparently chiding of Wike for vowing to tell Rivers people which presidential candidate to vote in next year’s elections.
Wike said, “A former member of our party, Uche Secondus, said no one man can impose a presidential candidate on Rivers people. He is not a member of our party. His ward (in Andoni, Rivers) expelled him from the party. The court confirmed it. (Watch Video Here)
“He (Secondus) went to Court of Appeal, he lost. He went to Supreme Court, the matter is coming up on October 23, 2023. I told him, you will not be national chairman to conduct the convention. Did he conduct it? Was he at the national convention?
“Up until now, you are not a member of our party. And in any case, I never said I was going to impose my candidate on Rivers people. I said I was going to tell Rivers people who I am going to support, who I am going to campaign for. But don’t blame them, when you didn’t finish secondary school, you will not understand the grammar. (Watch Video Here)
“So, Mr. Secondus, I have no problem with you being technical adviser to Atiku. But don’t speak on behalf of the PDP, Rivers State because you are not a member of our party.”
Bragging about unsettling and lording it over so called Abuja politicians of Rivers origin when he took over Rivers PDP structures in 2013, Wike said, “What most of you didn’t know is that all these people who run away to Abuja have never worked with us. I led the team that kicked them out of office in 2007. Yes, I have no apology to that. (Watch Video Here)
“In 2014, in spite the fact I was the one who fought for the structure of the party, most of them sabotaged me at the back to run for governor against me. When they saw there was not hope, (Watch Video Here) there was nothing else for them to do, they had no choice but to come and join us.”
Governor Wike alleged that some reasons Rivers people can not trust Secondus is because of an ugly role he played in 2019 and alleged propensity to abandon projects awarded to him.
He said, “Ask him (Secondus) what happened when the military took over, when the NRC was in power, Ada George was the governor of the State. Ask him, what happened at Ohamini Road. Why was he told to frog jump. Who flogged him? Colonel Akubundu (Rtd) who of course was the organising secretary, flogged him, why? He couldn’t do the project of the Ohamini Road. (Watch Video Here)
“Ask him, from 1999, when Odili became governor, every project Dr. Odili gave to Andoni through him, ask him, which one was commissioned. Every company that the state government would pay money to instead of you to allow the company to do the job, you’ll collect the money. That is why it’s difficult and why we have not been able to commission the Andoni aspect of the road.”
Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, on Friday, criticised a former senator representing Rivers South-East, Lee Maeba, over his contributions (Watch Video Here) to Ogoniland in spite of his alliance with the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar. (Watch Video Here)
Wike, who spoke at the commissioning of the Bori-Kono Road in the state, said as a minister, he had made several projects possible in his community. He added that as a governor, he was not only bringing development to his community but also to every other part of the state. (Watch Video Here)
“You (Maeba) were made a senator. Mention one project you brought to the people Of Ogoniland as a distinguished senator.(Watch Video Here) When you were the senator, the presidential candidate of PDP was the Vice President and you said you are close to him. What project did you bring to Ogoniland? No, Ogoni, you people are here. (Watch Video Here)
“Senator Lee Maeba claimed, as a distinguished senator, he was one of the few senators that was close to the Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who is now presidential candidate of the PDP,” the governor said. (Watch Video Here)
“Senator Ledogo Maeba, with your closeness then, with your opportunity and privileges, what did you bring to the people of Ogoniland? Mention one project. (Watch Video Here) I went to your community the other day, I saw the school you attended. I cried – how could a senator have attended this kind of school and yet, look at the shape that school is in? Go and see what that school looks like. (Watch Video Here)
“East-West Road, I gave it to you, Lee Maeba, to do. The only thing you got in the Senate was an oil block, which you sold at $15 million.Who has a calculator there? Convert it; come down to 700. Seven hundred (times) 10 is 7 billion, is it not? Seven hundred (times) five will be how many? 3.5! That is, 13.5 billion (naira) was what you got (and) was paid to you (sic).”
He challenged Maeba, a senator from 2003 to 2011, to mention one Ogoni son or daughter he put on a scholarship or one primary school in Ogoniland he had repaired since his tenure as a senator.
“As a minister, my community never had a school. I brought a school to my community. As a chief of staff, I brought roads to my community. You were doing constituency projects. Where is your own in Ogoniland?
“Stop using Ogoni people. Stop telling them lies. No amount of lies you can concoct can change the minds of the people because they know all you are doing is for your selfish interests.
“You said I promised you governor. I never (did). You said they were calling you here to the throne. Which throne? I don’t have a throne to give anybody. Telling people all kinds of lies. We are not people of violence,” he said.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi has told supporters to hold him accountable. (Watch Video Here)
He made the comment in Port Harcourt, Rivers State during a campaign rally on Thursday, asking them to take a record of his promises. (Watch Video Here)
“When we come to a rally, please, put your phone on and listen to what we are promising. Tape it (put it on record) so that tomorrow (Watch Video Here)(Watch Video Here)when we start telling you that they manipulated us, you can push us out,” he told the crowd at the Liberation Stadium. (Watch Video Here)(Watch Video Here)
According to the former Anambra State governor, elected public officeholders don’t have to give excuses for their inability to fulfill their promises. (Watch Video Here)
At the event, the musical duo of Peter and Paul better known as P-Square thrilled the crowd. (Watch Video Here)
After the rally, Obi, who was accompanied by his wife Margaret and other party top shots, embarked on a road walk. (Watch Video Here) A chieftain of the LP Pat Utomi said the move was to show the party’s candidate is in touch with the people. (Watch Video Here)
“It is about a 10km (walk) [We are] talking to the people; shaking hands, holding babies, and feeling the people,” he added. (Watch Video Here)(Watch Video Here)
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“We challenge every other person who is running to come and do the same. Touch the people, feel the people and serve the people.”
Before the rally, Obi had met with young people and he promised them an all-inclusive government if he is elected as Nigeria’s leader next year.
Aside from youths, the former governor met with traditional rulers in the state and re-echoed his plans for the nation.
While critics say Obi does not have the “structure” to challenge the two major parties – the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – the LP maintains that millions of poor people across the country make up his support base.
Obi enjoys strong support from youths who make up a chunk of Nigeria’s voting population. He, however, faces stiff opposition from APC’s Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar of the PDP among others
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Carlo Ancelotti’s team successfully added to their four cups from 2014 to 2018, and their triumph meant European teams have won the past 10 editions of the tournament.
“From January next year, I will campaign to my people whom they will vote for,” Wike said when he commissioned the tenth flyover by his administration in the Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers.
“So, all of you who have been in suspense, who have been saying all kinds of things, abusing me, wait. January is here.
“Not only will I tell them (my people) whom to vote, I will move from state to state (for campaigns) and why they should vote for the person, nothing will happen,” he said.
Following the PDP presidential primary in May where he lost out, Wike has been at loggerheads with Atiku Abubakar over the chairmanship of Iyorchia Ayu.
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After the presidential primary, Atiku, a former Vice President, stung Wike when he passed over his closest rival at the primary and chose Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.
Wike, with four other PDP governors known as the G5 or the Integrity Group, have insisted that Benue-born Ayu must step down for a southerner as a precondition to support the 2023 ambition of Atiku.
Earlier in December, the Director General of Atiku’s Campaign, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State visited one of Wike’s ally and a G5 member, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State in a move to resolve the crisis but no success was achieved.
Later the same day, Atiku, on Channels Television’s The People’s Townhall, said he has met Wike five times to resolve the issue but there is no end in sight. Ortom and Wike subsequently shunned Atiku who was in Benue earlier this month for campaigns.
Last month, Wike promised logistics support for the campaigns of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi; and his New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) counterpart, Rabiu Kwankwaso. Wike has also of late hobnobbed with All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwarts like Adams Oshiomhole and Governors Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Ben Ayade (Cross River).
While Wike and his allies have not been seen to campaign for Atiku, it is not clear whether they will support Obi, Kwankwaso or APC’s Bola Tinubu in the contest for Aso Rock’s top job.
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Adeniran claimed his daughter was hale and hearty when the school picked her up for the activities, saying the school had not said anything regarding the incident.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has threatened that members of the G5 governors within the Peoples Democratic Party will strike back at the PDP presidential candidate council if any member of the council insults the governors.
The governor made the threat at the flag off of a new road project in Eleme Local government area of Rivers State on Monday.
Wike who noted that his group is not averse to peace in the PDP said they will no longer tolerate any insult from any member of the PDP presidential campaign group.
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Wike said ” what I want to tell the Presidential candidate of the PDP is; we mean peace, we want all of us to be together for the party to win the election.
“But let me say clearly if any you boys continue to attack the G5 and leaders of our party, we will strike back.
“If anybody again dares in the PDP presidential council to insult the PDP governors in G5 and the integrity group we will strike back. Enough is enough.
“All we want is equity fairness and justice. Nobody should take us for granted”.
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Following the disclosure by River State Governor, Nyesom Wike, last week in Port Harcourt, that the projects he had executed were made possible by the over N9 trillion derivation funds released by the Federal Government to the oil-producing Niger Delta states, many indigenes of the six states affected have expressed divergent views, especially regarding the motive and transparency of the governors in not informing the people about the windfall and judicious use of the funds at a time most states in the country are facing financial challenges.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas Campus of the Nigerian Law School, Port Harcourt, last weekend, Wike had revealed that one of the reasons his administration has been able to embark on several projects was because President Muhammadu Buhari had graciously approved the payment and release of unpaid 13 per cent derivation deductions since 1999 to all states in the Niger Delta.
While some residents of the areas applauded Wike for the disclosure and hit at their governors over seeming secrecy about the funds, others are of the opinion that the Rivers State governor was only trying to put his colleagues in the zone on the spot, especially as none of them supported his failed presidential ambition and even his current face-off with his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for not picking him as running mate. Coordinator of Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG) and a former Publicity Secretary of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Comrade Joseph Evah, who commended Wike for making the revelation, charged other governors in the region to come clean with how they have expended the money.
Evah said the governors must personally address the media on the matter and conduct a projects tour with journalists to prove their transparency.
He said: “Wike came out personally to tell the whole world that his administration received the money and invested it in projects across the state. But some other governors are using their political aides to give their own account of the money. We say no; they should come out personally and give us statistics and also show us what they have done.
“So, I want to tell these our governors who are now quarrelling with Wike that there is no need for quarrel. You have your Commissioner for Finance, Accountant General and Auditor General; let them furnish you with the records. Call a press conference inside your bedroom or wherever and explain everything to the world. Carry the media and let them see the projects you have been doing. That is very simple.”
On his part, another Niger Delta activist and an elder statesman, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, told The Guardian that governors of the region were the problems of their people and the reason for underdevelopment in the area.
“The governors take the 13 per cent derivation and spend it as their personal money, just like our sons and daughters in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) are the problems of the Niger Delta also. The governors use the 13 per cent anyhow they like.
“Here in Rivers State, the governor builds a flyover without extending it to where the oil is coming from. As we speak, most of the oil communities are still living in squalor, with no water, no electricity, no medical facility, no transportation, no road, no jetty, nothing.
“Go to Ofoima and Belema in Akuku-Toru local council and see what all these places that are major oil-producing communities look like.”
Sara-Igbe, a former spokesman of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), added: “The governors collect the monies on behalf of the communities and spend it anyhow. I have insisted that until the governors account for what they have done with the 13 per cent, nothing should be given to them again.
“That’s why we have continued to have agitations in the region because those that are supposed to benefit from the derivation are not getting the benefits. The environment is polluted, traditional occupations like fishing have been destroyed, farms destroyed and the people are seeing nothing.
“Here in Rivers, the people are languishing in poverty, yet the governor was busy dashing people in other states’ money. We have not benefited from that and sadly, we also have a docile House of Assembly that cannot ask the governor to account for the monies. And the PIA we so much talked about, we do not see the impact.
“Poverty and hunger are everywhere and it’s quite unfortunate. The people are helpless when the House of Assembly cannot do anything. The best thing the people can do at this point is to vote out the government. The people are hungry and angry and I pray this doesn’t lead to major chaos.”
In Delta, the government defended itself, saying it remained committed to transparency and accountability in all its financial dealings on behalf of the people.
Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, said contrary to the ‘revelation,’ Delta had only received N14.7 billion in three quarterly instalments of N4.9 billion each out of the total amount of N240 billion the Federal Government agreed to pay in quarterly instalments for a period of five years.
His words: “With the agreed amounts settled, some states, like Rivers, approached commercial banks and discounted theirs in full and collected, but Okowa said he would not want to leave the next administration with a huge debt burden and resorted to discounting only N150 billion out of the N240 billion expected receivables, but later pruned it down to N100 billion.
“So far, we have got N14.7 billion in three quarterly instalments and we have also accessed N30 billion out of the N100 billion we applied for as bridging finance.”
Tilije said contrary to the impression that previous administrations in the country refused to pay the money to the oil-producing states, the discovery of the outstanding funds was made by current Commissioners for Finance in the Niger Delta states, who looked into the books of the NNPC and discovered that 13 per cent derivation was not deducted from subsidy payments and investments in priority projects by it.
“We took the matter before the FAAC and National Economic Council and got them to approve the payment in arrears to the affected oil-producing states. It is important to state that this was only discovered under the Buhari administration, which he subsequently approved; it is not that previous PDP administrations refused to pay. It was never discovered then, neither was it brought to their notice,” he said.
But the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Omeni Sobotie, expressed disappointment over the way and manner Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has handled the issue of the 13 per cent derivation refunds to the state, saying it was so funny that the governor did not tell his people when and what he has done with the money until a fellow governor blew the whistle.
“Okowa has justified our fear; we knew he was going to behave like this, but we did know he was going to do it in this manner. I’m saying this now because all the resources he got were not appropriated by the appropriate authority in the state, even the state House of Assembly was not involved in the financial dealing of the state.
“In a democratic setting, the people are always carried along in the scheme of things, but Okowa failed woefully by keeping the release of the money to his chest. To me, that is bad government, and it is unacceptable to Deltans,” Sobotie said.
The Executive Director of Eziodu Initiative for Sustainable Environmental Development (EISED), a non-governmental organisation, Deacon Okezi Odugala, however, said the governor was fair enough, after all, adding that Okowa had judiciously spent the state’s money for education, health and other areas that require development.
“I’m not trying to praise the governor, but I score him 70 per cent for the judicious use of the funds,” said Odugala, adding that the governor has renovated and resuscitated some dead technical schools and established new ones in all the 25 local councils of the state, in addition to three state universities that were running even when other universities were on strike for months.
In Edo State, verbal war rages over the funds, even as the Commissioner for Budget and Finance, Mr. Joseph Eboigbe, explained that the government has so far received the sum of N2.1billion only from the N28 billion that accrued to the state as derivation funds for oil-producing states.
Eboigbe, speaking to journalists after the Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Godwin Obaseki, stated that N1 trillion was established for oil-producing states and a distribution methodology was adopted by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), adding that N28 billion accrued to the state and would be paid in 20 tranches over a five-year period.
“The net amount will come to each state for over five years in 20 tranches. Each year, you will have quarterly remittances, which are four releases each year for over five years. Due to some court cases from some states, the releases started this October (last month).
“The Edo State government got three tranches of N700 million per quarter, which amounts to N2.1 billion out of the N28 billion. It is verifiable. We are expecting 20 quarterly tranches over five years, but so far, we have gotten just three out of the 20 and it’s verifiable. We have the records on how the money is being spent,” Eboigbe said.
While noting that the government disbursed between N2 billion and N3 billion monthly for capital expenditure in the state, Eboigbe added: “It’s only in Obaseki’s administration that you will find capital expenditure always bigger than recurrent expenditure. Development occurs when capital expenditure is greater than recurrent expenditure. Last year, the state almost closed out at 90 per cent actualisation of capital expenditure of the budget.”
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He insisted that the Obaseki-led administration has been transparent and accountable, recalling: “The World Bank studied all the states in Nigeria in the last four years and found the governor worthy of honour for his fiscal transparency, accountability and sustainability programmes. It was only Edo State that also got an award from the World Bank on expenditure efficiency.”
His Orientation and Communication counterpart, Mr Chris Nehikare, said the Obaseki administration has more than any government in the state embraced accountability.
“This state is not rich but has judiciously utilised the resources available, as we are rich in human capital. We have the right people helping us to manage our resources in such a way that we get the major benefits,” he said.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Project, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said comments on the 13 per cent oil derivation were targeted at creating unnecessary tension in the country amid the electioneering campaigns, adding: “Our budget on an annual basis is about N250 billion to N300 billion. What percentage of N250 billion is N2.1 billion? It’s even less than one per cent. It’s not a fantastic amount that has come into the state, as some politicians are trying to play politics with it. The Edo State Government is transparent with its resources.”
However, the APC does not seem to be satisfied with the government’s explanations as it insisted that Obaseki’s administration must disclose how much the state received from the arrears paid by the Buhari administration.
The party also accused the government of not regularly disclosing the financial position of the state and hoarding the derivation funds to “buy votes’ during the 2023 election, particularly the election into the House of Assembly.”
Its Chairman, Col. David Inus (rtd), claimed that Obaseki was getting away with many things because there is no properly-constituted state Assembly, saying: “Obaseki should explain why he has deliberately refused to specify amounts received as 13 per cent derivation funds in his 2023 budgets estimates.
“Obaseki has been busy maligning the Federal Government, accusing it of printing paper money to fund statutory allocations and mismanaging the national economy, whereas as a deliberate policy, he has been pocketing Edo State monies by mismanaging the derivation funds.
“Since Edo State does not have a functional House of Assembly to checkmate Obaseki, Edo people should demand the governor publicly indicate the whereabouts of the said funds.”
When contacted to shed more light on the issue, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, simply said, “there is nothing to add.”
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Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, yesterday, repeated his allegation that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu,diverted N1.1billion party funds, daring Ayu to sue him over the allegation.
Wike spoke during the Rivers PDP 2023 election campaign flag-off held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the State where he also declared he would exit office a fulfilled leader.
The governor said, “I have challenged Ayu. You cannot lead me to campaign. I will not. Rivers will not. Whether they like it or not, Ayu cannot lead us to campaign”.
He alleged: “You (Ayu) are building a university in Benue State, but you have not stayed one year in office. I said you took N1billion, I told you, you took N100million, I told you, you took the money that we realised from the primary. Ayu, sue me.”
To the G-5 governors and supporters over the PDP crisis, he said, “My dear brothers of the Integrity Group, you’ve done well. They have tried to break us, they couldn’t break us and they will never break us.
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“Here in Rivers, I will say it and let the heavens hear me. Let the earth hear me today. I will not support anybody who says that no other person from other ethnic groups can be President. I will not do it.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us whether you’re Hausa, Fulani; whether you’re Yoruba, whether you’re Igbo, or you’re Ikwerre, whether you’re Urhobo, whether you’re Itsekiri, you’re Ijaw, or from anywhere, you are entitled to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“So, when you go on national television and tell anybody, don’t vote for the Yoruba, don’t vote for the Igbo, you didn’t even mention where I come from, which means, nobody identifies with me. Which means, I come from nowhere. But God knows that I come from some where.
“Not one of the PDP Integrity Governors will lose governorship seats of their states. No amount of gang-up will make us to lose Abia, Enugu, Benue and Oyo states and who is that that will come and win Rivers State?
“I am going with my shoulders high and going happily because I have never said I will do something and I did not do it. We have a lot of armed robbers and kidnappers coming to be governor. Please, open your eyes.”
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Former special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on prosecution, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has called on states in the Niger Delta to give an account of the 13 percent derivation funds they have been receiving from the Federal Government.
Obono-Obla, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, urged them to emulate the Peoples Democratic Party’s Governor Nyesome Wike of Rivers State, who, he said, gave a comprehensive report of what his state has done with the fund.
“Wike stands out amongst the Niger Delta governors. I salute him for his doggedness, ebullience and patriotism. He is exemplary, and he has given an account of what he has done for his State from the 13 percent derivation.
“Let other Niger Delta States take a cue from Governor Wike and give a just and comprehensive account of what they have done with their 13 percent derivation fund forthwith,” Obono-Obla said in a statement on Sunday.
He alleged that the Niger Delta states had kept the releases from the 13% derivation a closely guarded secret over the years.
Over the weekend, Governor Wike had, at a commissioning ceremony in Port Harcourt, reeled out the feats of his government and also accounted for the 13 percent derivation funds the state government has received so far.
The federal government gives the derivation funds to oil-bearing states, mostly in the Niger Delta region of the country.
He had listed the other Niger Delta states which also received such funds as Edo, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom.
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However, Wike did not mention Cross River State, which lost its status as an oil producer due to the loss of the sovereignty of the Bakassi Peninsula by the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Cameroon in a judgment of the International Court of Justice at Hague.
Obono-Obla, who is a lawyer and an indigene of Cross River, explained that after losing her status as a littoral state, there was litigation in the Supreme Court initiated by the Government of Cross River State against Akwa Ibom State over ownership of 76 oil wells located in the Bakassi Pennisula which Cross River State lost.
“Cross River State has, therefore, not been enjoying the 13 percent derivation that other Niger Delta states have been enjoying. This has placed Cross River State in great financial straits.”
Obono-Obla stated that the denial of 13 percent derivation to Cross River State is “an egregious injustice which has to be addressed by the Federal Government.”
The former presidential aide cautioned some Niger Delta states against blaming the Federal Government for being responsible for the region’s underdevelopment.
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Obi stated this while addressing some party faithful at the IBB Square in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Wednesday.
He asked his supporters and Nigerians to hold him accountable for any commitments he makes after winning the 2023 election, adding that he will not abandon them.
He said: “What I want to say to Nigerians is that I want Nigerians to hold me responsible. Our government will not remain in Abuja; it will go to the states. I will listen to their problems.
“We will secure and bring peace to Benue State. Those who want to go back to their villages will go back. Those who want to go back to their farms will go, and we will support them. Our government is about securing Nigeria. We will ensure that we restructure the entire security infrastructure in Nigeria, and we will give them all the moral support.
“FG under me and Datti will support every state. Everything I say today, take it. Hold us responsible. We will start building a new Nigeria where there will be law and peace.”
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The former Governor of Anambra State also promised that his party will lift Nigeria out of its current situation and make things work again.
Obi decried the backwardness of the country and the state and raised the hope that his administration if given the mandate, would change things for the better.
He said, “We will secure Nigeria and bring peace to Benue, and we will ensure that Benue works. I know what is happening in Benue; somebody said Benue is a civil servant, but to me, Benue is one and a half times bigger than Israel, and we will make the state viable as Israel under my watch. We will make Benue create wealth because we want our youths to be self reliant and our government will be for youths and women.
“The way River Nile is to Egypt is how Rivers Niger and Benue ought to be to Nigeria, so if we are given the mandate, we will dredge both Niger and Benue rivers.”
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He said the claim that the policy was targeted against the politicians could not fly because the politicians were not suffering the effect of the naira swap, rather it was…
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers, on Tuesday, said what Nigerians were looking for in 2023 is a president that has the interest of the citizens at heart.
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Speaking at the national women’s conference organised by the Committee Of Wives Of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) in Lagos, Mr Wike said the country needed a president with experience in governance.
“We are looking for a president that Nigerians can say yes, can put food on the table, will fight insecurity, that is what we are looking for, not some people who are talking about ethnicity,” Mr Wike said.
Although Mr Wike did not categorically mention a candidate’s name, he has been in a rift with Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, following the outcome of the party’s primary election.
Days ago, Mr Abubakar said northern Nigerians did not need a Yoruba or Igbo president.
“What the average northerner needs is somebody from the north who understands that part of the country and has been able to build bridges across the country.
“This is what the northerner needs; he doesn’t need a Yoruba or Igbo candidate. I stand before you as a Pan-Nigerian of northern origin,” Mr Atiku had said.
Meanwhile, Mr Wike expressed support for the second term bid of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
He said Mr Sanwo-Olu’s performance had earned him a second term, commending the governor for giving women the opportunity to serve in various capacities in the state.
“If you are not in my party and you are doing well, I will support you. If you are in my party and you are not doing well, I will not support you. That is what I stand for,” the Rivers governor said.
According to him, by the grace of God, Mr Sanwo-Olu will be a second-time governor as Lagos has continued to progress in his administration.
“Talking about raising the capacity of women, no nation can develop without women. So assuming that alone, you should see it as a major project, and if a man does that, of course, you need to encourage such a person.
“I just told you that it is a lesson for me. I am leaving the office; if I had known about this, probably, I would have started it. But it is not too late for me. I am going back home to tell my wife, let it be that we have established this, not for us, but for future governments that are coming.”
Mr Wike added, “So for me, I am satisfied; it doesn’t matter the party difference.”
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and his team, on Friday morning travelled to Madrid, the capital of Spain, to discuss the report of Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the crisis in the party. Update: Rich sugar mummies in Lagos | No connection fee
Wike was spotted at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, with Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Samuel Ortom (Benue)..
A PDP chieftian, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke, had in an interview with our correspondent, said the PDP must address the complaints of Governor Wike, if it is sincere and wants peace to reign.
Nwuke, who is also a former Commissioner for Information and Communications in the State, spoke on Saturday with LEADERSHIP in Port Harcourt, the state capital. Another nude video of Tiwa Savage surfaces online! Watch now 🔥 He said: “What we know is that if the PDP is sincere; if the PDP want peace in it’s midst, if the PDP want to run as a unit, then, they will address the complains that have been put forward.”
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Nwuke said: “I am of the view that it will not be necessary to cross the bridge until you get there. What we know is that they have visited all of those who are aggrieved at this time and they have heard their reason for their grievances.
“They have also shown that they understand the enormity of the complains they have received. I think the BOT Chairman said the other day that every situation has two sides and they have come and they have heard the other side. » Watch this video on how to make money 🤑💰 online without stress “They said they were going back to Abuja to continue their work. It will be necessary, needful at this time to all them take that decision. Let’s not deal on something that is speculative.
“The point I want to make here is the danger in seeing what is playing out as Wike’s concern should be necessarily underplayed. What Wike is standing for is the interest of the South.
“I think we should remove the personification, the impression that Wike will be either the winner or the loser. The loser and winner at this point in time is the PDP if issues are not properly handled. Another nude video of Tiwa Savage surfaces online! Watch now 🔥
“It will be nice to hope that the PDP, in its own interest, will do that which is justifiable, justiceable, fair and equitable. It is not Wike; this thing has gone beyond Wike. Wike is not the issue. The issue is what is being put on the table on behalf of a section of this country. I think if it were to be Wike’s position, I think all those supporting the position would have gone home by now.
“The issue is what will happen to the interest of the South when what naturally should not have happened, has happened. Should the South look elsewhere and pretend that it didn’t happen?
“Will those who abridged the right of the South claim that they don’t know they it is not right to have the Chairmanship and presidential candidate of the party from one zone? Will they say they don’t know? I think we should wait and see. An appropriate reaction will come when the report is made public because you cannot predict what is in that report.” » See how lady naked herself in fight over her cheating boyfriend
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