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Tag: Nyesom Wike

  • APC has boasted that it will capture Rivers and Delta States in 2027

    APC has boasted that it will capture Rivers and Delta States in 2027

    With its attention totally  focused on winning elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has boasted that it will win Rivers and Delta states in the 2027 elections after clinching Edo State on September 21, 2024.
    Tony Okocha, leader of the APC’s Caretaker Committee in Rivers State, made the disclosure while addressing newsmen in Port Harcourt on Monday.
    The party chieftain also warned prospective candidates in the October 5, 2024, local council election in Rivers state not to waste their resources.
    He said a court order bars the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Army, and the Police from participating in the election, rendering any outcome null and void.
    He said, “Can you see billboards, jingles, etc? The election cannot hold, and if they are ahead, the outcome will not stand.”
    Okocha, backed by the National Working Committee (NWC), the presidency, and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, cited several court cases affirming his group’s legitimacy in the state. He commended Wike for strengthening the party.
    Okocha added that court judgments supported the legitimacy of 27 lawmakers, emphasizing that they did not meet the legal requirements to defect to another party.
    The APC took over from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after its presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.
    Buhari’s eight years in office has been characterized as most corrupt, inept, nepotistic, and witnessed unbridled  rise in insecurity and economic woes.
    One and half years of President Tinubu, another APC government has also been characterized by massive cost of living crises, hunger and economic downturn.
  • Northeast PDP Endorses Damagum: Has the Wike “fire” started burning?

    Northeast PDP Endorses Damagum: Has the Wike “fire” started burning?

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (MFCT), Chief Nyesom Wike may have commenced ‘bombardment’ of Bauchi state as threatened against any state that aligns with Governor Fubara in their lingering tussle.
    This is based on the move yesterday, by Ahmadu Fintiri, Adamawa state governor who broke ranks with his colleague, Sen Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state to endorse an alleged  Wike ally, Amb Iliya Damagun to continue in office as Acting Chairman of PDP.
    A statement by Governor Fintiri’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou states that the Northeast zone of the Party has endorsed Umar Iliya Damagum to continue as the acting National Chairman of the party.
    Fintiri, it was claimed in the press statement, says the PDP in Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe states, expressed confidence in Damagum’s leadership.
    The endorsement leaves out Bauchi state of Governor Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum who is mobilising support of the group for Governor Similaye Fubara of Rivers state.
    By this move, it will seem like the MFCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike has commenced his threat of setting on fire, any state that aligns with his estranged political godson, Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State.
    The endorsement comes at a time when some stakeholders in the party are agitating for Damagum to step down and for the Northcentral to produce a permanent National Chairman for the party.
    The statement also claimed a court order had prevented the PDP from removing Damagum from his position and urged party members to respect the court order.
    He said, “The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe states have endorsed Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum’s leadership as Acting National Chairman.
    Amb. Iliya Damagun, PDP Acting National Chairman
    “Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, speaking on behalf of the five states, expressed confidence in Damagum’s leadership since assuming office. Citing a Federal High Court Abuja restraining order, Fintiri stated that Damagum should complete former Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s tenure unless the court decides otherwise.
    “The Governor praised Damagum for restoring public confidence in the party and urged members to respect the court’s ruling for the party’s and democracy’s sake.
    “The Governor who described the performance of the party in the North East region during the 2023 elections as unprecedented at all levels noted that the zone deserves the position of National Chairman more than any section in the North.
    “A Federal High Court in Abuja had barred the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, PDP, INEC, and affiliates from replacing, nominating or appointing any Chairman other than Ambassador Damagum, following a restraining order by the Court.”

  • You Can’t Set Bauchi On Fire, I Have Enough Water – Governor Bala Muhammad mocks Wike

    Bauchi Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed has declared that nobody can set Bauchi State on fire because he has gathered enough treated water to quench any form of fire.
    This remark comes in response to the recent threat by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to set opposition PDP states on fire.
    Bala Mohammed issued the response which was apparently directed at Wike when a delegation from the National Secretariat of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) visited him at the Governor’s Office in Bauchi on Tuesday.
    The Governor said that the crisis rocking the party is not personal, stressing that nobody should misunderstand the party as it is still united.
    According to him, “If we have quarrel, it is not personal, nobody should misunderstand us, we are together. This is not a splinter group, this is just a delegation from the National Working Committee of the PDP. We are going to discuss some of the issues in the party”
    “This unsolicited visit by the National Working Committee shows that in Nigeria we have people of conscience and we are connected by the values that established the PDP by our founding fathers”
    Bala Mohammed also said, “Yes, none of the political parties are insulated from crisis here and there, but crisis is there and that why leadership is there.We have to take the bull by the horns to discuss and look at the constitution of our party.”
    “We must do things by the rule of law, we must respect people, we must put our interest aside, we must respect our diversities, we must bring and close rank, especially for party like the PDP that has a history,” he added.
    “We have a pedigree, most of the developments in the country were done by the PDP, since we left nothing has happened. As you can see all the members of the National Working Committee that are here are square heads in square holes”
    He then assured that as the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, he will continue to give effective and efficient leadership and meaningful opposition in the country.
  • Access Road: AMAC Chairman Assures Kafe District of a Facelift

    Access Road: AMAC Chairman Assures Kafe District of a Facelift

    Residents of Kafe District in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) may soon heave a sigh of relief as the deplorable access road to that part of town may soon get a facelift.

     

    AMAC Chairman, Hon. Christopher Maikalangu who made the promise yesterday, September 14, said however, that he shall convey the appeal of the residents for a complete revamp of the road to his boss, the Honorable Minister Nyesom Wike.

    He made the pledge during an inspection visit to the neighbourhood at the weekend, following earlier  appeals by the residents to the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory for some attention to be given to the only access road to the area.

     

    After touring the road that proceeds from the Junction of the MFCT Minister’s residence, Life camp, through the Magistrate Court till the end, serving about 48 Mass Housing Estates, Mr. Maikalangu expressed sympathy for the plight of the residents.

     

    While assuring that AMAC shall make arrangements to fix the widening potholes early next year, he promised to “report to his boss,” the Honorable Minister, who he said, shall be in the best position to construct an enduring carriage way.

     

    Earlier, Chief Uche Okereke, Chairman of Kafe District Stakeholders’ Forum (KDSF), while conducting the Chairman on the tour, hinted that the current stretch of road, complete with the solar street lights and other accessories were the private efforts of the Stakeholders.

     

    He explained that as a result of the numerous potholes and some failed portions of the road, residents have to endure commuting through traffic gridlocks, daily to work and return.

     

    The Chairman was accompanied on the visit by Amb. Alewa Akawu Nasiru, the AMAC Technical Consultant on Tenement Rate Administration.

     

    Amb. Nasiru enjoined the residents to ensure full compliance in the payment of their tenement rates and other levies to complement the gesture of the Chairman who has shown himself to be a listening leader.

     

    Expressing confidence in the likelihood of the current spate of development getting to Kafe, Amb. Nasiru said, “there is real presence of government in all nook and cranny of the FCT.

     

    The current minister, whom I call talk-and-do minister, is doing a great work in the delivery of democracy dividends. In no more than three months, we are sure that the FCT will become a brand new version of its old self.”

     

     

     

     

  • PDP Summons Wike Over Anti-party Activities

    PDP Summons Wike Over Anti-party Activities

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over alleged anti-party activities.

    Wike was summoned to appear before the PDP disciplinary committee.

    This was made known on Monday by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who disclosed in an interview with Channels TV that the former Rivers State Governor has been sent a letter to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee.

    Abdullahi added that Wike’s statement about “putting fire in their states” in reference to PDP governors is unacceptable.

    According to him, “Wike should be able to manage his words carefully; that was a very disappointing remark. We weren’t expecting him to say that, and we are not with him on that to be honest with you”

    Details later…

  • Abuja industrial park: FG targets 40,000 jobs

    Still savouring current surge in economic growth, the Federal Government is targeting about 40,000 jobs to be created from the Abuja Industrial Park with projected impact of catalysing further growth in Nigeria’s economy.
    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, said on Wednesday that the park being developed by Zeberced Group, will create 40,000 jobs and improve Nigeria’s economy when fully operational.
    Wike stated this when he visited the site located at Idu Industrial Zone, Abuja, on Wednesday.
    The minister, excited by the level of development at the ark, promised to brief President Bola Tinubu on what he had seen.
    Quality and Size of the Project
    Describing the project as mind-boggling, Wike expressed optimism that it would grow the nation’s economy and create employment for the teeming youths in FCT.
    “As far as I’m concerned, I’ve never seen this in the entire country. This is the first time I am seeing this,” he said.
    He added that the project, which had been approved to operate as a Free Zone, would attract lots of businesses due to the availability of a stable power supply.
    The minister commended the company for its commitment to completing the project and for its decision to expand the access road to the park.
    He assured all of the continued support of the FCT Administration to ensure that the road project was completed.
    MFCT to Complement with Upgrade of Roads
    He expressed optimism that the road project, when completed, would accelerate the development of the Idu District.
    “From what the Managing Director of the company, Mr Adil Kurt said, the park is going to create not less than 40,000 direct employments and that is huge.
    “There is no government that will not support this kind of investment.
    “Having gone around, we can attest to the fact that this is really what we need to grow our economy. You can imagine how the whole of Idu will be developed.
    “This is what every government craves for, and we must give them the necessary support,” he said.
    Commendable Performance
    Wike further commended the Zeberced Group for maintaining a high standard in the delivery of the project.
    He particularly commended the company for branding all items being produced at the park, including polypropylene pipes, and sandwich insulation roofing sheets among others, as made in Nigeria.
    “For us, it is quality, and we thank God that we have some companies that are committed to making sure that they produce in Nigeria,” Wike said.
    The minister assured residents of adequate security and called for further investments in local production.
    Earlier, Kurt said that the park, which sits on 250 hectares of land, was being developed as a free zone, and currently features 208 workshops.
    He equally said that the park was designed to support small and medium-scale industries, among others.
    “The production of precast concrete, plastic and polypropylene pipes, as well as sandwich insulation roofing sheets among others, were already ongoing at the park.
    “The project will significantly contribute to the growth and development of the nation’s economy,” he added
  • I will not resign – Damagum, PDP Chairman  

    I will not resign – Damagum, PDP Chairman  

    Reacting to the outcry from concerned party members, the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Amb Umar Damagum, has confidently stated that no one can pressure him into stepping down from his position.

     

    It is important to note that the PDP has been dealing with internal disputes both before and after the 2023 elections.

     

    Damagum has been repeatedly blamed by party members for contributing to the ongoing crisis.

     

    He said ” Let me send a message to everyone talking about Damagum this, Damagum that – I cannot be intimidated. The more you mention me, the more popular I become.”

     

    He mentioned that the criticisms only enhanced his popularity, and he is even considering running for the presidency due to this increased recognition.

     

    While speaking at the ongoing inauguration of the National Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committees, chaired by Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Tom Ikimi respectively, Damagum expressed frustration with individuals who lack knowledge of the National Working Committee operations yet spread misinformation to the public.

     

  • PDP asks IGP to stop pro-Wike lawmakers from disrupting governance

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to caution the 27 ousted members of the Rivers State House of Assembly against actions that could disrupt Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.

    In a press statement on Wednesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba noted that these lawmakers, who had pledged allegiance to former Governor Nyesom Wike, openly defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ologunagba cited the 1999 Constitution, stating that their defection disqualifies them from holding legislative positions in the assembly, and therefore, they lack the authority to convene or issue directives to the governor.

    Ologunagba, in the statement, said, “The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the umpteenth time, cautions the former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who lost their seats upon defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) @OfficialAPCNg to desist from actions and utterances that are capable of disrupting peace and governance in the State.

    “The Party counsels the former lawmakers to wake up to the reality that they are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by virtue of the self-executory provision of Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and as such cannot gather or issue any notice to the State Governor in the capacity of members of Rivers State House of Assembly,” he explained.

    According to the party’s national spokesperson, the caution followed the former lawmakers’ purported seven-day ultimatum issued from an unknown location to the governor to re-present the 2024 state’s budget already passed and signed into law.

    Ologunlagba said the action by pro-Wike lawmakers’ seeking to assume the powers of the state assembly “is apparently with the intension to cause crisis, undermine and disrupt the Democratic and Constitutional Order in the State in clear violation of Section 1 sub-section 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”

    “Having irretrievably lost their seats upon their defection from the PDP, the political Party platform upon which they were elected into the Rivers State House of Assembly, they cannot enjoy the powers, rights, privileges, recognition and obligations of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” Mr Ologunagba insisted.

    The party, therefore, charged the IG “to note the subversive action of these former lawmakers and take immediate action to protect the Institution of Democracy, peace and security in Rivers State.”

    He also urged the state’s residents to stay vigilant, uphold the law, and collaborate towards maintaining stability, peace, and the delivery of democratic benefits under the party’s leadership.

  • What I told Tinubu about Wike, Fubara fight – Edwin Clark

    What I told Tinubu about Wike, Fubara fight – Edwin Clark

    Elder statesman Edwin Clark said he has advised President Bola Tinubu to give Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State a free hand to run his state’s affairs.

    The Ijaw national leader said this while weighing in on the crisis between Fubara and Tinubu’s appointee, Nyesom Wike, which has engulfed the oil-rich state in the past few months.

    The crisis has polarised the Rivers State House of Assembly, while many members of Wike’s camp previously appointed by Fubara have quit.

    “I have advised Mr President (Tinubu) again that he should leave Fubara alone to run his government, Wike should concentrate on his job in Abuja.

    “Once that is done, there will be peace and stability in the state. But if they do anything contrary and there is no peace, it will affect the economy of the country,” Clark told The Punch.

    The 97-year-old said elder statesmen like himself have been unable to mediate between Wike and Fubara because of the former’s insistence on controlling the political structure of the state.

    “How do you bring them together? One man says I have divorced. But you are my house help. There is no way. You are my son. There is no way any outsider can accept him.

    “This is because Wike does not see anything wrong with him. He believes that he is still controlling the structures in Rivers State whereas those structures have been there from governor to governor.

    “They don’t belong to one person. Wike was not yet born when Rivers was created,” he said.

    Clark castigated the Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tony Okocha for calling on the president to declare a state of emergency in the state over the crisis.

    “Concerning the call for a declaration of a state emergency, I can tell you that (Tony)nOkocha doesn’t know what he is doing. Who is he to call for that? He was only fortunate to be put there because the existing Rivers APC executives were dissolved in the first place. He knows me very well.

    “Was he not the chief of staff to (Rotimi) Amaechi when he was governor? They were in the APC together. Wike later took seven of them to see (Dr Abdullahi) Ganduje in Abuja. They formed a (caretaker) committee, and today, he is the chairman of Rivers State APC. So, it was obvious from the start that Okocha didn’t want to be with Amaechi again.

    “These are the people scattering Rivers State,” he said.

  • Wike loyalists storm council secretariat, vow to resist Fubara’s caretaker team

    Wike loyalists storm council secretariat, vow to resist Fubara’s caretaker team

    There is ongoing tension in Port Harcourt City Local Government Council (PHALGA) in Rivers State as youths, loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, gathered around the council premises amidst a crisis over local government administration.

    Police presence was heightened around PHALGA and other local council areas across the state to maintain order following reports of unrest.

    Speaking to Channels Television, Maxwell Enwukwe, a former Council Executive and current coordinator of grassroots development initiatives in PHALGA, emphasized their commitment to ensuring peace and order.

    “These are youths from Port Harcourt Local Government Council. We have come to ensure peace and order in our local government council because yesterday, we received information that some individuals gathered hoodlums to besiege the council even during a public holiday,” Enwukwe stated.

    He further explained, “Today, we have come to see why that happened, but fortunately, the police have taken over the local government council premises, and everyone is here peacefully. These are supporters of grassroots development initiatives loyal to the Minister of FCT.”

    Despite the police presence, the crowd remained stationed at the PHALGA environment, which is near the Rivers State Government House, indicating heightened tensions over the leadership dispute.

    The crisis was triggered by the expiration of the tenure of local government chairmen in Rivers State on Tuesday, with conflicting claims over tenure extension by the State House of Assembly.

    Governor Siminalayi Fubara has, however, maintained that there was no official extension of tenure and has proceeded to nominate caretaker committees for the 23 local government councils in the state.