Politics
Wike Woos European Investors
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has urged European investors to take advantage of his government’s economic sound policies and friendly business environment to invest in the state.
Speaking, Tuesday at a special programme organised for Rivers State by the Financial Times, tagged: “Invest in Rivers State”, at the world’s leading financial publishing Company in London, the governor said return on investment in the state is the highest in Nigeria.
Wike stated that the state under his administration has provided visibility gap, funding, minimum revenue guarantee, land provision for development, attractive subsidies, reduction and exemption from payment of taxes and levies to boost investment and called on foreign investors to take advantage of the rare business friendly policy of his government to home and invest.
Wike further informed investors, particularly in the oil and gas sector that they would benefit from the presence of the Oil and Gas Free zone in the state, adding that the facility provides beautiful opportunities for the establishment of business across the oil and gas value chain.
He said business opportunities in the state remain limitless, especially in information technology, tourism and hospitality ag,riculture, housing and manufacturing.
The governor returned to the state, Wednesday, to meet a delegation of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
He commended the delegation for their strong support to his administration and promised that the state government will continue to give CAN all the much needed support.
Wike however, appealed to CAN to mobilise the large Christian population in the state to obtain the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and actively participate in policy making which, according to him, begins from voting in candidates of their choice.
He also urged them to preach against youth-related vices and spread of fake information against the state government.
The governor also used the opportunity to explain the benefits derivable from the newly signed Rivers State Neighbourhood Watch Law, saying apart from synergizing with security agencies by ways of information gathering and intelligence, it would also create large employment opportunities for youths who would be involved in its implementation.
Wike assured CAN that the state government would embark on renovation of the association’s secretariat in the state to enable them run their affairs effectively.
CAN Director, Legal Affairs, Barrister Dan Obinna who read the address of the body commended Governor Wike for massive infrastructure he put in place across the state and his unrelenting fight against crime and lauded the Neigbourhood Watch scheme.
Obinna said CAN will continue to mobilise christians in the state and beyond to sustain prayers and fasting for the state against enemies of progress and urged Wike not to relent in giving the state the best.
CAN also congratulated the governor for the numerous awards he received from state, national and global levels, noting that the awards were testimonies of his hard work which the body is proud of.
Another major event in Government House last week was the swearing in of four new commissioners and care-takers committee of Degema Local Government Area.
Wike disclosed his intention to embark on a minor cabinet reshuffle and urged the appointees to see their assignment as opportunity to add value to the state service and not to enrich themselves.
Wike declared roar against imposition of candidate in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the June 16,2018 Local Government Poll draws near.
He warned party leaders that the era of imposition of candidate in the state is over and vowed to fight anyone who attempts to impose anybody on the people.
Chris Oluoh
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made on genocide.
The Fellowship described the demand as unjustified and a threat to constitutional freedoms.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN insisted that Prof Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to express his views on matters of national concern, irrespective of the public office he occupies.
According to the PFN, the comments attributed to the INEC Chairman were made in his personal capacity and had no link whatsoever with his official responsibilities or electoral duties.
The Fellowship stressed that elections and electoral activities were not involved in the matter, arguing that there was no basis to connect the alleged comments to Prof Amupitan’s role as INEC Chairman.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a Nigerian, has the right to make comments on what he observes to be happening in the nation, regardless of his appointment or assignment,” the statement read.
The PFN said it condemned “in every ramification” the suggestion that the INEC Chairman should be removed from office on the basis of his personal views, warning against attempts to punish public officials for expressing opinions outside the scope of their official duties.
The Tide source reports that the Fellowship also cautioned against what it described as a growing tendency to interpret national issues through religious lenses, noting that such an approach only deepens divisions and undermines peaceful coexistence.
“We must resist the temptation of profiling or judging people based on their religious beliefs or positions. Prof. Amupitan has a right to bear his mind, and this should not be at the cost of his job,” the PFN added.
The PFN called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, understanding and mutual respect in national discourse, particularly on sensitive issues.
It emphasised that unity and peace must remain paramount in addressing national challenges.
The Fellowship reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice and mutual respect, urging that these values guide public engagement and responses to issues affecting the country.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
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