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EFCC, INEC’s Synergy Targetted At Opposition -Wike …Says He’s Not Vying For VP In 2019
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that the so-called partnership between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor campaign finances ahead of 2019 elections is a witch-hunt targeted at the opposition.
Speaking during a special appearance on Channels Television Sunrise Daily broadcast from the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, Wike described the partnership as a political deception.
He said: “EFCC working with INEC to investigate campaign finances is merely a smokescreen. It is targeted at the opposition party.
“When have you heard that EFCC would come up to say, as regards the ruling party, funds came from the government; I will not be carried away by the so-called EFCC investigation”.
Wike noted that the EFCC is working towards creating an atmosphere of advantage for the ruling party in the long run.
He said: “The fund they want to investigate is only when it has to do with the opposition states. Take for example: EFCC said PDP spent money in the last 2015 elections.
“Has EFCC investigated those states that were APC, like Rivers State at that time that funded part of their election? Who is deceiving who? EFCC is only working to witch-hunt the opposition.”
The governor regretted that since 2015, the APC-led Federal Government has been unable to complete the Port Harcourt International Airport.
He said despite criticising Jonathan, the APC-led Federal Government has refused to upgrade the airport.
“When you look at the whole thing, you see the hatred. How this government does not like the people of Rivers State”, the governor said.
Commenting on the 2019 elections, Wike said that the desperate rigging moves on August 18, 2018 at the Port Harcourt State Constituency Three Elections indicate that the APC is not ready for elections.
“Through the Port Harcourt State Constituency Three Election, they revealed to us what they planned for 2019. They don’t want election. They want to use security to rig”, he said.
Wike denied claims that he drafted a Presidential Aspirant from another political party to fly the party’s flag. He stated that no single governor can achieve that.
“We have 36 States and Abuja. We have about 14 governors. How can a governor of one state lure a particular aspirant to run for the Presidential Election.
“I am not a member of the convention planning committee. I am only providing the venue. I am not going to be a member of any sub-committees, so, where does the influence. In any case, if you like you do the election in Lagos, people will still have influence”, Wike said.
He reiterated his position that certain Presidential Aspirants are funded by the APC and planted in the PDP ahead of the primary.
He said: “As I speak with you, just yesterday, certain Presidential Aspirants and some people in the ruling party met to take some steps to make sure that our convention fails”.
Speaking on the environmental challenge posed by flooding, Wike said that the state government has established an emergency response team to tackle issue.
He added that the state government is working with other stakeholders to end the prevalence of soot in the state.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared that he would not be vying for the position of Vice President of the country as being speculated in certain quarters ahead of the 2019 elections.
Wike said though some of the presidential aspirants seeking his support have offered him the position of Vice President in the course of political consultations, he insisted that the interest of Rivers State was paramount.
Speaking in an interview with The Osasu Show at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, Wike said: “There are aspirants who have promised me the position of the Vice President, but I said I will not seek the position.
“Not even in the dream will I seek that position at this point. I am a first term governor and the National Chairman of PDP is from my State and the South-South.
“These are mere allegations. People can carry rumours, but everything I will do, will be in the interest of Rivers State. Nobody can use Rivers State as a tool. They did that in the past, but not anymore “.
Wike said that the decision to host the October 5/6 2018 National Convention in Port Harcourt was initiated without his knowledge, adding that he eventually attended a meeting where Governors and Presidential Aspirants ratified the resolution.
He expressed surprise that a few presidential aspirants who never opposed the decision to host the National Convention in Port Harcourt, have turned around to sponsor reports against the venue of the convention.
He said: “I am shocked that a few presidential aspirants who never opposed Port Harcourt as a venue would begin the sponsorship of media attacks on the venue of the convention, which was not initiated by us.
“When we say that there are moles amongst the Presidential Aspirants, this is one of the manifestations. A decision that is collectively taken is being contested through clandestine sponsorship.
“But if they want, the National Convention can be held at Maiduguri, Yola, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kano or any other city. A presidential aspirant that would lose would lose.
“All the national delegates that will vote at the National Convention will emerge from the different local government areas of the country and from the statutory delegates list. None will be elected in Port Harcourt. Therefore, it is uncharitable to attempt to create the impression that hosting it in Port Harcourt will influence the outcome”.
Asked to comment on the Lagos State political rift between Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and his godfather, Wike advised him to resist the godfather.
He said: “If it is correct that the godfather is against Ambode, I will tell him (Ambode) to resist it. I will tell him to promote the interest of his state. Godatherism is not good. It negates development.”
He said that in Rivers State, the immediate past governor sold state assets to his business partner, only to turn around to anoint the business partner to contest for the governorship position of the state.
“No more godfather politics in Rivers State. We are not in Lagos State. Rivers State will not accept godfatherism. My concern is to do well for Rivers State.
“For the over three years that we have managed Rivers State, nobody of good conscience will say that we have not done well. We are not threatened because in Rivers State, PDP is a dominant party”, he said.
In another development, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, yesterday, admonished his Lagos State counterpart, Akinwunmi Ambode to resist the practice of “godfatherism” in his state.
Wike, a governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said this while reacting to the alleged rift between Ambode and a National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
Following a reported relationship breakdown with Ambode, Tinubu was said to have anointed one Babajide Sanwon-olu as the next governor of Lagos State.
It would be recalled that the Vice Chairman of the APC in Lagos East Senatorial District, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, has stated that National Leader of the party, Bola Tinubu instructed them to work towards the emergence of Sanwon-olu as the next governor of the state.
However, Wike while speaking during an interview with The Osasu Show at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, said Ambode should negate godfatherism and promote the interest of his state.
Wike said, “If it is correct that the godfather is against Ambode, I will tell him (Ambode) to resist it.
“I will tell him to promote the interest of his state. Godfatherism is not good. It negates development.”
Wike also declared that godfatherism has no place in Rivers State.
“No more godfather politics in Rivers State. We are not in Lagos State. Rivers State will not accept godfatherism. My concern is to do well for Rivers State.
“For the over three years that we have managed Rivers State, nobody of good conscience will say that we have not done well. We are not threatened because in Rivers State, PDP is a dominant party”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, has lauded the commitment, solidarity and pivotal role of women in promoting peace and enterprise development in Rivers State.
Lady Fubara spoke at the second edition of ‘Women Converge,’ a special programme organized by Rivers Women Unite for Sim, an NGO, at the main bowl of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
She said women in the state had tremendously impacted the state positively through their prayers, careers, contributions to the home fronts, and expressed appreciation to Rivers women, for their unwavering support to her husband, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, while urging them to continue to pray for the state.
“Once again, let me use this occasion to thank Rivers women for their support both in prayers and solidarity with me and my family. You have been wonderful. I can’t reward all that you do, but God in heaven who sees in secret will surely reward you openly.
“Truly today, marks another milestone in our effort to shape the society for good and lending our support for the sustenance of peace and development of Rivers State in particular and Nigeria at large. Without doubt, the prayers of our women avails much in every situation.
“Let me enjoin our women to remain prayerful because God is ever ready to answer our prayers. In all that we do, we must not forget the hand of God and often seek Him for direction and help. You have always been steadfast and I urge you not to relent, and together we will move our society forward. Whatever you do, putting your trust in God will certainly succeed”.
The Rivers State first Lady described the theme of the event, “Women in An Evolving World” as apt and, deeply reflective of the very essence of actions and strategies that women adopt to navigate the new world order.
She noted that despite the complexities of managing the home front and the constraints of economic realities, women had demonstrated formidable strength and resilience to confront the odds of life.
“This Converge underscores the resilience of our women to succeed no matter the odds, especially with absolute faith in God and determination for greater accomplishments.”
“Whether in the industry, business, agriculture, public service or even in politics, they have always shown strong determination to adapt and to accomplish like others.
“Our natural state notwithstanding our focus has always been to reach for the sky like every other person and as Rivers women we have always been pacesetters.
The Keynote Speaker, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, described women as the foundation of every society, noting that the development of every society depends on the strength of womanhood.
In their good will messages, notable Rivers women who attended the event expressed optimism over the prospects of sustainable peace and development in Rivers State, and reiterated their support for the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Some dignitaries that attended the event include former Commissioner for Environment in Rivers State, Prof Roseline Konya; foremost activist, Ann Kio Briggs; wife of the former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Mrs Christie Toby; President of the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHACCIMA, Dr Chinyere Nwoga; Pastor Ene Secondus, among others.
Highlights of the event were ministrations, cutting of cake and special prayers for Rivers State.
