Politics
Wike To Commence Sixth Flyover Project
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has announced the intention of his administration to embark on the sixth flyover project in the state.
Speaking last week, during the commissioning ceremony of Rebisi flyover, one of the five flyover projects which he is executing simultaneously in the state, Gov. Wike disclosed that he would start the sixth flyover project at Kaduna Street located at CFC/Corpus Christi bus stop.
“ I want to start the sixth flyover project in this Kaduna bridge here. By December, we have to commission Okoro-nu- Odu flyover. By February, we have to commission Rumuogba and Rumuola; by March -April, we will commission the GRA flyover”, he said.
The sixth flyover project would involve expansion of the flyover to enhance traffic flow in the area.
The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), who commissioned the 969.4 metres long Rebisi flyover, commended Gov. Wike for what he described as a massive urban regenerating and renewal programme of the Governor.
The Minister earlier visited the Rumuogba, Okoro-nu-Odu, Rumuola, and GRA Junction flyover projects.
Also last week, Gov. Wike redeemed the pledge he made to the families of the slain security officers who were allegedly killed by members of the outlawed Indigenous Peoples Of Biafra IPOB), by officially donating the sum of N20 million to each of the affected ten families, totalling N200million.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo made the presentation before the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan at Headquarters of the State Police Command and the 6 Division of Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt.
The Governor reassured the army and Police that his administration would always stand with them to fight crime in the state.
Within the week under review, the Rivers State Chief Executive was also in Sokoto on the invitation of the Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal to flag off projects and also Commission completed projects.
Gov. Wike laid foundation for the 950 beds Sokoto State University Teaching Hospital at Kasarawa, and flagged off the dualisation of Waziri Abbas Road in Sokoto City.
He also commissioned Semi Urban 1.5 million gallons per day water scheme at Bodinga in Bodinga Local Government Area,
The Rivers State Security Council, last week, relaxed the 24 hour curfew which was imposed on the entire Oyigbo Local Government Area following the killing of ten security operatives by the proscribed IPOB.
Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim disclosed this last Tuesday while briefing Government House Correspondents.
He stated that from last Wednesday, the the curfew would begin from 7 pm to 6am. He said apart from losing ten security operatives, 50 Ak 47 rifles were carted away by the criminals, hence the security agencies in the area would continue to embark on surveillance and search operations to recover the said rifles which are now in illegal possession of some persons.
Another major event last week in Brick House was the courtesy visit by the Primate of the All Nigerian Anglican Communion, Most Rev Henry Chukwuka Ndukuba.
While addressing the delegation of men of God, Gov. Wike urged the church to continue to pray for the nation because of the critical times she is passing through.
He called on those agitating for secession to rather strive for restructuring in order to foster much desired unity. He particularly regretted the criminal activities of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples Of Biafra which undermines the peace in the state.
Earlier, the Primate had lauded Gov. Wike on the steps he took on some critical issues and urged him not to relent.
Chris Oluoh
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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