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GDI Endorses Wike For 2023 Presidency
Ahead of 2023 Presidential election, a renowned social crusader in Niger Delta, Grassroot Development Initiative (GD) has endorsed Governor Nyesom Wike to contest for the Presidency.
The group said the endorsement of Wike for the 2023 presidential race would rescue Nigeria from poverty, banditry, political recklessness and insecurity ravaging the nation.
The endorsement of Governor Nyesom Wke to the office of the president was made by officials of GDI led by Leader, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Martin Amaewhule, during GDI Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality Sensitisation Programme organised by the Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality members of GDI in honour of Wike at Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, Port Harcourt, last Saturday.
Amaewhule said Nigeria needs a workaholic and God fearing person like Wike to rescue the country from economic woes and poverty.
He noted that Wike as the grand patron of GDI deserves a vote of confidence, because, he had been tested as a leader who managed the scarce resources of Rivers State for years, delivering the dividends of democracy to the people .
He noted that Wike has brought development and political awareness to Rivers State and beyond.
“When somebody is doing well, you need to praise him, we are confidence of him, we are proud of him, we are passing vote of confidence on him and urging him to contest for the post of the president in 2023, GDI as a group are confidence on Nyesom Wike to lead the country to greater height”, Amaewhule said.
Leaders of the GDI across the four Ikwerre LGAs also took turns to call on Wike to consider the wish of the ordinary Nigerians who are yearning for a prosperous Nigeria and take up the responsibility to salvage the country from the incompetent APC-led Federal Government come 2023 general election.
The Secretary General of Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI) Worldwide, Engr. Samuel Nwanosike told Nigerians that the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike was the best presidential candidate for the country in the 2023 general election.
Nwanosike, who is also the chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, SAID, “Nyesom Wike has shown that it is possible to manage a people where boundary neighbours don’t hear each other. Rivers State is a mini Nigeria; is only a state where people live together yet they have different cultures and diversities.
“We are saying as a people, if Nyesom Wike has rebuilt Rivers State, when people predicted when they were about to leave office that they want to come and see how he will do the magic of paying workers’ salary, not to talk about doing projects. But Nyesom Wike has not only done projects that we can see, he has done projects that we can touch and projects that have changed our narratives as people of Rivers State.
“And so, as a people, we are here to announce to the world that we have a candidate that we are proud to sell to anybody. And his name is Chief Nyesom Wike. People call him different things in Nigeria of today. Some say he is the face of new democracy in Nigeria. Some say he is the Mr. VAT. Some say he is the Mr. Quality Projects. But I call him the deliverer, the capacity leader and the man that can transform Nigeria”.
Nwanosike recalled that when Rivers State was looking for who to rebuild the state in 2015, GDI identified Wike as such man and went round the state to preach about him to the people, saying that the result yielded a lot of good things for the state.
He said, “So many years ago, we came to the 23 local governments in Rivers State, and we came with a gospel from the Grassroot Development Initiative, and we told the people of Rivers State that we have identified a man that can rebuild the dead Rivers State, as it was then under the leadership of one man that lives in Abuja.
“The people of Rivers State listened to our message, believed in our message, and gave the opportunity for our son and the pride of the Rivers people, Chief Nyesom Wike.
“You can see the results for yourselves. In all the 319 wards in Rivers State, in all sectors, in all spheres of our lives, Governor Nyesom Wike has broken all available political records in managing of our resources as a people. And so, we are proud to say that we as Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality people, under the umbrella of Grassroot Development Initiative, that Nyesom Wike is a man that we are proud of. And as Ikwerre people, we thank God Almighty for giving us such a leader that can be able to manage the resources of Rivers people, manage our diversity and manage our developmental activities as a people”.
The GDI national scribe assured Nigerians that they would never regret voting Wike as president come 2023.
Speaking on behalf of the Rivers State Executive Council members, the Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Olisaelloka Tasie-Amadi; and Sir Obiandu Owhochukwu, speaking on behalf of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders, called on the Rivers State governor to present himself for the position of Nigeria’s president in 2023.
In his remarks, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu described Governor Nyesom Wike, as a revered leader who has the capacity and capability to move Nigeria forward.
Ariolu described Wike as an ambassador and a gift from Obio/Akpor Local Government Area to the good people of Rivers State and Nigeria.
He said as a believer of good governance, the yardstick to access a man who’s competent enough, is based on what he has done in the position he has occupied before and he’s still occupying, and Wike qualifies for that.
“Wike has transformed Rivers State. And there’s no doubt in my mind, I also know that there’s no doubt in our minds that Wike will replicate same at the national level. Nyesom Wike is a very young man that has the energy; he has the capacity and has capability to transform Nigeria.
“He has displayed his prowess and competence as a local government chairman; he did that as a minister of state, education. The records are there to show. Dear Nigerians, if you want to restructure Nigeria, if you want this country to move forward, look for a competent hand like Nyesom Wike. He is qualified for the Job”.
Speaking further, Ariolu seized the opportunity to thank GDI for standing firmly with Wike.
He said that’s what makes them formidable and unique.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr Chidi Lloyd declared that the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has the wherewithal to salvage Nigeria from the mess the country presently finds itself under the watch of the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.
Lloyd stated that the exemplary leadership displayed by the governor within his six years in office was a clear indication that he can change the narrative in Nigeria if given the opportunity to oversee the affairs of the country in 2023.
He said the people of Ikwerre ethnic nationality and Rivers State at large never had it so good in terms of effective leadership, stressing that Nigeria needs a leader like Wike to set the country on the path of economic growth and prosperity.
He lauded GDI for its roles on the state and beyond, just as he urged all GDI members to register for the ongoing voters registration exercise as to enable them exercise their franchise during the 2023 elections.
The Ikwerre cluster of the Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI) comprising of the four local government areas of Emohua, Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt City, during the sensitisation meeting, compelled the governor to take up the responsibility to rescue Nigeria from the maladministration of the APC-led Federal Government.
In a motion moved by the Leader of Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Martins Amaewhule, seconded by the member representing Ikwerre Constituency in the state Assembly, Hon Anslem Oguguo, and moderated by the Chairman of Emohua LGA and former leader of Rivers State House of Assembly, Dr Chidi Lloyd, national, LGA and ward executives of GDI across the four Ikwerre-speaking LGAs through a voice vote, passed a vote of confidence on Nyesom Wike, and called on the governor to lead the mission to rescue Nigeria in the 2023 general election.
The sensitization meeting had in attendance, lawmakers, members of the State Executive Council, present and past LG council chairmen and top government functionaries who are members of GDI across the four Ikwerre-speaking LGAs of Rivers State.
The Vice Chairman of Emohua LGA, Mrs Edna Nyeche, Secretary of the council, Chief Vincent Chukwu, GDI Coordinator in Emohua LGA and State Youth Leader of PDP, Hon Ikpechi Oriji, former CTC chairman of Emohua LGA and Secretary of GDI in the LGA, Hon John Wokoma, Prof. Okey Onuchuku, among others were part of the delegation from Emohua LGA at the sensitisation meeting.
By: Chinedu Nwosu
The Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA) has unveiled measures to enthrone ease of doing business and win back the confidence of the business community.
The Director-General of the Agency, Dr Chamberlain Peterside, unveiled the plans at the Breakout Session of RSIPA at the ongoing 18th Port Harcourt International Trade Fair, at the Obi Wali International Cultural Centre, in Port Harcourt.
Dr. Peterside said the agency was poised to free the state from accumulation of wrong narratives that branded it over the years as unsafe for business.
He, however, admitted that many things had gone wrong in the past where regulators joined to make the business environment difficult for investors.
He announced that the agency was rather focused on actions, solutions, and results as adopted in the mission statement of the Board.
“Our task is no mean feat. We are dealing with the perception risk that over several years branded the state as unsafe. We are also faced with the challenges of dealing with the lack of cohesion amongst MDAs, policy inconsistencies, multiple taxation, incessant harassment by miscreants, red tape and delays in obtaining operating permits, high cost of operations and opaque public sector,” he said.
“It is about listening to the investors in the field and ensuring that MDAs are carried along, hence the imperative for the setting up of our One-Stop-Center”, he added.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, who represented the state governor, said the Fubara administration was ready to listen to the business community to see ways of reducing impediments to investments.
He listed the stages of actions being undertaken by the governor as outlined in his 37-page blue print to revive the economy of Rivers State.
The Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, who was presented at the event as a star investor and promoter of Rivers State reputation, said for the plans of the investment promotion agency to materialize, an enabling law should replace the Executive Order that established the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency.
He said this would insulate the agency from political instability and remove fear in the minds of investors about its sustainability.
According to him, protection precedes promotion and Local Direct Investment (LDIs) is what attracts and promotes Foreign Direct Investment (FDIs).
“It is the rat at home that reveals to the one in the bush that there is fish in the kitchen”, he added.
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?The Mayor of Housing who is also the CEO of the Alesa Highlands Sustainable Green Smart City said that Port Harcourt is like a business empire under lock and key because it is not protecting its own and also not promoting its own enough for investors to come in.
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?In the area of land documentation and inventory, China urged Rivers State Government to borrow a leaf from Abuja and adopt the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in dealing with land and property registration and documentation for ease of doing business.
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?He said Lagos understood the power of business information, adding “this creates the impression that if you are not doing it in Lagos, you are not doing it in Africa.
“We need to shout louder than Lagos, because we need more investments than Lagos and the structural integrity of Abuja. When you marry both, Rivers State would be wonderful and become green with investments,” he said.
In her speech, the President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, called on the state government to look into the menace of parked trucks now turning Trans-Amadi into a risk zone.
She outlined the activities of the PHCCIMA and invited investors and businesses to the Port Harcourt economic hub, saying peace has returned.
The Director, Investors Relations of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Mrs Lovina Kayode, urged Rivers State to make haste and catch up on Ease of Doing Business, saying the Council has come to help businesses in the state.
Mrs Kayode, who represented the Executive Secretary/CEO of NIPC, Aisha Rimi, commended the Mayor of Housing and his counterpart, Mr. Oliver Biedima of Rainbow Heritage Group, for their decision to invest in Rivers State, saying it is a proof that Rivers State is safe for investors and their investments.
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In his remarks, Oliver Biedemi of Rainbow Heritage Group urged government to give the private investors chance to develop the economy, saying ordinarily government does not have the funds to develop the economy.
Happy Birthday Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON
Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory
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We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
