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2023: No Identified Treasury Looter’ll Be Rivers’ Gov, Wike Cautions …Vows To Prosecute Amaechi, Cole …As RSG, Julius Berger Sign Contract For Two Flyovers, Azikiwe-Iloabuchi Road
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has declared that Rivers people were resolved to resist individuals who have looted assets of the state from presiding over them as governor.
The resolve, Wike pointed out, was predicated on the desire to safeguard the state from those who were only interested in looting the commonwealth of Rivers people.
Wike made the assertion, yesterday, shortly after signing the contract for the construction of the 11th and 12th flyover bridges, and the dualisation of Azikiwe Street-Illoabuchi Road in Port Harcourt, between the state government and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc at the Rivers State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Rivers State governor said such looters were desperate to cover their track of crime and Rivers people would not allow such people who do not have the interest of the state at heart to take over its affairs.
“This state must be guarded. We cannot allow people who don’t have the interest of this state to take over the affairs of this state; people who have looted the treasury of the state clearly.”
Wike explained that genuine lovers of the state should be the ones presenting themselves to serve the state as governor not looters.
The governor pointed to former governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi; and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Rivers governorship candidate, Tonye Cole, as persons clearly identified to have looted the state.
“They can run helter-skelter to stop their arraignment, but they must be arraigned and tried. What Rivers people will hear, Rivers people will be shocked to know what the former governor of the state and minister did in this state with his partner, Tonye Cole.
“If they (Amaechi and Cole) like, let them bring 500 Senior Advocates of Nigeria, they will face the trial. So that Nigerians will hear, Rivers people will see how this state was looted.
“Anybody can be governor, but not those we have identified that have looted the state’s treasure. If we can do 12 flyovers from 2019 to now with the little amount of money we are getting, imagine what the previous administration would have done.
“If the previous administration that had a lot of money had done them, we would have concentrated on other things. But we are still working within the city to change its landscape.”
Wike remarked that his style of politics and governance was clearly different from other politicians who take the people for granted and hardly fulfil promises they make.
He maintained that the good of Rivers people and the state remain the priority of his administration, which was why more projects were still being awarded as he prepares to leave office on May 29, 2023.
“So, we are very proud that this administration has kept all the promises made to the people. So, it gives us joy. Some people would have said: why not go with the money.
“But I asked, how much money can you make? What can you amass as against the interest of the people? So, for us, we are very happy, and anybody who is working with this administration can carry his shoulder high that we have made a difference as far as governance is concerned.”
Speaking further, Wike explained that payment for some of the ongoing projects has almost be completed with the inauguration of more projects in view.
“We have finished paying for the first phase of the Trans-Kalabari Road. We have finished paying for the dualisation of Bori-Kono Road. We have finished paying for the Ada George- Rumuepirikom flyover. We have almost finished paying for the first phase of Ahoada Road.”
Wike told the construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, that excuses would not be tolerated from them because 80percent of the contract sum has been released to the company with the monthly N2billion irrevocable standing order of payment.
The governor also commended leaders of the state for the immense support that they have given to his administration to succeed.
In his speech, Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr. Lars Richter, said the contract they have signed with the Rivers State Government was for two new flyover bridges that would be completed in 10 months, and the dualisation of Azikiwe Street-llloabuchi Road in six months.
“You set on your own record of 10 flyovers, but now, you beat your own record to make it 12 flyovers. I think that this is big challenge but you will surmount. We have completed and commissioned six flyovers.Three more are near completion stage; one ongoing, which shows the confidence that the state government has in Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.”
Earlier, the state government and Julius Berger Plc had signed contract for the construction of the 11th and 12th flyover bridges as well as the dualisation of Azikiwe-Iloabuchi Road in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
The contract was for the construction of Rumuokwuta/Rumuola Flyover, Mgbuoba/Ada George (Location Junction) Flyover, as well as the dualisaion of Azikiwe-Iloabuchi Road.
Attorney-General and Honourable Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor, SAN, Honourable Commissioner for Works, Dr. George-Kelly D. Alabo, and the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Works signed the contract papers on behalf of Rivers State Government, while the managing director of Julius Berger and its South-South coordinator signed on behalf of the construction giant.
The 11th flyover sited at Rumuola/Rumuokwuta Junction is 1.007km, while the 12th flyover at Location Junction is 927m.
Azikiwe Street-Iloabuchi Road dual carriage way is 1.03km x 2.
The flyover projects are expected to be completed in 10 months, while the dualisation of Azikiwe-Iloabuchi Road would be achieved in six months.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.