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Tag: Nyesom Wike

Rivers State PDP Defends Governor Wike and Criticizes Atiku’s Spokesperson
By Daniel Edu
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has come to the defense of Governor Nyesom Wike and criticized Daniel Bwala, the spokesperson for former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar. The PDP in Rivers State refuted Bwala’s claim that Governor Wike was working in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) motor park when the PDP was founded, calling it a baseless allegation.
Chief Kingsley Chuku, the Legal Adviser of the PDP in Rivers State and a former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (Port Harcourt Branch), stated that Governor Wike had been practicing law in Port Harcourt before venturing into politics. Chuku described Bwala’s remark as a product of ignorance and urged individuals to conduct proper research before making such statements.
Chuku also expressed the party’s continued high regard for Governor Wike.
September 17, 2023
Abuja Man Secures Freedom of Abducted Wife and Daughters with ₦2.8 Million Ransom
By Milcah Tanimu
In a distressing incident, Mistura Olasinde and her two daughters, Hauwa and Fatima, residents of Starwood Estate in Galadimawa, Abuja, were abducted on September 8, 2023. Mistura’s husband, Surajudeen Olasinde, an employee of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, provided details of the harrowing ordeal.
The abduction occurred as the family was driving from Garki to their home in Starwood Estate. The incident unfolded around 7 pm near Kabusa Garden Estate, where deteriorating road conditions provided an opportunity for the kidnappers to strike. The assailants emerged from nearby bushes, firing shots to create fear before forcibly taking the victims into the forest.
Residents promptly alerted the Galadimawa Divisional Police Officer, Jerry Cole, who led a team of police officers and vigilantes in a search operation. Unfortunately, their efforts yielded no success.
Surajudeen Olasinde, who was away in Kwara State at the time, recounted that the Department of State Services tracked the kidnappers’ movements, leading the search to a forest in Kuje.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ₦100 million ransom, which was later reduced to ₦50 million and then ₦10 million. Ultimately, they asked for the amount the family had available. Surajudeen Olasinde and his brother-in-law managed to collect ₦2.840 million, which they delivered to the kidnappers on Saturday night.
The ransom exchange took place in Kabusa Village, with an okada (commercial motorbike) rider facilitating the transaction. The family was eventually reunited with Mistura and her daughters, who had endured a traumatic experience.
Surajudeen Olasinde appealed for assistance from President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, citing the need for improved security in the area. He highlighted the physical injuries and psychological trauma his wife and daughters suffered, emphasizing their urgent need for medical care.
Kayode Adedoyin, the Chairman of Residents of Starwood Estate, called attention to the recurring kidnappings in the area and called on Minister Wike to enhance security measures.
The Galadimawa DPO, Mr. Cole, directed inquiries to the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, as he was not authorized to speak to the media. SP Adeh, when contacted, indicated that the FCT Police Command had not yet been briefed about the situation and pledged to provide updates once informed.
September 13, 2023
“Minister Nyesom Wike: Judiciary’s Contrasting Roles in Peter Obi’s Political Journey”
By Daniel Edu
Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed his views on the judiciary’s role in the political career of Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP).
During an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Wike asserted that the judiciary made the right decision when it allowed Peter Obi to reclaim his mandate as the governor of Anambra State in 2007. However, he believes the judiciary made an incorrect decision when Obi lost at the presidential tribunal recently.
Wike raised the question of whether Peter Obi had to resort to bribery to secure his victory at the Supreme Court when he was initially removed from office as governor. He stated, “Did Peter Obi not win at the Supreme Court when he was removed as governor? Did he pay a bribe? Let him tell the world now. When he was removed as a governor, did he not reclaim his mandate at the Supreme Court? The judiciary was right, but now that the decision has happened, the judiciary is wrong.”
Wike also shared his perspective on the 2023 presidential election. He described himself as a realist and indicated that he did not believe Peter Obi would win the February 25, 2023 poll. Wike disclosed that he supported Bola Tinubu rather than Obi or Atiku, who were both members of his party (PDP).
He praised the conduct of the election and credited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its handling of the process. He emphasized that, despite sentiments, Obi could not have won the election. He pointed out that although many preferred a younger candidate like Obi, they failed to consider the significant factors of ethnicity and religion that influence Nigerian politics.
Wike highlighted the role of generational change and the influence of these factors on the election outcome, emphasizing that young voters may have wanted a change but underestimated the complexities of Nigerian politics.
September 9, 2023
Wike frowns at contracts variation for projects in Abuja
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike has frowned at the alarming rate of blotting of contracts variation for projects in Abuja,insisting that such is not acceptable to the current FCT Administration.
Wike made this known on Thursday during inspection of the on-going repair works at the Lower Usman Dam Water Treatment plant, in Bwari Area Council, which was shutdown for emergency repair last year.
The minister disclosed that the FCTA is going to overhaul the entire system , prioritize and fund ten projects, as part of the measures to check the menace of abandoned and uncompleted projects in the Capital City.
He said, “We are going to overhaul the entire system. I have never seen a thing like this before in my life. What you see in FCDA contract variation from N10bn to N120bn, from N50bn to N200bn. It is alarming and I am not going to accept it. ”
“It was unfortunate that while we went to the Gurara road, it was very embarrassing, and this is not what they are going to take. The job was awarded in 2017 at the cost of N20 billion, in 2020 the revised the contract sum to N50 billion. ”
“As I speak to you, we have paid almost N50bn, what is outstanding from what the man in charge has said is N900m, and now the N900m will not be enough to complete the job that they have donepp about 90percent and thereby we move to another variation. This is what we are not going to accept.”
” Now, having come to the Usman Water System, I was told that the contract has been awarded as an emergency contract. We just heard it now that it has not been awarded fully. Just a mere letter of intent to the contractor since last year August.”
“We know the importance of this, because it supplies water to our people in the city and this environment.”
“Water is very important, so I have directed that it is not an emergency again, If something has happened since last year, you call it an emergency till now, it is no longer an emergency.”
“If at all it was an emergency, we are going to start all over, and we are going to supervise the procurement process and we will allow other companies to bid as far as this project is concerned. So, it is alarming.”
Furthermore, the Minister noted the FCTA is choosing about 10 contracts, for which companies handling them have been called, and agreement have reached.
“We have agreed with some companies for six months, and we have agreed with some companies for 15 months. We do not want any project that without funding, we will not have one project. Depending on the national budget is a problem.”
“Why the Executive Secretary of FCDA is not here is because I directed him not to join us and ensure that all the files are approved since last week, go to the director of Treasury and payment must be made latest tomorrow (Friday). ”
“Then, we are signing with those companies, in essence, we have introduce an ISPO to bind our project to our internally generated revenue. So, at the end of every month, we will know what each company is taking and then we will know the duration of the contract will end.”
“So, we will utilize the IGR to tie it to specific projects, so that will reduce the abandoning of projects in the FCT. On Monday, we are flagging off the resurfacing of most of the roads in Garki, Maitama, because the roads are terribly bad. I will make sure that the contractors are also paid. ”
The minister revealed that projects would be reviewed to ensure they finish one after the other.
We can take up other projects, not carry 100 projects and you cannot complete one. You should take one and finish it, then you go to another one. If not, you will see projects littered all over, he explained.
September 8, 2023
Discussion on Abuja Master Plan and Demolition Threat
By Daniel Edu
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has faced criticism and suggestions regarding his plan to demolish buildings that do not conform to the original Master Plan of Abuja, particularly the Aso Villa, the seat of the Nigerian presidency.
Daniel Bwala, the spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 elections, expressed his views during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today. Bwala addressed the minister’s demolition proposal and raised important considerations.
Bwala emphasized that while adhering to the original Master Plan of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is essential, there are more pressing matters that the minister should prioritize over demolition.
He pointed out, “The FCT is not like the Ministry of Works; it is an Administration. There are many more important things than demolition that make up the Administration of the FCT.”
Regarding the demolition aspect, Bwala noted, “Let’s even start with the demolition. He (Wike) said he wants to go back to the original Master Plan. If we talk about the original Master Plan, let me tell you that the Aso Villa that houses the President, the seat of power, is not in the original Master Plan; it must go down.”
Bwala also highlighted other structures that do not align with the original Master Plan, including military barracks within the FCT and the extension areas like Asokoro, where governors’ offices and private residences are situated. He suggested that if the plan is to adhere strictly to the original Master Plan, these structures should also be subject to demolition.
He further pointed out, “There are many Federal Government assets and buildings in strategic places that are not in the original Master Plan.”
While acknowledging Nyesom Wike’s capacity to deliver as a minister, particularly considering his previous role as the governor of Rivers State, Bwala advised him to approach his responsibilities with a focus on achieving results without resorting to confrontation.
In essence, the discussion revolves around the need to balance adherence to the original Master Plan of Abuja with the practical considerations and potential consequences of demolishing existing structures, including the Aso Villa and military barracks, and the importance of prioritizing essential administrative tasks in the Federal Capital Territory.
September 2, 2023
Wike Challenges PDP, Asserts “No One Can Expel Me”
By Daniel Edu
Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has issued a challenge to his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), daring them to attempt to expel him.
Addressing the prospect of being ousted from the PDP due to alleged anti-party activities, Wike confidently confronted those entertaining the idea, stating, “No one has the power to expel me.”
Wike made these remarks during an appearance on the “Politics Today” program on Channels Television, held on Wednesday evening.
The former governor of Rivers State emphasized that he has not encountered any PDP leader with the authority to remove him from the party.
“Only the individual who can suspend me is one who cannot deliver a governor, three senators, and Assembly members. I have yet to identify such a person. No one will take that action,” Wike asserted.
He questioned, “Who possesses the authority to discipline me? If anyone should be advocating for discipline, it should be me, as these individuals have violated the party’s constitution,” the minister added.
Continuing, he declared, “When the party stipulates rotation and you violate the party’s constitution, who will dare claim they can suspend me? Who could that be?”
Wike also clarified that he is aligned with President Bola Tinubu and not with the All Progressives Congress (APC), highlighting that he feels no need to apologize to anyone.
“I am not aligned with the APC. I am aligned with Tinubu, who trusts me to contribute to the success of the Renewed Hope,” he remarked, further stating, “I owe no one an apology. I was a member of the PDP, and I supported Ahmed Bola Tinubu in his bid to become the President of Nigeria.”
Regarding infrastructure development, the FCT minister disclosed that the Abuja Metro Line is anticipated to be operational within the coming eight months. He pledged to uphold the FCT masterplan, regardless of whose interests might be affected, asserting that the affluent residents are often the ones violating regulations.
“In the next eight months, the Abuja metro line will be operational,” the minister announced, and added, “In our country today, who are the primary violators of regulations? Are there any underprivileged individuals disrupting the FCT masterplan? Are the residents of Asokoro, Maitama, or Garki living in poverty? Let’s consider the facts.”
August 31, 2023
Wike Affirms Loyalty to Tinubu, Clarifies Position on APC
By Daniel Edu
Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has clarified his political allegiance, asserting that he is working for President Bola Tinubu and not the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During an appearance on Channels TV Politics Today, Wike stated, “I am not working for APC. I am working for Tinubu who has trust in me to help him deliver the renewed hope.” He continued, “I owe nobody any apology at all. I was in the PDP and I worked for Ahmed Bola Tinubu to become the President of Nigeria.”
Controversy arose when Wike’s name was included in the APC’s campaign council for the governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states scheduled for November 11. This led to discussions about his party affiliation and possible disciplinary actions from the PDP.
The APC, however, issued a statement disavowing the campaign council lists, calling them unofficial documents and urging their disregard.
Wike reaffirmed his membership in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and expressed confidence that no one within the party has the authority to suspend him. He emphasized, “With all due respect, I have not seen that person who will suspend me. Nobody will do it. Who will discipline me? I should be the one calling for the discipline of these people who violated the party’s constitution. Who dare say they will suspend me? Who is the person?”
His remarks come in response to widespread debate and speculation surrounding his political stance and affiliation within the Nigerian political landscape.
August 31, 2023
Rivers APC Clarifies Stance on Wike’s Ministerial Nomination
By Daniel Edu
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has refuted claims that it opposes the nomination of former Governor Nyesom Wike as a minister by President Bola Tinubu. In a statement released by the party’s spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, on Thursday, the party clarified its position and distanced itself from an earlier statement criticizing Wike’s nomination.
Nwauju made it clear that the statement, which was purportedly issued in Abuja, did not originate from his office, and he was not aware of its creation. He asserted that the statement was a fabrication made by certain individuals, driven by their personal motives, without his knowledge or consent. He stressed that he harbors no personal grievances against Wike concerning his ministerial nomination and screening.
The spokesperson emphasized that the matter concerning the Rivers State APC and Wike’s nomination is not a personal vendetta or a matter of life and death. He expressed disappointment that someone would use his office falsely to pursue their own agenda.
In light of this clarification, the Rivers APC seeks to address any misconceptions and reaffirm its commitment to fair and objective political processes.
August 4, 2023
Wike Alleges Poisoning Incident At PDP Secretariat
Former Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, on Sunday, disclosed that he was poisoned at the secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2018.
Wike said the poison affected his liver and kidneys, adding that it almost killed him but for God’s intervention.
He disclosed this during a special Thanksgiving service organised by his family at the St. Peters Deanery, Rumuepirikom, Obio-Akpor area of the state.
The former governor said he was flown to Beirut at midnight, where doctors informed him that his liver and kidneys were gone.
According to wike, after attending to him, the doctors informed him that the organs were working again.
He said the doctors discharged him after about a week and asked him to return home, noting that he altered his itinerary during the campaign for his second term.
The former Governor said everybody became a suspect as he decided that he would not enter any party leader’s home during the course of his campaigns.
Narrating how he almost died of poisoning, Wike said: “God was in charge, everybody who knew how we came to power in 2015, knew it was turbulent.
“But God saw us through. When you are in office, many people think things are going well with you. Nobody wants to find out the problems you are facing as a human.
“In December 2018, it was the day my former Chief of Staff was going to have thanksgiving. I was to attend that thanksgiving. From that Sunday on, I never came down from my room. It was bad.
“But those who attended the January 1 state banquet of 2019 will know that I never spoke that day. I just sat down there and told the deputy governor to speak on my behalf. I thought it was over.
“I didn’t know I had been poisoned at our party’s secretariat, the doctors, after some treatments, returned and told me my organs had started working again.”
June 18, 2023
2023 Presidential Polls: As Far As I’m Concerned Peter Obi Is The Hero – Wike
Nyesom Wike has described Labour Party (LP) candidate, Peter Obi, as the hero of the 2023 presidential election for scuttling the chances of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, thereby preventing North from holding on to power.
Wike, addressing a cluster of Rivers state traders associations Saturday in Port Harcourt, said, “Obi is my hero. If Obi did not contest, power would have gone back to the North. The whole of South-South and South-East that PDP lost if Obi did not contest PDP would have won.”
“Obi is the hero. He may not have been pronounced the winner, but no problem, the law will take its course. If Obi did not run this election, power would have remained in the North. Whether he is declared winner now or not, history will be on his side, that he fought and fought well.”
March 11, 2023