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Gov. Nyesom Wike Joins The Golden Club.

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6 years ago

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If there is any public office holder in the present dispensation, who has succeeded in redefining politics and governance, he is Governor Nyesom Wike given his transformation of Rivers State within the short period he is being in power.
For a man who believes that the primary responsibility of government is the welfare of the people, this universally accepted philosophy has guided him since 1999, when he held his first public office as chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Wike had made it clear then that politics is a platform to create economic liberty and opportunities. For him, all that government should do is to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, so that many will become role players in the economy. That, in a way, sums his political ideal.
Born on December 13, 1963 to the family of Rev. and Mrs. Nlemanya Wike of Rumuepirikom Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike attended the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, and holds degrees in Political Science and Administrative Studies as well as Law. He attended the Nigerian Law School and worked briefly at a private firm before he ventured into politics.
He served twice as chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. He first served from 1999 to 2002 and from 2004 to 2007. He served as Deputy President, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in 2004 and was later elected as ALGON President during his tenure as council chairman. He also represented Africa as a member of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Local Governments Forum (CLGF).

Those who know Wike very well, say that his stint at CLGF was a big eye opener on how political office holders can use their vantage positions to impact on the lives of the people. It bonded well with his grassroots leaning, and ultimately rubbed off on his development drive. Before then, he had started showing some of his development-oriented qualities as council boss. From road construction and other infrastructural projects, to youths and women empowerment, Wike’s era as chairman opened up the council economically.
There was also a semblance of orderliness within the council area as it was no longer fashionable for refuse heaps to dominate the road and unattended to. Also, motorists who derived pleasure in driving against the traffic, hence endangering the lives of other road users had to adjust to decency or risk being sanctioned by local government officials.
Wike would later emerge as the best performing local government council chairman in Rivers State. It was therefore not surprising, when in 2007 he was appointed Chief of Staff, Government House during the Chibuike Amaechi administration.
He was appointed to this position to primarily coordinate the operations of the Governor’s Office, and to help manage the affairs of government. It was while he served as Chief of Staff that political watchers really appreciated his leadership qualities. He oversaw the members of the State Executive Council and the activities of council chairmen.
He knew them on one-on-one basis, and also knew the key political actors in their areas or constituencies to call when matters arose. In 2011, as the chairman of the Amaechi Campaign Organisation, he rallied round politicians across the state, especially serving elected office holders.
It was this position he used in convincing doubters of his deep understanding of Rivers politics. He proved he knew the constituencies, council areas and wards that have benefited from projects, or appointments.
For instance, during a rally at Emuoha that same 2011, a top politician had complained bitterly of his area’s neglect by the government. He set the record straight. There was silence. But the then Chief of Staff, who was busy attending to other issues, quickly moved to the podium, and listed all the projects and appointment that the area got.
He even listed the names of individuals at the ward level who were empowered as if he was talking about his own local government area. “The office of the Chief of Staff, Government House died when I left office in 2011. That office properly coordinated government activities when I was there,” he once said.
It was after Wike left office as Chief of Staff that he shot nation limelight, following his appointment as Minister of State for Education in 2011.
His tenure as Minister of State for Education and later the coordinating Minister of Education witnessed some fundamental changes that many felt was not possible. He was the chief driver of the educational policy of the then Goodluck Jonathan administration. With the Almajiri Educational Programme, he made Nigerians realise that education could be taken to the remotest part of the country for the truly disadvantaged.
To mute the idea and implement it at a time the Boko Haram insurgency was wreaking havoc in some parts of the North does not just show innovative, but a futuristic side.
Besides the Almajiri Educational Programme, Wike also spearheaded other impactful programmes, including the special schools for girls, the establishment of four new federal polytechnics, construction of micro laboratories in federal colleges of education, free textbooks distribution and equipping of workshops of federal science and technical colleges, among others.
Wike saw his assignment of reviving the basic education sub-sector as a collaborative effort between the Federal Government and the states. That was why he held meetings with state governors on the need to pay up their counterpart funds to access the matching grants from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). Those meetings paved way for the working relationship between the Federal Government and the states in the quest to put basic education back on a sound footing.
For Wike, state governments should be carried along in all of the Federal Government’s programmes as Federal Government’s investments in this sub-sector are interventionist in nature. The various local and international awards that he won during his time as Education Minister show the level of contributions he made.
The Rivers State governor strongly believes that the hand of God has a remarkable influence on his rise politically. This explains why he pays serious attention to the activities of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rivers State chapter. The sprawling Ecumenical Christian Centre besides the Silverbird Galleria, which he built at a record time, testifies to this.
But friends and political associates, including those who knew him from his days as council chairman, are quick to add that he also worked very hard to be where he is today. They say he is not a man that does not mean what he says, and that he lets you know when he disagrees with you by stating his mind clearly.
For Mr. Project, as Wike is fondly called by his supporters, democracy should be allowed to breath, and serve the people, hence the need to strengthen the very institutions that allow a vibrant, tolerant democratic environment.
He also feels that governance revolves mainly on service, and that nothing should limit political office holders from carrying out their statutory responsibilities. For him, one doesn’t just aspire to be the governor of Rivers State without knowing how to go about it. He insists that anyone who must lead the oil-rich state needs to dedicate his or her time, resources, energy, and above all, have the support of the people.
There is no doubt that Wike knew exactly what was in store for him in early 2014, when it became clear that he would contest the governorship election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Then, politics of bitterness had taken centre stage so much that politicians, who once ate from the same plate and drank from the same cup, were busy calling themselves unprintable names.
When he eventually got the governorship ticket of the PDP, and defeated Dr. Dakuku Peterside of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 governorship election, his main challenge was how to resuscitate governance in the state. This spurred him to hit the ground running immediately.
No doubt, Wike’s extraordinary performance in projects execution, massive construction of roads, education, health, management of resources and many others is responsible for the accolades he has continued to earn within two years he has been at helm of affairs in Rivers State.

 

By: Emmanuel Masha

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An Icon of Service: NATCOM boss, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro’s Leadership Legacy

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8 hours ago

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April 24, 2024

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In the intricate mosaic of Nigeria’s societal fabric, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro stands as a beacon of commitment, resilience, and service.

 

Born on March 6th, 1973, in Lagos, he draws from a lineage steeped in political legacy, being the grandson of the late Premier of Western Region, Alhaji Daudu Sooroye Adegbenro. Raised in a family that values service to the community, Otunba Adegbenro has carved his path as a distinguished figure in Nigerian society.

 

The culmination of his familial heritage and dedication to community service was marked by his installation as the first Otunba Laje of Owu Kingdom in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.

 

This historic event, which took place on January 20th, 2018, under the auspices of His Royal Majesty Oba Olusanya Dosunmu II, traditional ruler of Owu kingdom, reinforced Otunba Adegbenro’s deep-rooted ties to his cultural heritage and commitment to uplifting his people.

 

Beyond his traditional titles, his influence extends globally, with his appointment as High Commissioner by the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), where he spearheads foreign special missions aimed at preventing illegal migration and human trafficking. This appointment is a testament of his reputation as a renowned security expert and industrialist, whose expertise transcends national borders.

 

In his role as the acting Director-General of the National Commission against the Proliferation of Arms, Light Weapons, and Pipeline Vandalism (NATCOM), Otunba Adegbenro has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to combating threats to national security. His vast experience in security consultancy and supply of security gadgets has positioned him as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s security landscape.

 

However, Otunba Laje of Owu Kingdom’s contributions extend beyond the realm of security.

 

Through his foundation, the Otunba Adejare Adegbenro Foundation (OAAF), he channels his resources towards uplifting the less privileged in society. With initiatives ranging from the provision of boreholes to communities lacking access to clean water, to scholarships for deserving students, he exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy and communal solidarity.

 

Reflecting on his journey, Otunba Adegbenro once acknowledged the challenges he has faced, from navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship to confronting societal stereotypes.

 

Yet, through it all, he remains resolute in his commitment to service and upliftment. His philosophy, rooted in faith and compassion, drives him to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, regardless of obstacles encountered along the way.

 

Otunba Adejare Adegbenro stands as a testament to the power of leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the common good. In him, Nigerians find not only a visionary leader but a compassionate steward of progress, whose impact reverberates far beyond the shores of his homeland.

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Real Reasons WPG, Parent Company Of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, EKEDC, Sacks Ex-MD/CEO, Tinuade Sanda With Immediate Effect

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12 hours ago

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April 24, 2024

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West Power & Gas Limited, the parent company of Eko Electricity Distribution Plc (EKEDP) has sacked the immediate former MD/CEO of the electricity distribution company, Ms Tinuade Sanda.

Sanda’s appointment with WPG Ltd was terminated in a letter signed by the company chairman, Charles Momoh and dated April 17, 2024.

The letter titled, ‘Termination Of Contract Of Employment,’ said Ms Sanda’s termination of employment takes effect from the date on the letter.

It reads, “We refer to your contract of employment dated April 1, 2022, signed between you and WPG Limited [the “Contract”].

“We hereby advise you that your services are no longer required and accordingly your employment with WPG Ltd is hereby terminated effective April 17, 2024, in accordance with clause 10.2 of the Contract.

“WPG Ltd is obligated to pay you three months salary in lieu of notice and hereby advise you that the due amounts have been credited to your account.

“You are requested to kindly return all company’s properties (whether WPG or EKEDP) in your possession which will include but not limited to laptops, identity card, and status car upon your receipt of this letter.”

“We wish you all the best in your future endeavours,” it added.

On March 26, Society Reporters reported that Ms Sanda had been suspended by EKEDP and directed to return to WPG, from where she had been seconded to the electricity company.

The suspension was in line with a directive of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the EKEDP board to suspend with immediate effect all the workers of WPG Limited working with the company.

WPG is a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which has a stake in EKEDP. The consortium of local businesses acquired a 60% stake and controlling interest in EKEDP (Eko Disco).

We gathered that the directive might be connected with the recent petition by some concerned staff members of EKEDP to the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for intervention in the alleged endemic corruption in the management of the electricity distribution firm.

Although the company had dismissed the allegation, describing it as unfounded, the accusers continued to push for external investigation.

Society Reporters reported on March 18, that the Board of Directors and Management of the electricity distribution company had cleared all the staff members accused of corruption and other fraudulent practices.

The Board in a statement signed by its Chairman, Dere Otubu, titled “Eko Disco Management Cleared In ‘Ghost Worker’ Investigation,” said that the investigation into the ‘ghost workers’ allegations had been concluded and findings indicated that the allegations of fraud, negligence, or conspiracy against some members of staff were unfounded.

However, in compliance with the directive of NERC, the Board Chairman, Otubu, directed Ms Sanda to leave her position as MD/CEO of EKEDP, as she was also seconded from WPG.

But reacting to the report, Director and Chairman, Legal and Regulatory Committee, Mr. Babor Egeregor, faulted the Board Chairman’s letter suspending the MD/CEO and others on secondment, insisting that Ms Sanda remained the CEO of EKEDP.

Indeed, we learnt that following the directive, the MD/CEO, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Auditor and Compliance Officer and others on secondment at the company handed over their handover notes to their subordinates as directed.

A copy of the letter addressed to the MD/CEO signed by the board chairman, dated March 25, 2024 and obtained by us, is titled: ‘Implementation Of NERC Directive On Seconded Staff.’

The letter read, “We have received a NERC directive dated March 21, 2024, which instructed Eko Electricity Distribution Plc inter alia, as follows: ‘EKEDC is hereby directed to ensure that all staff working for the utility are employed by the utility directly, bound by applicable service conditions that are applicable to the employees of the utility and paid through the utilities payroll.’

“The Disco is obligated to obey these directives due to the powers of NERC as stipulated in the Electricity Act 2023. In compliance with the above directive, all seconded staff from WPG Ltd are being released by Eko Electricity Distribution Plc and returned to WPG Ltd.

“You are hereby relieved of your role, office, and position at Eko Electricity Distribution Plc effective immediately and returned to WPG Ltd your Employer.

“You are further directed to hand over to the highest ranking staff of Eko Electricity Distribution Plc under you.

“We hereby record our appreciation of your valuable services and contribution to the growth and successes achieved by Eko Electricity Distribution Plc over the years as a seconded staff from WPG.”

A source told this platform that those affected were discovered to have been operating with a ‘double standard’ on the job.

The Director of IT department, JP Attueyi, a WPG staff member also seconded to EKEDC, swiftly handed over to the most senior person in his department.

In his handover note, addressed to the IT Department and Temitope Odufuwa, dated March 25, Attueyi said it was in compliance with the directive of the chairman.

It partly read: “As you may be aware, I am a WPG staff seconded to EKEDC – WPG owns EKEDC. Today I got an email from the EKEDC Chairman saying that all WPG staff have been recalled back to the parent company effective immediately. As such, I will be handing over to Tope to run the IT department.”

“Please give him the necessary support as we navigate this period,” he wrote.

 

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Just In: EFCC Arrests Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika Over Alleged N8bn Nigeria Air Fraud

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1 day ago

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April 23, 2024

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over an ongoing N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering probe.

The indicted former Minister of Aviation arrived at the Federal Capital Territory Command of the EFCC at about 1:00 pm on Tuesday, The PUNCH is reporting.

Our correspondent, who was at the Wuse office of the EFCC, observed the embattled former minister’s arrival at the anti-graft agency’s Abuja office.

Following his arrival at the command, Sirika is currently meeting with EFCC investigators to answer questions on alleged fraudulent contracts awarded by him to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.

Impeccable anti-graft sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity, because they were not authorized to speak, confirmed the development to our correspondent on Tuesday.

“Yes, that was Hadi Sirika who was taken into our FCT custody. He is currently meeting with EFCC investigators over the alleged N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud,” a source revealed.

Another source noted, “The N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud was carried out in connivance with his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, through the latter’s company.”

In February, It was exclusively reported that the EFCC was investigating the activities of the Aviation Ministry under former Minister Sirika for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.

A credible source who spoke with our correspondent on Tuesday revealed that the anti-graft commission is investigating the activities of the Aviation Ministry for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.

Others are criminal breaches of trust and money laundering amounting to N8,069,176,864.00 during Sirika’s tenure in office.

 

The sum is said to be for four aviation contracts from the former minister to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.

Apart from being listed as the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar is said to be the sole signatory to the company’s two accounts, domiciled in Zenith and Union Banksy.

It was further revealed that the ex-minister’s younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, has been arrested and detained by the commission in connection with N3,212,258,930.18 paid to his company, Engirios Nigerian Limited’s, bank account by the former minister.

It was noted that there is no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.

The source said Abubakar Sirika, who was arrested on Sunday, February 4, has since been assisting the commission in its probe of the Aviation Ministry’s financial expenditures during Mr Sirika’s tenure.

The EFCC investigator said, “We’re investigating an N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering case linked to former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika.

“Hadi awarded contracts to his brother Abubakar, knowing that the latter is a civil servant, a deputy director on Level 16 in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, where he has been working since 2000 till date.

“The first of the contracts from the former minister to Engirios Nigeria Limited was on August 18, 2022, for the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, at a cost of N1,345,586,500.00. The second was awarded on November 3, 2022, for the establishment of the Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Center in Katsina Airport, valued at N3, 811,497,685.00.

“The third contract was on February 3, 2023, for the procurement and installation of lifts, air conditioners, and a power generator’s house in Aviation House, Abuja, at the cost of N615,195,275.000, while the fourth was awarded on May 5, 2023, for the procurement of Magnus aircraft and a simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, at the cost of N2, 296,897,404.00.

“Out of the total contract sum, the ex-minister paid out N3,212,258,930.18 to his younger brother’s Engirios Nigerian Limited, who, upon receipt of the payment, transferred it to different companies and individuals. There is no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.

“Abubakar Sirika is currently in our custody at the Headquarters, and he is providing us with more useful information on the financial activities of the Aviation Ministry under the supervision of his older brother, Hadi Sirika.”

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