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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.
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FG To Seize Retirees’ Property Over Unpaid Housing Loans

The Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board says it has begun the compilation of list of retired civil servants who have defaulted on the full repayment of housing loans obtained.
Head of Information and Public Relations, FGSHLB, Mrs Ngozi Obiechina, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.
Obiechina quoted the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mrs Salamatu Ahmed, as saying that the move was aimed at recovering mortgaged properties from retirees who failed to meet their loan obligations.
Ahmed noted that the decision followed a recent memo issued by Mrs Patience Oyekunle, Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
According to her, the memo reminded public servants of the mandatory requirement to obtain a Certificate of Non-Indebtedness to the FGSHLB and MDA Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society as a precondition for retirement.
The Executive Secretary said that the board would take necessary legal steps to repossess properties where applicable, in line with the terms of the loan agreements.
She said this was in line with the provisions of the Public Service Rules 021002 (p), issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
“I am directed to bring to your attention the provision of Public Service Rule (PSR) 021002 (p), which mandates all public servants to obtain a Certificate of Non-Indebtedness as a prerequisite for retirement.
“The Federal Government will commence the seizure of mortgaged properties belonging to retiring federal public servants who have failed to fully repay housing loans obtained from the board,” she said.
Ahmed explained that the FGSHLB reserves the legal right to repossess any mortgaged property in cases where a public servant exits service without fully repaying the loan.
She reiterated that the directive also applied to already retired officers who were still indebted.
She urged all affected public servants to regularise their loan status and obtain the required clearance certificate without delay.
“The board is currently compiling a list of such retirees, which will be forwarded to relevant regulatory agencies for debt recovery.
“The FGSHLB remains committed to enforcing compliance and ensuring proper loan recovery procedures are followed, “ she added.
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FG Begins Induction For New Permanent Secretaries, Accountant-General

The Federal Government has kicked off a three-day induction programme for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation, aimed at equipping them for strategic leadership and effective policy implementation.
The induction, according to a statement yesterday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Eno Olotu, which commenced on Wednesday, is being held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, congratulated the new appointees and described their roles as pivotal to governance and national development.
“Permanent Secretaries are the engine room of the government. They are critical to driving policy implementation, institutional performance, and reform across the service”, she said.
The Federal Government has kicked off a three-day induction programme for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation, aimed at equipping them for strategic leadership and effective policy implementation.
The induction, according to a statement yesterday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Eno Olotu, which commenced on Wednesday, is being held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, congratulated the new appointees and described their roles as pivotal to governance and national development.
“Permanent Secretaries are the engine room of the government. They are critical to driving policy implementation, institutional performance, and reform across the service”, she said.
“The expectations are high, and the responsibility is immense. But with commitment and teamwork, we can deliver a more efficient, accountable, and citizen-centred public service.
“This final lap of FCSSIP 25 calls for urgency, accountability, and strategic focus. You must translate vision into measurable results,” she stated.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, described the programme as a strategic investment in leadership capacity and institutional effectiveness.
The sessions featured expert-led discussions, simulations, and strategic briefings facilitated by a distinguished faculty, including Engr. Suleiman Adamu, former Minister of Water Resources; Dr. Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination; Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice; Alh. Yusuf Addy, retired Federal Director; Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Amb. Mustapha Lawal Suleiman, Mr. Adesola Olusade, and Dr. Ifeoma Anagbogu, all retired Permanent Secretaries.
Participants include Dr. Obi Emeka Vitalis, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, Mr. Danjuma Mohammed Sanusi, Mr. Olusanya Olubunmi, Dr. Keshinro Maryam Ismaila, Dr. Akujobi Chinyere Ijeoma, Dr. Umobong Emanso Okop, Dr. Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanmwen, Mrs. Oyekunle N. Patience, Dr. Kalba U. Danjuma, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, Mr. Onwusoro I. Maduka, Dr. Usman Salihu Aminu, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, Mr. Ndiomu Ebiogeh Philip, Dr. Anuma N. Ogbonnaya, Mr. Adeladan Rafiu Olaninre, and Mr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, alongside the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi.
The induction programme will feature sessions on public sector leadership, policy delivery, ethics in service, digital transformation, and performance management.
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NNPCL To Undergo Forensic Audit Soon -FG

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has announced that a forensic audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) will begin soon.
Edun revealed this at the ongoing Nigerian Investor Forum, held alongside the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC.
The minister explained that the recent changes in the NNPCL management are part of a broader effort by the Federal Government to clean up and examine the company closely.
While addressing top global investors, including representatives from J.P. Morgan, Edun shared key reforms the government has introduced to revive the economy and restore investor confidence.
He told the investors that the government’s bold economic steps have laid a strong foundation to attract private investment.
He stated, “Our goal is not just to maintain this momentum, but to accelerate it. We are targeting seven per cent annual growth, and we believe the policies we have implemented have laid the groundwork to achieve this.”
Edun highlighted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has rolled out major reforms that are already making a difference.
He added that the Nigerian economy grew by 3.84 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2024 and recorded a 3.4 per cent growth for the year.
Edun further stressed the importance of the reforms, describing them as “unprecedented,” adding that, “We said we would do it, and now we have done it. This time, we’re staying the course.”
He pointed out signs of progress such as lower budget deficits, a better trade balance, and a more stable exchange rate.
He also said that the focus is now on growing key sectors, especially agriculture.
According to Edun, agriculture is at the top of the government’s agenda, with the aim of improving food supply and increasing productivity.
“We aim to close the food supply gap, not by importing more, but by enabling domestic producers to scale and innovate,” he said.
On infrastructure, Edun revealed that the government has rolled out 90,000km of fibre optic cable to improve internet access.
He said this move is crucial for supporting young Nigerians and tech startups.
He also noted that 4,000km of roads have been offered for private sector participation, with the first 1,000km already approved for construction.
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