News

Amaechi, Four Others Get PDP Guber Flag …As Jonathan Orders Probe Into Campaign Tragedy

Published

15 years ago

February 14, 2011

Amid thunderous applause, Governor Chibuike Amaechi and four of his counterparts from the South-South last Saturday received the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) guber flags for the April polls.

The acting National Chairman of the party, Dr Mohammed Bello handed the flags to the governors during the South-South PDP presidential rally held in Port Harcourt over the weekend.

Dr Mohammed while handing over the party’s flags to the guber candidates said the ceremony was symbolic as it demonstrated the mandate of the party for them to fly its flags at the state level during the April polls and enjoined them to ensure the victory of all PDP candidates in the election.

He noted that the people of the South-South had bestowed on Nigeria a great gift through President Jonathan whom he described as the best candidate at the moment.

Dr Mohammed thanked PDP faithfuls who turned up at the occasion, saying though the party had recorded huge crowd in other zones, that of the South-South was unprecedented.

Earlier in his address, zonal Vice Chairman of the party in the South-South, Chief Okon Nkpubre said the governors got the flags because of their performance in governance.

“ Your people are happy with you, that is why they are giving you a second term, he said.

He urged the governors not to underrate their opponents but to ensure that the party sweeps the polls.

Chief Nkpubre who described the South-South as PDP enclave also said that PDP would recapture Edo State at the polls to ensure total victory in the zone.

Responding, Governor Amaechi who burst into song and spoke in an emotion laden voice described the event as historic, while thanking God for emerging the candidate of the party after he was disqualified in 2007.

Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke said the rally was significant as it marked the beginning of massive PDP victory in the April polls.

Senator Imoke said the party had an edge over other political parties because its presidential candidate is the best prepared and qualified for the office.

In his words, “ we are just beginning the campaign. The engine is heating up and the steam was just starting, adding that the country, needs new and dynamic leaders as symbolised in the candidacy of Dr Jonathan”.

Following the unfortunate stampede at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-South Zonal Presidential Rally at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt on Saturday, President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered an immediate investigation into the causes of the incident.

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who disclosed this Saturday night when he visited victims at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH), Port Harcourt said the President gave the order before departing the state.

Governor Amaechi, who was visibly shaken by the loss of lives in the unfortunate incident, said “we may not be able to say anything until the security agencies must have turned in their report after investigation”.

He explained that government would take care of the medical bills of all those being treated, and would try to reach the families of those that lost their lives to see what level of assistance that could be given to them.

The governor said ‘it is quite sad and extremely painful that the party will come out from such a celebration to meet this kind of tragedy, “we, however, believe that God will give the families of those that died the courage to bear the irreparable loss”.

Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Sampson Parker has disclosed that a total of 11 persons have been confirmed dead following the incident.

Dr Parker said out of the number, 10 persons died at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH), while one person died at the Teme Clinic in Port Harcourt where they were rushed to.

In another development, the president expressed shock and sadness over the stampede at the PDP campaign rally in Port Harcourt which claimed some lives.

A statement issued by Mr Ima Niboro, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, in Port Harcourt said that the President described the incident as very unfortunate.

“The President mourns with the families of the deceased and prays the Almighty to grant repose to their souls.

“President Jonathan notes with a heavy heart that the deceased were persons who came to celebrate his success at the PDP primaries and wish him well in the coming elections,” the statement said.

The statement quoted Jonathan as saying: “I am sad and heavily weighed down by this incident.

“It is sad, unfortunate and regrettable. I mourn with those who mourn tonight. May God grant us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.’’

The statement said that the President had directed that a full-scale investigation should be carried out into the stampede.

Our correspondent reports that the stampede occurred shortly after the rally when party supporters were trooping out of Port Harcourt’s Liberation Stadium, venue of the South-South campaign rally.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor