News

Rivers LG Polls: Police Deploy 20,000

Published

15 years ago

May 20, 2011

The Rivers police command, has deployed 20,000 policemen for the local government elections in the state scheduled for tomorrow.

Mr Suleiman Abba, the Commissioner of Police in the state, told a newsmen in Port Harcourt yesterday that other law enforcement officers would also be required.

Abba warned politicians and their supporters against unlawful brandishing of weapons during and after the polls or snatching election materials.

The commissioner explained that the police would deal decisively with culprits.

Abba further warned against violence at the polling units and collation centres, just as he insisted that malpractices would not be tolerated.

He said that bribery, corruption, impersonation, underage voting and disorderly conduct at the polling units, among others, would not be tolerated during the election.

The police chief advised politicians, their supporters and voters to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner, assuring that the police would diligently enforce the law.

The commissioner urged the police and other security personnel to make themselves accessible and approachable to all, warning politicians against moving from one polling unit to the other.

According to him, security operatives will arrest and prosecute politicians who contravene the law because politicians are not expected to monitor the election.

He added that there would be no movements as from 10 p.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. on Saturday, saying that the curfew would be strictly enforced by security operatives.

Abba said that all the flash points in the state would be adequately patrolled to avoid break down of law and order.

He commended the Rivers government for installing CCTV cameras at strategic locations in Port Harcourt, saying it had helped the police in crime detection and prevention.

Meanwhile, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission says it has recruited 16,000 ad-hoc staff in readiness to ensure the conduct of free and fair local government elections in the 21 out of the 23 local government areas in Rivers State.

Commissioner for Communication and Civil Education, Hon Nimi Walson-Jack who stated this while briefing journalists said this yesterday Saturday’s elections was significant because it would be the second election in the present commission would conduct, adding that the election would not hold in two local government areas, Degema and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government areas.

He explained that elections would not hold in Degema because the last election was held in November 2010 while the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni election outcome was still in court.

The commissioner noted that 60 political parties had indicated interest to contest the chairmanship and councillorship seats in the 21 local government councils in the state.

Walson-Jack explained that the 60 political parties were not fielding candidates for all the seats in the councillors and chairmen.

According to him, in order to avoid litigations for exclusion, the commission designed ballot papers to accommodate the 60 political parties, but voters would only vote within the jurisdictions of their local governments and wards.

In collation of results, the commissioner said presiding officers would take into consideration only the votes cast for the contesting parties in that particular wards or local governments.

He said RSIEC will only supervise the elections and that the commission would not be at the polling centres, adding that the polling centres would be manned by 16,000 ad-hoc staff of the commission

“The ad-hoc staff have been recruited through open process, shortlisted and trained in order to update their knowledge of the modified voting process”.

He, however, said they were counting on the dedication and commitment of these ad-hoc staff that would guarantee free and fair elections.

He warned that ballot boxes with ballot papers should not be taken away from the units without votes being counted, stating that after the elections, the votes would be counted at the units before they area taken to the collation centres.

He further warned that collation centres are for the addition of figures not for counting of votes.

According to him, it was the responsibility of voters to ensure that their votes are counted, recorded and announced to them. Walson-Jackson said the 9.am time was to allow all materials to get to the polling units in all the local government areas, assuring that personnel and materials would arrive on eve of the elections.

He said the security of voters, ad-hoc staff had been guaranteed by security agencies, stating that restriction of movement had been ordered from Friday night to Saturday morning.

The commissioner said by the Rivers State Electoral Law as amended, it is an electoral offence to gather not for the purpose of the election and enjoined residents to cancel all social programmes.

News

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

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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