News

NASS Suspends Plenary For Senator Dantong

Published

14 years ago

July 11, 2012

Senate yesterday suspended plenary in honour of their late colleague , Senator Gyang Daylop Dantong who passed on last Sunday during an attack by gunmen at a burial service for his slain constituents.

Following a motion presented by the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba , the Senate observed one minute silence in respect of the deceased and also adopted the motion to suspend plenary till Wednesday. Speaking to newsmen after signing the condolence register opened for the late Senator at the National Assembly complex, President of the Senate, Senator David Mark for the umpteenth time called on Nigerians to embrace dialogue as the only means to attain a lasting peace in the nation, stressing that Senator Dantong had been sacrificed in the heat of the crisis he had worked so hard to quell and prayed that this sacrifice of the life of a peace maker would bring an end to the ‘senseless’ killings in Plateau State and other states.

His words, “we should never get tired of preaching that there has to be dialogue because that’s the only solution. Any other solution is not going to be a lasting solution .

“Once there is dialogue and people are able to speak out their minds, and it is resolved and decisions are taken, then, it will be a lasting solution. My prayer is that let Senator Dantong’s death bring peace to Plateau State in particular and to Nigeria in general.

“He has become the sacrificial lamb now and his death would be in vain if we continue with this madness beyond this point. That’s my prayer to the people of Plateau State and Nigerians in general.

Mark also called on those wielding small arms to surrender them to help stem the level of violence currently consuming Nigerian states.

“All those who have small arms and weapons at their disposal should surrender them and they should allow the security agencies to take charge of security within this country, whether it is in Plateau State or in any other part of Nigeria at all, because that is their responsibility. That is what they are paid to do for us,” Mark advised.

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremmadu. described Senator Dantong’s death as unfortunate and shameful.

He said it was very unfortunate that such a peace maker died in the midst of violence.

Other Senators from Plateau State also examined the circumstances surrounding the recurring crises in the state and called on the Federal Government to rise up to the occasion and ensure that peace was restored in the state while urging the Federal Government to also equip the state governor with some level of power to act as the chief security officer of the state.

Former governor of the state, Senator Joshua Dariye also stressed the need for dialogue and enjoined all to shun political, religious or tribal sentiments.

His words,” one cannot quantify the loss of a life. Even if the person is an ordinary citizen, a cleaner. Life before God is sacred and the sanctity of life cannot be reduced as had been reduced over the weekend. It’s very sad, we’ve been thrown into a moment of sadness.

“I believe that dialogue is still the best tool available. Even if you go to the war front to declare war, at the end of the day, you cannot get total peace without dialogue. I think that we must isolate it and see what the local community can do, what the state can do, what the Federal Government must do and then the international community with the media.

“This was a gentleman, a distinguished son of Nigeria who was voted by his people, served his people and died for his people. All we can say is that may God comfort the family.

“If we leave it like that, today, it is Plateau, tomorrow it may not be Plateau. We must all rise up. It is not about religion, we must close our ranks, whether the person is Christian or Muslim. If we allow political sentiments take the better part of us, then, one day, we may wake up to find that we don’t have the Republic of Nigeria. God forbid”.

Senator Victor Lar, who couldn’t hide his anger, expressed the need for the state government to be strengthened to deal with the situation.

According to him, the invaders camp is not hidden and they had been allowed to live above the law all this while even under the nose of the federal security agencies.

The Senate will later next week hold a valedictory session for the late Senator Gyang Daylop Dantong.

Senator Dantong over the weekend, slumped and died during a stampede following attacks from gunmen at a funeral service for 63 of his constituents slain by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives yesterday in Abuja suspended plenary session in honour of Senator Gyang Dantong who died on Sunday in Jos.

Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal said the leadership of the House took the decision to suspend plenary session after due consultation with other members.

A minute silence was observed for the late senator and all those who lost their lives at the recent Jos incident.

‘’ The leadership consulted widely, and came to the understanding that in view of what happened in Jos, ( death of Dantong ) we suspend plenary today .’’

Senator Dantong was a former member of the House of Representatives during the fifth Assembly.

Addressing newsmen on the decision taken by the House, Chairman House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Zakari Mohammed, said the decision to adjourn plenary session was on humanitarian ground.

‘’ We are just being human because the Senator ( Dantong ) did not plan to die that way.’’

Zakari, representing ( PDP – Kwara ) said the demise of Dantong further brings to question the House concern to the security situation in this country.

He stressed the need for review of the handling of the security situation in the country.

‘’We are extending the right signals now that we have to take bold steps to handle the security situation in the country,’’ he said.

Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja

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