News

RSG Proposes N490.32bn For 2013 …Unveils Law On Mushroom Schools

Published

13 years ago

December 28, 2012

A budget of N490.32billion has been proposed by the Rivers State Government for 2013.

Speaking at the budget presentation at the Rivers State House of Assembly, Port Harcourt, Monday, Governor Chibuike Amaechi said that the proposed budget was to consolidate the achievements of his administration in various sectors of the economy and set the state on an economic rebirth.

From the figures, the 2013 budget is N52.32 billion higher than the 2012 budget of N438billion.

The budget according to the governor is to be largely financed through Federal Statutory Allocations estimated to the tune of N245billion, Internal Generated Revenue (IGR), deductions from social levy to the sum of N80billion, last year balance of N48.32billion and proceeds of N100billion bond and credit of 17billion.

Though the governor frowned at the swelling recurrent expenditure of 176.02billion, capital expenditure still gulped the largest part of the budget with N314billion, slightly less than that of 2012 of N323.70billion.

Amaechi explained reasons for the swelling recurrent expenditure, “We had made provisions under the recurrent expenditure window for new recruitments including the hiring of additional 13,000 teachers to strengthen our education sub -sector.”

A further breakdown of the budget shows the economic sector having the largest chunk of 93billion, followed by the social sector with N64.50 billion. The educational sector trailed with 47.81billion, environment N37.60 billion, health got N10.23billion.

Sub-sectoral allocations put Energy and Natural Resources at the lowest with N160million, Commerce and Industry N400million, Women Affairs with N600million, while Social Welfare and Rehabilitation had N500million.

Water sector got N25.5billion which according to Amaechi is aimed at providing the needed infrastructure for sustainable delivery of water in Port Harcourt metropolis. Agriculture also got improved allocation of N4.03 billion, Culture and Tourism got N1.12billion and Housing N3billion.

The Rivers State Chief Executive assured that this administration would pursue good governance building and re-engineering the civil service through ICT compliance adding, “our agenda on openness, accountability and transparency will continue to be executed in 2013”.

Later, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Otelemaba Amachree commended the state government for the vision of moving the state forward, especially by putting emphasis on capital project.

Rt Hon Amachree observed, “we are indeed delighted to be partners in this success story”.

He assured the governor that the budget would be given a speedy in-depth consideration, noting that by next year its oversight functions would be beefed up.

Meanwhile, Governor Chibuike Amaechi has signed into law three bills namely, the State Education Quality Assurance, the Transportation and Disability law bills.

The Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Chidi Lloyd told newsmen after the signing of three bills into law on Monday that the laws are geared at fast-tracking the development of the state.

He explained that the Quality Assurance law will help set standards for intending proprietors of schools in the state, “we can no longer have a situation where those who are not professionals just wake up and establish schools. With the new law, it is an offence for anyone to set up a school without following due process”, he stressed.

On the amended Transportation Law, the Assembly Leader stated that the new law will regulate activities of TIMARIV officials and curtail members of the public from assaulting the traffic officials.

The new law which is an amendment to an already subsisting transport law according to Hon. Lloyd has become pertinent due to numerous harassments faced by both the public and TIMARIV traffic marshals.

“We have made the culpability to be either way,” Lloyd said, “If we find out that a TIMARIV official assaults any member of the public unjustly, the person will go to jail for three months provided that it is proven that the official was reckless in the discharge of his duties”.

For the Handicap Law, the Assembly leader said the law was passed to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, noting that a society that does not care for those with special needs is handicapped.

The law provides for the provision of facilities in public places for persons with disabilities, especially in car parks and other public places.

Earlier, Governor Amaechi commended the Assembly for passing the laws stating both arms of government are partners in the state development, and assured that his administration will continue to be transparent in its dealings.

News

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

Published

3 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

3 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

3 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