News

I’m On Oath To Protect Lives, Property –Amaechi

Published

13 years ago

March 1, 2013

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has given more assurance on security in the state, saying he is on oath to secure lives and property of people of the state.

Governor Amaechi spoke during a Town Hall meeting with the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of the state at the council headquarters in Omoku last Wednesday.

“The only responsibility in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that the governor has is the responsibility he swears to on oath that ‘I will secure lives and property’. That is my responsibility to you. I promise you as I stand that I will continue to do that, to protect lives and property. We will continue to give all the necessary support to security agencies to restore law and order in ONELGA.”

“You know, there are two angles to this. One angle is me, I will give my necessary support but the police must also be ready to do their work. We believe that the new Police Commissioner is equipped like the former one to deal with the situation. But before you boo at your chairman, know that he does not have powers to arrest the situation, only the police can. In fact, it is the Federal Government’s responsibility to secure us but we as governors must work with our Commissioners of Police to ensure that you are secure but give us just one month to sit down and arrest the situation”, he said.

Amaechi said his administration had completed five primary healthcare centres in the local government with the sixth one under construction at Akabuka.

He listed the five model primary healthcare centres already in use to include the one in Ase Azagah, Omoku, Mgbede, Okwuzi and Ebocha.

The governor said, “You know, I promised to tell you the truth all the time. So here, out of six, five of them (primary healthcare centres) are completed and in use, so here we have done 90 per cent”.

He assured that his administration would complete ongoing road projects in the local government and reconstruct internal roads and drainages in the council headquarters, Omoku.

On education, Amaechi disclosed that funds had been disbursed to the State Ministry of Education to complete all model primary schools under construction in the local government.

“We assume that 60 per cent of the primary schools we started in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area are yet to be completed and what we have done, I can tell you is that we have released money to Commissioner for Education to start the completion of all primary schools we have not completed, so Omoku and all those areas will benefit”.

He listed the completed model primary schools in the local government to include Community Primary School, Ndoni, Community School, Obiede-Erema, State School, Obrikom, St. Stephens Primary School, Omoku, amongst others.

Amaechi reiterated that primary and secondary schools in the state were free and warned school heads not to collect any fees from students and pupils.

According to him, the state government had also awarded scholarships to 118 students from the local government to study in universities abroad.

He promised to build a model secondary school in the local government once the land was provided by the council and the people and spoke about plans to establish an agricultural investment in the area. He also urged the youths to be disciplined.

Earlier, Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Raymond Nwokocha in an address of welcome praised Governor Amaechi for the Town Hall meeting initiative and commended him for his developmental strides.

”Indeed, His Excellency’s vision of periodically fraternising with the people of Rivers State aimed at acquainting the people with the policies and programmes of government, as well as identifying their pressing needs is highly appreciated. This is because, holding wider consultation, identifying the plight of the people and responding swiftly to them are the hallmark of sound democratic practice.

“Your Excellency Sir, there is no gainsaying the fact that you have recorded an indelible mark on the sands of time in terms of your giant development strides in the state. These various projects, ranging from model secondary schools, model primary schools, model health centres and roads etc., are all located throughout the length and breadth of the state, while most of these projects have been delivered, some of them are at various stages of completion. In addition, a good number of scholarship awards have been given to our students both at the undergraduate and post graduate levels, within and outside Nigeria. Above all, your swift intervention in the various crises that threatened the corporate existence of our area averted an impending breakdown of law and order that was cleverly masterminded by some social miscreants”.

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