News

Dame Jonathan Mourns Foster Mother’s Death

Published

12 years ago

July 24, 2013

There was an uneasy cloud of anxiety in Okrika, Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, the home town of the wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience Jonathan, yesterday, as news of the death of the foster mother of the first lady, Mrs. Charity Tamunowaritoku Francis Oba spread in the ancient coastal city in Rivers State.
Late Mrs. Charity Tamunowaritoku Francis Oba, who was aged 65, was involved in a ghastly motor accident at around 4.30pm on Monday along Isiokpo-Elele Road in Rivers State on her way to Bayelsa State.
Her death comes barely three weeks after Dame Patience Jonathan, buried her step father, late Pa Derifaka Idasetima in Okrika.
The immediate elder sister of the first lady, Mrs Blessing I.S. Lazarus, told The Tide, in a tearful mood, yesterday in Okrika, that “the late Mrs Charity Oba was the mother of everybody in the family”, adding that she was the wife of their elder brother, Mr Francis Lazarus Oba.
“We are crying for her death because we are going to miss her motherly care and advice. It will really create a vacuum in our family,” she said, adding that “honestly, her death came to us in the family as a big shock.”
She described Mrs Charity Francis Oba, fondly called ‘Mama Sisi’, who also nurtured Dame Patience Jonathan after the demise of her biological mother in 1993, as “a nice, caring and God-fearing family woman,” saying that “the family is currently in a state of mourning.
“Our President, Goodluck Jonathan recognised late Mrs Charity Oba as his mother-in-law, hence we did not meet his wife’s biological mother”, she added.
When The Tide met the elder brother of the first lady, he pleaded not to be disturbed, saying that he has instructions from the Protocol team at the Presidency not to comment of the death, and referred our correspondents to his younger brother, one Mr Inyengierefaka, the national president of PFON, who resides at Abuloma in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of the state.
The Tide could not reach Inyengierefaka for comments on the sudden death of their cherished sister.
However, a family relation, Mrs Roselyn Abibo, said she heard the news of the death of ‘Mama Sisi’ in Port Harcourt yesterday afternoon with shock, and decided to visit Okrika to get full details of the incident from the family.
She said “as a person who lived and stayed together with them in their Sukube Oba House, I am saddened by the shocking death of our mother,” adding that “a big tree has fallen in the family.”
Chief Isaac Zeb Obipi, the Ogulacha 11 of Okrika and a senior university lecturer in the state, expressed sympathy with the family, saying that he “received the news of the death of Madam Charity Oba with shock and broken heart”.
Chief Obipi said the first lady needed late Mrs Charity Oba’s motherly support and advice most at these trying times in the history of the nation, saying “it is painful”.
He prayed God to give the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, and advised the first lady to be strong, and not allow the circumstances of the death to dampen her good spirit and works to strengthen women and children in the country.
A man of God, Pastor Miebaka Akuroseokika of St Peter’s Cathedral, Okrika, expressed sorry over the sudden death of ‘Mama Sisi’ in such a manner, and prayed God to strengthen the family.
In her words, Mrs Boma Obienime said, “it is disheartening that Dame Patience Jonathan should face such a calamity,” and added that Mrs Charity Oba was a woman who left everything to God.
When contacted, the state Sector Commander of the FRSC, Dr. Kayode Olagunju, declined comment on the matter, saying, “I cannot say anything on this matter now until I get full details.”
But the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Angela Agabe, confirmed yesterday that the foster mother of the wife of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan was among the two victims that lost their lives in a tragic motor accident that occurred along Isiokpo-Elele Road in Rivers State last Monday evening.
She said that the vehicle conveying the foster mother of the first lady, Mrs Charity Tamunowaritoku Francis Oba, lost control on the Isiokpo-Elele Road on its way to Bayelsa State, and somersaulted five times before ditching into the bush.
She confirmed that apart from the foster mother of the first lady, Mrs Charity Oba, a 14-year old student of the Adventist Secondary School, Elele in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state, whose name was simply given as Miss Favour, also lost her life in the crash.
Agabe explained that Mrs Charity Oba and Miss Favour died on the spot when the car somersaulted while the driver of the vehicle, one Stanley Enyindah and another occupant, sustained various degrees of injuries, and were rushed to an undisclosed hospital in the state capital for treatment.
She stated that the corpse of late Charity Oba was taken to Kpaima Mortuary in Elechi Beach area of Diobu, in Port Harcourt by a team of policemen.
An aide to the member representing Ogu/Bolo State Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Evans Bapakaye Bipi also confirmed the death of Mrs Charity Oba in a road accident.
Fred Itobo, said that the president’s wife’s foster mother was involved in the accident while she was on her way to Bayelsa State.
“Yes! She was involved in an accident and she died. Her body has been taken to a mortuary. Bipi was among those who took her body to the mortuary,” Itobo said.
Itobo further confirmed that Bipi, who is a relative to the deceased, was among those who took the corpse of Mrs Charity Oba to Kpaima Mortuary.

News

Be Patient With Us, Diri Tells Bayelsans … Inspects New 60mw IPP …Expresses Confidence In Technical Partners, BECL MD

Published

1 day ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has sued for patience on the ongoing installation of the state’s new independent power project.

The Tide gathered that the 60-megawatt gas turbine project, which installation commenced in October this year, was earlier scheduled to be completed by December but suffered logistics related delays.

The governor called on people of the state to have an open mind about the project, which he said now requires a new completion date due to unforeseen challenges.

?The Tide further reports that the State’s Chief Executive who undertook an on-the-spot-assessment of the project at Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area on Wednesday, said like other citizens of the state, he was also disappointed that the December completion deadline could not be met.

However, he stated that his reaction to the delay had been that of understanding rather than being angry as had been noticed, particularly on the social media.

?”You can see I’ve gone round the whole facility. It was based on the working agreement and information available at my disposal that I gave the December date. But as it is with every human endeavor, we must all have an open mind, when it comes to issues, particularly technical matters like this.

?”I am as disappointed as any other Bayelsan because I believed that we were going to celebrate the 2025 Christmas with our own independent power, but it turned out not to be so.

?”I call on Bayelsans to have an open mind. These technical experts are working virtually 24 hours, but delays like this will certainly come”, he said.

He implored the people 9f the state to appreciate the work of the engineers, stressing that a minor mistake was capable of jeopardising the millions of dollars expended on the project.

?”For 29 years Bayelsa has been in darkness or has endured epileptic power supply. Now that we are getting close to the day of liberation, some people have become impatient.

“Let us not behave like the proverbial tortoise in the prison for years that asked to be released immediately as the place was smelling the moment he knew it would regain freedom the next day”, the governor added.

?The Bayelss Governor gave a thumps up to the technical partners, Jampur Group, and its team on ground as well as the Managing Director of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Ltd, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, saying they were working round the clock to ensure the job was completed.

?”Those who have been following me on this inspection would know that work has not stopped even for one day since it started. I am sure the job is more than 90 per cent complete. So let us hold our fire.

“Engineer Olice, I am not putting you under any pressure. From the reports I have, Olice is one of the best electrical engineers in Nigeria”, governor Diri said.

The governor, however, hinted that the government was looking at inaugurating the project during its sixth anniversary in February.

The MD of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Limited, Kemenanabo, who also spoke, said the state was on the right track towards actualising the project and assured that the alignment of the entire system, including the gas generator and alternator were on course.

He also stated that the remaining two turbines would be delivered to the project site in a few days.

?Speaking on behalf of the Jampur Group, Mr. Sherrif Abu-Anif said the company was in good position to meet its own end of the bargain and appreciated the state government for playing its part very well.

By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

News

Akpabio Withdraws All Defamation Suits After Priest’s Sermon

Published

2 days ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.

Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.

He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.

“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”

In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.

In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.

Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.

Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.

The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.

With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.

News

‘Best Way To Show Gratitude Is To Deliver Tinubu in 2027’

Published

2 days ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.

Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.

He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.

“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”

Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.

He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.

“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.

Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.

In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.

She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.

Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.

“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.

In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.

He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.

The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.

Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.

Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.

Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.

By: Taneh Beemene