News

Amaechi, Abe, Others Express Shock Over Harry’s Death

Published

12 years ago

October 7, 2013

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has received with shock and disbelief the death of the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, David Iyofor, Governor Amaechi described Harry’s death as deeply shocking and traumatic for him, recalling with nostalgia and fond memories the life and times of Tonye Harry.
“I am still traumatized by the sad news of the death of Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry. I still find it impossible to come to terms that Tonye is no more. I was with him, by his hospital bed shortly after he fell ill, and everyone was very hopeful that he was going to come out of the health crisis, stronger and better. Sadly, he couldn’t make it but God knows best,” the governor said.
“Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry will be dearly missed. He was a thorough and distinguished legislator, an astute politician who believed that politics and public office should be about service to the people. Over the years, he worked very hard and diligently to make Rivers State a better place. His contributions to the legislative development of the state were indeed enormous. We worked together, very closely; he was a friend and brother that will be dearly missed. He has left a vacuum that will be very difficult to fill,” Amaechi added.
“He left behind a loving wife and wonderful family that will really miss him. But God knows best. I pray God Almighty to give them the strength and fortitude to bear this great loss.”
Harry was the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State legislature while Amaechi was Speaker for the eight years of the Dr Peter Odili administration.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, said that the death of former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry, has robbed the state and nation of an erudite politician par excellence whose contributions to the growth of democracy cannot be quantified.
Engr. Ikuru was reacting to the news of the demise of the late Speaker and lawmaker who was representing Degema Constituency in the state House of Assembly.
“The news of the death of my friend and brother, Tonye Harry, came to me as a shock. I feel bad about what has happened. I feel bad that we have lost a gentleman who has not only helped to raise the benchmark of legislative business but also added great value to our democracy. He served us, as a state, well and helped in no small measure to stabilize the polity,” Ikuru said.
The deputy governor prayed for the repose of his soul, urging his bereaved family to take solace in the fact that he served well as a father, politician and leader.
Similarly, the Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Senator Magnus Abe has described the demise of Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry as a great shock and a devastating tragedy.
Rt. Hon. Harry, a one-time Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly was Deputy Speaker while Senator Abe was Minority Leader during the Fourth Assembly.
Abe said, “Tonye was a methodical lawmaker, reliable friend, brother, team player and an astute politician whose wealth of experience furthered the stabilization of the Fourth Assembly” and contributed immensely to the development of Rivers State.
The chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), who disclosed that he was horrified by the news, stated that the tragedy was a great loss to the state, country and democracy.
“Tonye left us at the time his country, family and beloved people of Degema Constituency needed him most”.
Abe offered deepest condolences on behalf of his family and the South-East Senatorial district to the government and people of Rivers State and the deceased family, praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Ibigoni Daddy Pokima has described the death of the former Speaker and member representing Degema Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Ezekiel Harry as a rude shock and huge loss to the state and the nation.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rev. Success Ekine, Hon Pokima described Rt. Hon. Harry as a caring father, frontline legislator, and a leader-par-excellence, stressing that his demise at this critical period in the political history of Rivers State was a loss too many.
His words: ”Rt Hon. Tonye Harry’s death has created a great vacuum in the political and legislative engineering that will take a very long time to be filled in the state and the nation”.
Hon. Pokima expressed his heart felt condolence to the bereaved family and the good people of Degema, and prayed God to grant the family he left behind, especially his wife, Barrister Sotonye Harry and the children, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
However, Hon. Pokima has also declared a week-long mourning in the area from today in honour of the late political leader.

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