News

Leaders Mourn Akhigbe’s Death

Published

12 years ago

October 30, 2013

Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, Senator Magnus Abe (left) present a cheque of fifty thousand naira N50,000.00 to Miss Patience Jaja (right) during the Anual Presentation of Finance Support to Law Students going for Law School from the District last Monday in Port Harcourt.
Photo: Chris Monyanaga.

President Goodluck Jonathan has extended sincere condolences to the wife, children and relatives of the former Chief of General Staff, Vice Admiral Mike Akhigbe who died on Monday, October 28, 2013
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, yesterday. Jonathan commiserated with officers and men of the Nigerian Navy which Akhigbe once led as Chief of Naval Staff, and with the government and people of Edo on the passage.
He described Akhigbe as a “very courageous officer who patriotically served his nation to the best of his God-given abilities through-out a most distinguished career in the Nigerian Armed Forces’’.
The president joined the Akhigbe’s family, colleagues and subordinates in the Nigerian Navy, friends, associates and all who knew him in mourning the former Chief of General Staff.
“President Jonathan believes that he will live on forever in the hearts and minds of all whose lives he touched positively during his long and remarkable career of national service in military commands and in the political offices he held as a military officer.
“The president believes that Akhigbe will be especially remembered and honoured by present and future generations for serving with distinction as military governor of Lagos and Ondo States.
“He will also be remembered for serving as Chief of General Staff in the military administration that midwifed the present democratic dispensation in Nigeria and began the commendable re-professionalisation of the Nigerian Armed Forces after decades of involvement in politics.’’
He said that the president prayed that God would comfort all who mourn Akhigbe and grant his soul eternal rest.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has expressed his shock and sadness over the death of former Chief of General Staff, retired Vice Admiral Mike Akhigbe.
In a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal described Akhigbe as a gentleman officer whose contributions, and that of his peers, towards restoration of democracy in Nigeria in 1999 will remain indellible in the annals of Nigeria’s history.
He said Nigerians will forever remain grateful to the Abdulsalami Abubakar-led regime which Akhigbe served as the Number Two officer, for their diligence and commitment to ensure the return of democracy to the country.
“As a proof of his commitment to democratic ideals, Akhigbe continued to render selfless services to the nation post-1999 until his death on Monday.
“Nigeria has lost one of it’s eminent sons. I extend my condolence to his family, Fugar community in Edo State, the Nigerian Navy and Nigerians as a whole,” the Speaker added.
Vice-President Namadi Sambo has commiserated with the family of the former Chief of General Staff, Vice Admiral Mike Akhigbe, describing his death as a great loss to the country’’.
Our correspondent reports Akhigbe died at the age of 68 in New York on Monday.
This information is contained in a statement issued by his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Malam Umar Sani, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Sambo described the deceased as a disciplined military officer who rose to the peak of his profession by dint of hard work and commitment and served this nation selflessly.
“He was governor, Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of General Staff to the military administration that ensured the smooth transition to a democratically elected government.
“As a statesman, his invaluable counsel will be greatly missed by us. Indeed, his loss is a sad and great loss to the country.’’
The vice-president prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for God Almighty to the give the family the courage and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Tambuwal also prayed to the Almighty God to give his family the fortitude to bear the great loss.
The Senate President, David Mark, on Tuesday described the death of retired Vice Admiral Mike Akhigbe, as a loss of a brother, confidant, friend and comrade-at-arms.
A statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, said Mark recalled their days at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), noting that “Mike was fearless and very diligent in our course.”
“He took these attributes to all the formations where he was privileged to have been posted either in his core military postings or political offices,” he said.
The statement also said the late Akhigbe’s death was a huge personal loss to Mark, the members of Course 3, the Armed Forces, Edo and the nation.
“But we cannot question God. He alone gives life and takes it when he so desires. We are bound by His decision to take our brother and friend at this time.”
Mark, who is the Chairman of Course 3 Alumni of the NDA, said: “We are consoled that while Mike was with us, he lived his life in the service of God and mankind.”
He prayed that God would grant the family the fortitude to bear the very painful departure.
Meanwhile, activities at the Western Naval Command and NNS Beecroft, at the Naval Base, Apapa, were low-keyed on Tuesday following the dead of former Chief of General Staff, Vice Adm. Mike Akhigbe (rtd).
Akhigbe, 68, who served under the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar-led military government between 1998 and 1999, died in New York, U.S. on Monday.
Our correspondent who visited the commands in Lagos yesterday observed that officers and ratings were looking sober over the demise of the admiral, who had also served as a one-time Chief of Naval Staff.
Some of the officers who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity, expressed shock over his death.
“We lost an officer and a gentleman whose exemplary life is worthy of emulation by every officer who aspires to be an accomplished naval officer,” a Navy Captain said.
Our correspondent, however, could not reach the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, and some senior officers, as he was said to be on tour of some formations under his command— outside of Lagos.
Similarly, the Command’s Information Officer was also not available to comment on the development, as he was said to be on the FOC’s entourage.
Meanwhile, Commodore Kabir Aliyu, the Director of Naval Information, who confirmed the death of the admiral, expressed the condolences of the service to the Akhigbe family.
He described the late Admiral as an elder statesman whose contributions to national development would remain indelible.
Akhigbe was Military Governor of Ondo State between 1985 and 1986, and Lagos state governor from 1986 to 1988.
He served as Chief of General Staff in the Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar-led military government from 1998 till the termination of military government in Nigeria in 1999.
Akhigbe attended the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna; the Royal Naval School of Maritime Operations, Dryad, Southwick, UK; Command and Staff College, Jaji; the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and the University of Poitiers, Rouan, France.
He was one-time the Principal Welfare Officer of the Nigerian Navy Flagship, NNS Aradu; Director, Naval Plans, Naval Headquarters; Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, and Chief of Naval Staff.
After his retirement from the Navy, Akhigbe went to read law and became an attorney with specialisation in Maritime and Real Estate Law. He was a seasoned businessman with substantial interest in real estate.
Akhigbe hailed from Fugar, headquarters of Etsako-central local government council of Edo.

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