News

Soku: Amaechi Accuses Kalabari Monarch Of Betrayal

Published

12 years ago

January 3, 2014

Rivers State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has described as betrayal of his people, the position taken by an Abonnema traditional ruler, King Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel on the disputed Soku oil wells in Rivers State.

BobManuel, the Amayanabo of Abonnema had reportedly expressed satisfaction with the way President Goodluck Jonathan was handling the Soku oil wells’ dispute between Rivers and Bayelsa states.

He expressed this position when Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson visited him in Abonnema.

Governor Amaechi, speaking on TODAY 95.1FM, the premium talk/news radio station in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, said he was disappointed with King Gbobo Bob-Manuel’s comments.

He said the response by the Abonnema monarch conflicted with his government’s efforts and Kalabari people’s desire to ensure that resources of the state were not whisked away to other states.

“There is an attempt by the Federal Government to undermine the development of Rivers State. I did enumerate the fact that, everybody is talking about Soku oil wells but, there’s also Etche where they took 41 oil wells from Rivers State and passed onto Abia. They want to impoverish Rivers State, and I can’t be governor and you expect me to keep quiet. So, not just Soku alone, it is also the fact that they have taken the oil wells in Etche.

“I hear my colleague, the Governor of Bayelsa State came to Abonnema the other day and the Amanyanabo of Abonnema received him and said he was satisfied with the way the president is handling the oil wells (dispute). For me, that is a betrayal of his people and he is suppose to be a king in Kalabari Kingdom; and he said he is satisfied that the Federal Government has taken the oil wells and that Bayelsa is receiving the money. A king in Abonnema is saying he is satisfied. It is not about me, it is about the Kalabari people. It is about the Rivers people.

“Instead of the king to tell him (Bayelsa Governor) ‘look, our people are not happy that the oil wells have been taken, return it’…..and I have told the president if you return the oil wells, I will support you, but he can’t. I even told them that if you think it would empower me as a governor, keep the money in an escrow account because the money was first and foremost in an escrow account. But because they became president, they went to the escrow account and took the money. Keep the money in escrow account, after my tenure, let them give the money to the next government but what I want to see done is the fact that our resources are returned to us.”

He recalled that he held several meetings with the president on resolving the Soku oil wells’ dispute, but that the president’s unwillingness to act on the issue without bias collapsed the negotiations.

He vowed to protect and defend the interests of the people in Soku as well as those in other parts of the state.

“The question you should ask is that, is it correct that the oil coming from Soku have been appropriated by the Federal Government and given to Bayelsa? I have been saying this for the past two years, why haven’t they denied that? There is nothing that I have said that they have responded to. Instead of responding to it, they will be abusing me. Is it a lie that they took Soku oil wells to Bayelsa? Is it a lie that they also took the 41 oil wells from Rivers to Abia?”, he queried.

“There is nothing I am telling you in public I have not told the President in private. The only reason why I am in public now is because he has refused to do anything. I would like to quote the response he (President Jonathan) gave to the Kalabari people when he met with them and I was there. The President said ‘oh, you people call it Soku, we call it Oluasiri’. When he said ‘we call it..’, what does he mean? It means that he has taken sides. You know, the president is not supposed to take sides. He didn’t say ‘Rivers people call it Soku, Bayelsa people call it Oluasiri’. If he said that, then we would say okay, he is at the centre too, we can discuss this. He said ‘you people call it Soku, ‘we’ call it Oluasiri’. Already, that shows the judgement has already been given.

“Now, in their submission in court and the letter they wrote Rivers State Government, they did acknowledge that it was a mistake that in the course of the drawing of that map, they drew Soku into Bayelsa, and then we complained against it because it was sent to us to review and make our submissions. Our response was ‘no, no, you have made a mistake.”

“You have just taken our community into Bayelsa. They replied that they have already released this map and that it is unfortunate that they have and it was a mistake that they would correct in the subsequent edition. And they have not been able to make that correction, and when they say they want to invite us to a meeting, I say ‘what are you inviting us to a meeting for? You have already acknowledged that there was a mistake, go and correct the mistake. If Bayelsa has any complaints, then put the complaints on the table after you have corrected it.”

Governor Amaechi disproved claims that he had personal misunderstanding with the president, explaining that any misunderstanding he had with the president was over the interests of Rivers State.

Dr James Walls Mayor of Maryland and the President of US Mayors’ Conference presenting award to DG NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii at a ceremony in Milwaukee, USA

News

Group Advocates Indigenous Language Sustainability, Calls for Policy Action

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

A pan-Nigeria organisation committed to the promotion and preservation of indigenous languages, Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters (ILCP), has called for the deliberate development and compulsory teaching of indigenous languages in both primary and secondary schools across the country.

The group made the call during its maiden Congress held in Bori, Rivers State, which was convened to examine challenges hindering the official adoption and effective teaching of Ogoni languages in schools.

Speaking at the Congress, the Executive Director of the organisation, HRC Mene Magnus Edooh, Amb.P, emphasised the critical role of indigenous languages in preserving a people’s culture, values and history. He warned against the gradual extinction of native languages, noting that language loss equates to identity loss.

“Years ago, Latin was a language of global relevance, but today it is largely extinct. We do not want Ogoni languages to suffer a similar fate. As a people, we cannot afford to lose our identity through the death of our languages,” Edooh said.

He explained that the Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters was established to collaborate with language stakeholders to ensure that children and younger generations remain connected to their mother tongues. The organisation also appealed to governments at all levels, as well as relevant institutions and individuals, to take strategic actions aimed at promoting and sustaining Nigeria’s indigenous languages.

Also speaking, the newly appointed Director of Media and Information, Prince David N. Gbarato, questioned the rationale behind government reluctance to accord indigenous languages their rightful place in national development policies.

According to him, “People with well-developed languages are people with well-developed indigenous systems and affairs,” stressing that language development is fundamental to cultural and societal advancement.

The Congress further served as a platform for the ratification of key officers of the organisation and featured the participation of representatives from various indigenous language groups and other language stakeholders, all of whom echoed the call for renewed commitment towards safeguarding Nigeria’s linguistic heritage.

News

Rivers Boundary Commission Steps In to Resolve Okoloma–Ban-Ogoi Land Dispute

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

As part of deliberate efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and prevent communal conflict, the Rivers State Boundary Commission has intervened in the long-standing boundary dispute between Okoloma (Afam) Community in Oyigbo Local Government Area and Ban-Ogoi Community in Tai Local Government Area of the state.

The intervention followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Commission at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday, January 16, 2026. The meeting was aimed at setting up a technical committee that will work towards an amicable and lasting resolution of the land dispute between the two neighbouring communities.

Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State and Chairman of the Rivers State Boundary Commission, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, stressed the importance of peace, dialogue and mutual understanding in resolving boundary-related disagreements. She urged all parties to approach the process with sincerity and restraint, noting that sustainable peace can only be achieved through constructive engagement.

Prof. Odu advised the communities to emulate the peaceful disposition and leadership style of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by presenting their grievances and petitions without bitterness or rancour, assuring them of the Commission’s commitment to fairness and justice.

She also expressed satisfaction with the presence of the Chairmen of Tai and Oyigbo Local Government Areas at the meeting, describing it as a clear demonstration of their resolve to maintain peace and harmony between the affected communities.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Dr. Okechukwu Akara Nwaogu, and his Tai Local Government Area counterpart, Hon. Mbakpone Okpe, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring peaceful coexistence among their people. They emphasized that peace is critical to attracting development and investment to the area.

Both council chairmen commended the Rivers State Boundary Commission for its proactive intervention, expressing optimism that the establishment of a technical committee would pave the way for a fair and enduring resolution of the dispute.

News

Fanfare, Pageantry As Ohiauga Community Honours 31 Eminent Personalities with Maiden Leadership Awards

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Ohiauga Community in Igburu Clan, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, witnessed an unprecedented spectacle of celebrations, fanfare and cultural splendour as it honoured 31 distinguished personalities for their outstanding leadership qualities, selfless service and immense contributions to the growth and development of the community.

The historic event, which took place at the Ohiauga Community Town Hall, marked the maiden edition of the Ohiauga Leadership Awards and saw 27 illustrious sons and daughters of the community, alongside four non-indigenes, decorated with various honours in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the socio-economic, political and infrastructural advancement of the area.

From the early hours of the day, the once serene and seemingly sleepy community was transformed into a beehive of activities. The atmosphere was electrified with excitement as the sound of music echoed from different corners of the community. Everywhere was colourful, lively and festive, as men, women, youths and children, young and old, trooped out in large numbers, beautifully adorned in elegant traditional and modern attires.

The favourable weather further added glamour and grace to the occasion, enhancing the beauty and splendour of the event, as the people, stakeholders and visitors savoured every moment of the celebration.

Adding royal splendour to the colourful ceremony was the presence of the Eze of Igburu Clan, Eze Igburu IV of Igburu Land, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, who arrived at the venue in full royal regalia, accompanied by his retinue of chiefs, elders and other palace officials. His presence was a clear testament to the significance of the occasion and underscored the unity and collective resolve of the people to celebrate excellence and service.

One after the other, the award recipients stepped forward amid thunderous applause, cheers and admiration from the audience. These were men and women whose years of dedication, sacrifice and contributions have helped place Ohiauga Community on the map in terms of political relevance, socio-economic growth and self-help-driven development.

Indeed, Ohiauga Community today boasts of notable achievements credited largely to community-based initiatives, including a relatively good road network, stable and uninterrupted electricity supply powered through solar infrastructure, and other basic amenities that have improved the quality of life of its people. The honoured individuals, it was observed, have played significant roles in achieving these milestones, leaving their unmistakable footprints on the community’s development journey.

By honouring them, the community made it clear that the awards were not meant to signal retirement from service, but rather to encourage the recipients to intensify their efforts and continue to give back to their fatherland. Community leaders noted that although progress has been recorded, Ohiauga still faces serious developmental challenges that require sustained commitment and collective action.

Prominent among these challenges is the absence of a functional healthcare facility. The only cottage hospital project in the community, allegedly initiated by Total Energies Limited several years ago, was said to have been abandoned, leaving residents without adequate medical care. The community strongly appealed to the Rivers State Government to intervene and revive the project in the interest of the people.

The education sector was also not spared. The Ohiauga Community Primary School, according to the community, is allegedly in good shape, with a conducive learning environment, but lacks enough classroom teachers, as there is only one government-employed classroom teacher. To fill the void, the community reportedly employed five additional teachers from its meagre resources and currently bears the responsibility of paying their salaries.

These realities, stakeholders explained, provided further justification for the decision to celebrate and honour individuals who have consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and development of the community.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Ohiauga Maiden Leadership Awards, Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu, described the event as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering peace, unity and development, while recognising and rewarding excellence and service.

According to him, the award ceremony was designed to honour eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves in public and private life, and who have continued to make meaningful contributions to the growth of Ohiauga Community.

Dr Nwaoburu, who was himself among the award recipients, said the recognition was intended to motivate the honourees to do more for the community and not to rest on their achievements. He urged them to continue to serve the interests of the people wherever they find themselves and to remain ambassadors of peace and development.

He further reiterated the need for government intervention in the abandoned cottage hospital project and the posting of teachers to the primary school by the state government, stressing that community development in Ohiauga has largely been driven by self-help efforts.

Among those honoured at the event were Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu; former Bursar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Davis Ojima; the Registrar of the institution, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie; Dr Obi Chukwuma Ebenezer Jular; Elder Kemmer Mark Godwin; Dr Nwokoji Chukwuemeka; Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba; Dr (Chief) (Mrs) Ojima; Comrade Chimezie Igwela; Engr Gideon Eke; Chief (Prof) H. A. Ajie; Hon. Sule Igwela; and Dr Obi Nwaoburu.

Others included Prof. (Mrs) Jennifer Igwela; Dr Charity Ajie; Eric David Orukwo; the Paramount Ruler of Ohiauga Community, HRH Dr Amb. Bright Abali; Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben; Comrade Wisdom Adieme; and the member representing ONELGA Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Nwabochi.

Also recognised were Comrade Kelvin London Oji; Pastor Smart Brass Maduagu; Chief (Hon.) K. O. Igwela; Harmony Igwela; Comrade Onyemaobi Igwela; and Late Elder Nwaba Maduagu, who received a posthumous award in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the community.

The four non-indigenes honoured for their dedicated services and goodwill towards the community were Hon. Marculey Ogolo; Hon. ThankGod Chibor; Comrade Kingsley Ogu; and Pastor G. Oreke, who was specially recognised as the only dedicated government classroom teacher at Ohiauga Community Primary School.

Reacting to the honour, the Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie, described the award as a step in the right direction and a thoughtful gesture that encourages service and excellence. He called for harmonious relationships among all segments of the community and pledged his continued support towards education, job creation and collective development.

Former Bursar of the university, Dr Davis Ojima, also expressed gratitude to the community for recognising his contributions, assuring that he would remain committed to promoting peace, unity and sustainable development initiatives in Ohiauga.

Business mogul, Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba, said being honoured by one’s own community carries special significance, describing the recognition as the most cherished among the many awards he has received. He pledged to intensify his contributions to the welfare and development of the people, noting that “charity must begin at home.”

In his royal remarks, the Eze of Igburu Clan, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, emphasised the importance of peace, unity and the preservation of cultural values, describing the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards as a timely initiative aimed at strengthening communal bonds and fostering collective progress.

Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the awardees, Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben, thanked the community for finding them worthy of recognition, and commended the leadership and merit award committee for the excellent packaging of the programme. He urged the awardees to continue with their good work to the community, as the merit awards were a clarion call for more community development involvement and a wake up call for others to emulate the leadership qualities exhibited by the awardees.

Overall, the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards ceremony lived up to its billing, serving not only as a platform to celebrate excellence and service but also as a rallying point for renewed commitment to the development of the community, amid resounding jubilation, merriment and cultural pride.