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Tukur Quits, New PDP National Chairman Emerges, Monday …Stakeholders React

Published

12 years ago

January 17, 2014

Ogoni youths protesting in Bori, Khana Local Government Council of Rivers State last Wednesday

The PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, yesterday in Abuja, formally resigned his appointment following crises within the party.
Tukur‘s resignation was announced by President Goodluck Jonathan at the party’s 63rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
“We have some internal problems that have been agitating the minds of the people and let us really thank the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) headed by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.
“He did not just wake up to be the chairman of our party, he has paid his dues, he has held several offices and worked for this country and he has done very well.
“And for us to make sure that we rest these issues, the party chairman agreed to step aside,’’ the president said.
The announcement of Tukur‘s resignation by President Jonathan was greeted with a standing ovation.
Jonathan said Tukur personally submitted his resignation letter to him Wednesday night even as he handed the letter to the party’s National Secretary, Prof Adewale Oladipo right at the NEC meeting.
“He is not guilty in any way; in fact, I have to give him another assignment that is tougher than handling PDP.
“This is because we need people like Bamanga Tukur to market this country and the PDP.
“He has been doing that in the platform of African Round Table but we need a tougher job than the African Round Table for him,” Jonathan added.
He, consequently, called on Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River to formally move a motion to accept Tukur‘s resignation which was seconded by Sen. Abdul Ningi.
Jonathan further announced that the party’s NEC should take a decision to hold another meeting on January 20 to formally inaugurate a new national chairman for the party.
This, he maintained, would be based on the party‘s constitution, adding that the new chairman would come from the North East, according to the party‘s zoning principle.
“Within this period from now to Monday, we will look among ourselves particularly our leaders from the North East for a new chairman,’’ he said.
The president expressed the need to select someone who would be acceptable to all party members and with the qualities to lead the party to greater heights.
“For that reason, between now and Monday that we will meet, I will meet with relevant stakeholders and see how we can get such a person that will be acceptable by all of you.
“Because when we come here that day, and you say no, there is nothing we can do, that is why we must take time to look for a man or a woman that will lead the party.
“And I believe that those who will consult collectively will not disappoint this house,’’ the president said.
He described as normal the defection of some PDP members to the opposition, adding that the development was not a thing the party should worry itself about.
Jonathan said that as long as the parties continued to work together and do things together, it would remain the best party in the country.
He expressed the hope that from ongoing discussions, some of the members who defected to the opposition would return to the party soon.
He added that the party would henceforth be holding regular meetings, adding that the party‘s governors would now be meeting monthly to strategise on how to improve the party‘s fortune.
He also said that the party’s caucus and the Board of Trustee meetings would now hold every quarter while its NEC would meet more regularly.
“That would make us here at the centre to interact more with the state party chairmen and other party officials as well as the governors to think about the party.
“This is to see how we can collectively drive its machinery.
“The people want to see the PDP very affective because if we are not holding meetings, they will think that people have overtaken us, nobody can overtake PDP,’’ he said.
He assured the gathering that the PDP-led government at all levels would continue to give the people the true dividends of democracy.
The president challenged the opposition to assess the present PDP administration with previous government.
According to him, this government has done very well in the interest of the country.
He said that the PDP government was committed to its vision of ensuring positive change at all levels.
He tasked members to remain faithful, adding that the party would continue to grow stronger.
However, the factional Chairman of PDP in Rivers State, Felix Obuah has confirmed that he was among the state PDP chairmen that passed a vote of no confidence on the embattled National Chairman of the PDP, Bamanga Tukur.
Obuah disclosed that they no longer have confidence on the leadership of Tukur, due to what he described as problems in the party since his assumption of office.
Obuah said it was time for Tukur to step aside, adding that the Rivers PDP stakeholders had no problems in voting against him
According to him, “we feel that the problem of leadership the party has witnessed and the grievances, a lot of acrimony amongst its members he has not been able to address are some of the issues that had been of concern to us. So, we feel that it is right time to call it quits”.
Meanwhile, some members of the House of Representatives, yesterday in Abuja, said that the resignation of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as PDP chairman, would help in repositioning the party.
In separate interviews with newsmen, the legislators said that with the resignation, the party would be repositioned for 2015 general elections.
Rep. Uzor Azubuike (PDP-Abia), said that the decision by Bamanga to resign as the party chairman was patriotic.
He called on those who had defected to APC to make a rethink and come back to the party.
Rep.Gerald Irona (PDP-Imo) said that members of the party had had problems with the leadership style of Bamanga which led to the defection of the five PDP governors and others.
He said that his resignation was a good development for the party as it would save it from eminent danger.
Also speaking, Sen. Abdul Ningi described Alhaji Bamanga Turku, the former PDP national chairman, as the sacrificial lamb for the unity and stability of the party.
He made this known after President Goodluck Jonathan presented Tukur‘s resignation letter to the party‘s National Executive Committee (NEC) members.
Ningi, who seconded Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River motion for the acceptance of Tukur‘s resignation letter, said that Tukur had not violated any section of the party‘s constitution.
He stressed the outgoing party national chairman only sacrificed himself for the party following its recent crisis.
Tukur had before the president announced his resignation, thanked God and the party’s stakeholders for giving him the opportunity to serve.
“It has been a matter of honour for me to have served our party, and indeed, a rare privilege to have become the national chairman.
“I am grateful to the seven deities of good luck with which the Almighty God has endowed me.
“I am delighted to have had the opportunity to nurture and deliver an idea; that is the need for discipline and internal democratic practices within the party,” Tukur said.
Tukur advised the party members to install new national values that were driven less by personal greed and power and more by national interest.
This, according to him, is critical to address the country‘s challenges as well as that of the party.
“As we reinvent the foundation of internal consensus, let us endeavour to flaunt the good works of our various governments at all tiers of governance. We shall overcome,’’ Tukur said.

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