News

Mixed Reactions Trail Lawyers Protest In Rivers

Published

12 years ago

January 24, 2014

Mixed reactions have continued to trail yesterday’s peaceful protest organised by a group of lawyers under the aegis of the Forum of Concerned Lawyers of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt branch in Rivers State, over what they described as non-appointment of a substantive or acting Chief Judge by the state government.
The protesting lawyers, numbering about 40, all dressed in their ceremonial wigs and ties, carried various placards, with some inscriptions such as “the law is for all humans”, and “Governor Amaechi, give us a Chief Judge”, among others, marched around the Rivers State Judiciary and the Federal High Court premises to register their grievances.
Reacting to the incident in a telephone interview, Chairman, NBA, Port Harcourt branch, Mr Lawrence Oko-Jaja, said those who carried out the protest yesterday were hired lawyers, adding that members of the NBA in the state did not plan to protest or participate in any purported peaceful protest in Port Harcourt.
According to him, the people, who were said to have participated in the protest, were allegedly given suits and wigs to wear to create the impression that they were lawyers, adding that he was reliably informed by members of his executive that they only recognised two lawyers amongst the protesters.
“My brother, I’m also a lawyer. Currently, I’m out of the state for a matter but will come back in the next few hours. The people you see there are not all lawyers but are hired people except only two persons. And you know that court premises are a public place. But the people you see wearing suits and wigs are only creating an impression that they are lawyers when they are not,” Oko-Jaja said.
The Port Harcourt NBA chairman used the opportunity to thank members of the association for not participating in the protest, adding that both executive and general meetings of the body would be called soon to address the matter.
He said that if the conveners of the protest are found guilty of any acts of misconduct, they would be punished in accordance with the relevant sections of the law guiding the NBA, stressing that the leadership of the NBA did not give approval for such protest.
However, while addressing journalists at the Rivers State Judiciary Complex in Port Harcourt, Chief Coordinator of the Concerned Lawyers Forum of the NBA, Port Harcourt branch, Barrister Chris Itamunoala disclosed that the peaceful protest was to register their disenchantment over the continued failure of the state government to appoint a substantive or acting Chief Judge for the state judiciary in accordance with the provisions of the rule of law.
Itamunoala said that the non-appointment of a Chief Judge has gravely affected the fortunes of lawyers and the litigants in the state as well as other stakeholders of the judiciary in the state.
According to him, “judiciary staff, who are due for promotion have not been promoted; opening ceremony for the 2013/2014 legal year, has not been kick-started, among others,” adding that “even our fallen colleagues are no longer given valedictory session, occasioned by the unavailability of a Chief Judge in the state judiciary.”
He, however, appealed to the state government and the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to ensure the appointment of either a substantive or acting chief judge for the state.
Reacting to the illegal protest, Chief Registrar (High Court), Leonard K. Adoki said in a statement, that the state judiciary was not on strike and has not permitted any group of persons to carry out protest within its premises.
Adoki further said that, “accordingly, staff of the state judiciary, lawyers and members of the public are advised to go about their lawful duties and businesses in the court complex,” and ignore any group pretending to be protesting over the appointment or otherwise of a chief judge for the state.
The Tide learnt that judges, magistrates and judiciary workers had defied the earlier warning by the protesters to stay away from the courts, and resumed normal duties in their respective offices as early as 7:30am, thus ensuring that the impact of the protest was not felt, as judges, magistrates, lawyers and judiciary workers were on hand performing their legitimate duties without any molestation.
It was further learnt that at the state judiciary, the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal complexes, no officials from the courts came out to receive and address the protesters.
The Tide gathered that the organisers of the protest were visibly frustrated and embarrassed when, at every point, they were not noticed or accorded due attention.

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