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Rivers Dep Gov Defects To APC …Wife, Others Register …Party Extends Registration To Feb 12

Published

12 years ago

February 10, 2014

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised to take over the leadership of the country and correct the wrongs of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Engr. Ikuru said this last Saturday when he, alongside his wife, Dr Mina Ikuru, Interim State Chairman of the APC, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, amongst others, formally registered for the APC at Ikuru Town in Ward 5, Andoni Local Government Area of the state.
He stated that “I am fully registered. In case you are still in doubt. For those who are still in doubt as to where I stand, I have always said it that I will stand with my boss, Governor Amaechi, where he goes. I have now registered for the APC.
The deputy governor dismissed insinuations that the exercise was marred by violence and irregularities, urging everyone to exercise their right to associate and register with the party, calling on the opposition to desist from harassing and intimidating would-be members of the APC.
“It’s a matter of free choice. Some people will choose to be in APC, some may choose to be in some other parties and every Nigerian above the age of 18 should be able to have a free choice of which party to belong, where to be and who to vote for. No person has the right to stop anyone”, he said.
Engr. Ikuru, who performed the registration exercise in the presence of the state interim APC Chairman, Chief Davies Ikanya, the Chairman and Secretary, APC Registration Committee, Rivers State, Engr. Ebeitei Francis and Hon Josef Omorotionmwan, Vice Chairman, Andoni LGA, Hon Sampson Egop and the APC Secretary in the LGA, Hon Sylvanus Kingston said he was elated to be a full member of APC.
Speaking, Interim State Chairman of the APC, Chief Ikanya, congratulated the deputy Governor and his wife for formally registering for the APC, berating the PDP for allegedly sponsoring the mayhem that had disrupted the registration process in Degema, Obio/Akpor, Akuku-Toru, and some units in PHALGA, Etche, and Ogu/Bolo.
Also speaking, Chairman of the state APC Registration Committee, Engr. Ebeitei Francis, said the ongoing registration exercise signifies a change in Nigeria, a change in Rivers State and a change also in Africa”, adding that, “the APC is the only party that can take Nigeria from this level that we are to the Promised Land”.
The Vice Chairman, Andoni LGA, Hon. Sampson Egop, attributed the success recorded in Andoni to the people’s collective resolve to queue behind their illustrious sons like the deputy governor, the APC interim state chairman, the council Chairman, Mr. Orom Nte Ereforokuma, and the councilors.
He stressed that “these are illustrious sons of Andoni; people are aware of their works, there is no question of deceit here. So, the people are queuing behind them because they know them, they have been there for them over the years on the other side. Now that they have crossed over, they know that they are taking them to the Promised Land, that is why you are seeing the mass movement in Andoni”.
The deputy governor, accompanied by his wife, Mina, Chief Ikanya, Engr. Francis, Secretary of the party and former Chairman of Andoni LGA, Mr. Kingston Sylvanus, and other party chieftains, later inspected the registration units across Ward 5 and Ebukuma in Ward 4, Andoni LGA, where he described the exercise as “satisfactory”.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday in Lagos said it had extended the period for its ongoing nationwide membership registration till February 12.
The membership registration exercise, which began on Wednesday, was initially scheduled to end today.
In a statement signed by the Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the extension was to accommodate many Nigerians who had turned out to register but could not do so.
“We have apparently underestimated the number of those who are eager and willing to participate actively in the change process by joining the APC.
“Even with one day to go in the original registration schedule, we have exceeded the number of members we set out to register.
“Many more have reached out to us to give them the opportunity to join the APC, hence our decision to extend the registration,” Mohammed said in the statement.
The party said it needed to ensure that the people who wanted to register as members were allowed to do so.
It urged all interested citizens who had not registered to utilise the opportunity offered by the extension to do so.

Member, House of Representatives, Hon Dakuku Peterside (sitting), registering as APC member at Unit 5, Ward 3, Opobo Town, last Friday.

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