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Peterside Hails Ndigbo Industry, Support …Pledges A Legacy Of Prosperity

Published

11 years ago

February 2, 2015

Ahead of the February 14 and 28, general elections, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr Dakuku Peterside, has visited the Eze Ndigbo Rivers and Bayelsa States, Eze Adiele Maduagwu, at his palace in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The APC candidate was accompanied by his running mate, Hon. Asita Honourable, Chairman of the state APC, Dr. Davies Ibiam Ikanya, members of Greater Together Campaign Organisation and party supporters.
Peterside told the monarch that he was in his palace to brief him on his political journey so far and to pay respect to the Ndigbo, their culture and tradition, and praised the Igbo entrepreneurial spirit, describing them as good neighbours and supporters of Rivers State economy.
“The Igbo and Rivers people have peacefully cohabited from time immemorial. All of us were once part of what used to be called Eastern Nigeria. If the Rivers man has any true brother, it is the Igbo. Even today, some persons want to rewrite history. Beyond that, even before the Civil War, our parents told us that the Igbo have always been the pillar that holds Rivers State’s economy. Without the Igbo, our economy will not flourish and anybody who wants to turn truth upside down will not succeed.
“After the Nigerian Civil War, when our fathers were trying to rebuild the state and rebuild our economy, the Igbo were also on hand to help rebuild our state and our economy. So, they are an important part of our society, nobody can deny that fact. If anybody is trying to deny that fact, then the person is being very uncharitable, unkind and I know God does not like injustice, God does not like lies.
“If before, those who helped to build the economy were neglected, we can’t afford to neglect them today because if we do, they will go elsewhere and help other people build their economy and our own will go down. I don’t think that is what we want. And so, we must respect those who live with us, those who contribute to our economy, those who render service, those who pay tax here and those who add value to our society. I am proud to say that the Igbo add value to what we are doing in Rivers State, the Igbo contribute to the building of our economy and the Igbo man has been a good brother and good neighbour”.
Peterside called on the Ndigbo to be guided properly by these realities as they vote in this month’s elections, adding that February elections are too critical to be taken lightly.
“As we march into these elections, there are many candidates running for the office of the governor but the Ndigbo know which one will be good for them and the one that will not be good for them. They don’t need soap to wash their eyes well to know.
“They can see, especially if you look at our antecedents. I was Commissioner for Works in Rivers State, I was special assistant to the governor in Rivers State, I am a member of the National Assembly, I was a local government chairman. People who know my path can say that I respect elders, I respect traditional institution, I have integrity, I respect laws, I fear God. They know that about me. I wish they can say the same about others who are contesting with me.
“For others, you know them. You know that if you give them opportunity, they will intimidate and harass people, they will promote hatred and violence. Your Highness, I don’t think that is what you want and I don’t think that is what the Igbo want,” he said.
Peterside pleaded with Eze Maduagwu to educate his people on the need to vote right so that good people can emerge.
He called on the Ndigbo to vote for him because he is the only one who will serve their interest and protect every non-indigene living in Rivers State.
The APC governorship candidate warned that those who want to govern by force are already threatening to sack non-indigenes in the state civil service and also suspend Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s scholarship to non-indigenes, if they are elected.
Responding on behalf of Eze Maduagwu and the entire Igbo community, Onowu Ndigbo, Chief Ray Anajemba, who described Peterside as a humble and God-fearing candidate, commended the APC standard bearer for his words of hope and encouragement.
He pleaded with the candidate to look into the issue of multiple taxation and the welfare of the Ndigbo and non-indigenes when he is elected.
On his part, the Onowu assured: “we will remember you and we will do the right thing”.
Meanwhile, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Dakuku Peterside APC in Rivers State has assured the people of the state that love, unity, peace and progress will form the building blocks of his administration if he is elected as governor.
Peterside said this in Omoku at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Eze Chukwuemeka Nnam Obi, the Oba of Ogbaland while responding to the monarch’s welcome address during a courtesy call.
The APC candidate promised to bequeath to Rivers people, a legacy of peace, unity and development.
“As a leader, I am conscious of my role and the expectations of our people. Hon. Asita, my running mate also appreciates this. On the day we are called to give account, we will stand before God to answer for our actions. We shall take full responsibility of our actions. We shall conduct ourselves in such a way that at the end of the day, we will not account to any man. “We are indeed clear-headed and mindful of where we are going. And the people of Rivers State can count on our integrity and track record,” he added.
Peterside later proceeded to Omoku Local Government Council Pavilion where he received a rousing welcome from APC leaders and supporters. He reeled out his economic development agenda for Rivers State people, promising to be faithful in all his dealings.

R-L: Governors of Bayelsa, Seriake Dickson; Delta, Emmanuel Uduaghan; Cross River, Liyel Imoke; Abia, Theodore Orji; Akwa Ibom, Godswill Akpabio and former Anambra Governor,Peter Obi at the PDP Presidential rally in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

4 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

5 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

5 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