News

Dissolve LGSC Board, Others, RVHA Tells Wike

Published

11 years ago

July 3, 2015

The Rivers State House of Assembly yesterday recommended the dissolution of the Local Government Service Commission and Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission even as the Local Government Service Commission shunned the lawmakers’ invitation to appear before it to defend allegations of abuse of due process in recruitment and promotion of staff.
The Assembly took the decision alleging that the two Commissions’ boards were not capable of administering the offices.
They alleged that the two commissions were involved in official misconduct, illegal employment and rapid promotion of some favoured staff.
The lawmakers had in their previous sitting hinted the Chairman and members of the Commission to appear before them yesterday, but were shocked to realise that the members of the Local Government Service Commission did not honour the invitation.
While deliberating on the issue, the Leader of the House, Hon. Martins Amaewhule said it was obvious that members of the Commission have shown serious act of negligence in their action.
He said their action in not honouring the invitation amounted to misconduct, adding that they conducted their activities contrary to the oath of office they swore to.
According to him, “a situation where the commission will begin to employ staff outside known law without following due process is unacceptable.
“The Commission employed and promoted the same person within two years to five grade levels. It is not acceptable and the House should do something about it”, he said.
He disclosed that the petition shows that the commission embarked on illegal transfer, employment, promotion and withholding of facts.
Amaewhule said it was clear that the board lacked the capacity to administer the commission and has become a tool of victimisation.
“Civil servants, local government staff were victimised, demoted and transferred illegally without following due process.
We will not fold our hands and refuse to take decisions because they were not here. If we do that, then we are not doing justice to the people we are representing”, he said.
Members who spoke on the issue include, Hon. Jones Ogbonda representing Port Harcourt 1 and Hon. Farah Dagogo. They suggested that the House should issue warrant of arrest to members of the Commission to appear before it.
Hon. Ogbonda, in his contribution, expressed sadness that the commission, which was set up by law and appeared on the floor of the chamber for confirmation could ignore the same House by choosing not to honour her invitation.
According to him, “It beats my imagination that members of a commission set up by law and that appeared before the floor for confirmation could slight the same House by choosing not to honour the invitation of the House”.
The lawmaker noted that the House has done what it ought to do by extending invitation to members of the commission, stressing that fair hearing does not mean that one must be heard, but that opportunity was given to be heard.
He, however, noted that under section 129 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the House has powers to issue warrant of arrest but will not plead for that now, as he urged other members to support the dissolution of the commission’s board.
On its part, the House said it was obvious that the Commission engaged in illegal recruitment of staff and irregular promotion of staff.
Hon. Awaewhule noted that a junior staff was promoted two times in a year ahead of his superiors.
“It is obvious that members of the commission conducted themselves in a manner that does not befit them to continue to remain in office”.
While giving his ruling, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi Ibani said that it was obvious that the House’s view was that the commission be dissolved.
Meanwhile, the Rivers House of Assembly, on Wednesday, screened and approved nominees for the state’s Civil Service Commission, Judicial Service Commission and State Independent Electoral Commission.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Ikuinyi Ibani, made this known at the plenary of the House in Port Harcourt.
Ibani said that the names of the nominees, as submitted by Governor Nyesom Wike, were screened and found to be qualified and experienced to handle the affairs of the state.
“The candidates are experienced through their curriculum vitae and their past records of service. They should be approved as members of the commissions.
“We have heard from their answers to various questions asked them by this House and we believe that they will serve the interest of the state and not their own interest if appointed.’’
Hon. Martins Amaewhule (PDP- Obio/Akpor Constituency 1), supported the approval of the nominees, saying that those nominated for the Judicial Service Commission were qualified and experienced to serve.
Amaewhule said that the candidates screened to serve the state should know that they were nominated to stand for justice.
He also said that they would be removed if they derailed from their assignments.
Hon. Uwaji Nathaniel (PDP- Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency 11), said that the nominees for the State Electoral Commission were not of questionable character and should be approved by the House to serve the state.
The House unanimously approved all the nominees for the various commissions.
The nominees for the State Judicial Service Commission are Prof. Nsirim Nduka, Mr Osima Ginah, Mrs Assa Nwinia and Mr Friday Abigo.
The nominees for the State Civil Service Commission are Chief Oris Onyiri, Chief Mike Elechi, Mr Godspower Nwogu, Mr Tony Philmore and Mrs Sotonye Fulton.
Those for the State Independent Electoral Commission are Dr Chimaroke Mgbah, Mr Kombo Johnson, Dr. Ebirien Fubara, Dr A. Nwaido and Retired Justice U.I Uriri.

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