News

Gunmen Kill Monarch In Ahoada

Published

10 years ago

October 28, 2015

A prominent traditional ruler, Eze Collins Alali, the Eze Emene Ekamini 1 of Igbu Orlukwor of Ekpeye Kingdom, has been allegedly assassinated in cold blood on his way to his country home in Oshigbokor community in Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The one-time President of Uzugbani Umu Egwele Ugbulu of Ekpeyeland was cruising home in his Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) to preside over several cases which he was handling in his palace when the gunmen struck last Friday, and assassinated him.
His wife, Mrs. Blessing Alali, who narrated the incident to The Tide, said that both of them arranged to travel to the village that eventful day, but providence saved her.
“He asked me to wait for him along the road so that he would pick me as he was driving from Ahoada. I could not exercise patience, because he had called me more than two times to wait for him but he did not come. I had to join motorcycle to Oshigbokor, and I told him to come behind,’’ the wife said.
The grief-stricken Mrs Alali said that about ten minutes after her arrival in the village, she had a phone call alerting her that her husband had been gunned down by three armed bandits.
According to Mrs. Alali, the unknown gunmen waylaid him along Okporowo Road, shot on the tyres of his Jeep, before raining several gun shots on him.
His first son, Henry Chinwute Alali, told The Tide, that one of his friends intimated him on phone that his father had been killed on his way home, and that he should rush to the scene.
He noted that his friend told him that the assailants shot sporadically into the air to scare away passersby, adding that the gunmen, who sang “Eze Alali na we kill am,” “Eze Alali na we kill am’’ , mounted on their motorbike and zoomed off, after singing for a few minutes.
Henry added that the body has been deposited at the morgue in Ahoada.
On his part, the Eze’s younger brother, Hon. Pedro Alali, threatened that those behind the gruesome murder of Eze Alali have no hiding place.
Pedro blamed the police for their lackadaisical attitude towards responding to distressed calls, arguing that if the police could not save lives anymore when people are in danger, government should allow the use of gun by individuals in order to protect themselves from sudden aggression.
Meanwhile, confidential sources have alleged that some persons who have been fingered in the assassination of the Eze, are already making desperate moves to relocate to stave off any reprisal attacks.
It would be recalled that in 2008, gunmen who were led by a youth from Oshiogbokor community were rounded off by residents of Ula-Ikata community, around Eze Alali’s country home.
On interrogation, they revealed clues to their future clandestine plans, asserting that they were dispatched to snuff life out of the paramount ruler or his wife.
As at the time of this latest incident, the case was yet to come to its logical conclusion, with all the accused persons allegedly let off the hook.
Eze Alali was reported to have escaped several fatal attacks; including many this year by strange faces.
However, the police in Ahoada, which confirmed the incident, said they have taken the corpse of the Eze to an undisclosed mortuary, and did not give further detail on their investigation of the matter.

News

Tinubu Commissions Bayelsa Gas Turbine, Other Projects Today

Published

1 hour ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu is expected to inaugurate four legacy projects, including a state-owned gas turbine, during a one-day state visit to Bayelsa State, today.

To this effect, the Bayelsa State Government has declared Friday (today) a work-free day, and ordered the closure of markets ahead of the President’s visit.

The state Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, disclosed this yesterday in Yenagoa, the state capital.

She said, “As we all know that the state is ready and we are ready as a people to receive the father of the nation, our father and leader in the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who will be in the state on a one-day visit to inaugurate four legacy projects.

“In view of this, the state government has declared tomorrow, Friday, April 10, 2026, a work-free day to enable workers and other residents of the State to participate in the programmes lined up for the one-day official visit to Bayelsa State.”

According to her, Tinubu is expected to inaugurate key projects during the visit, including a state-owned gas turbine at Opolo-Elebele, a 60-kilometre dual carriageway from Onopa to the LNG axis, and a 630-metre bridge linking Angiama to Oporoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

Koku-Obiyai urged residents, including traders, to comply with the directive and turn out to welcome the President.

The government said the measures were part of efforts to ensure a smooth and successful visit.

The Tide reports that Bayelsa is the third state President Tinubu will visit for project commissioning in the last one week.

The President was in Ogun State last Saturday to commission the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Iperu, together with the state’s new airline, Gateway Airline, and its two newly acquired aircraft.

He also inaugurated logistics and trade infrastructure, and launched the Nigeria Customs Service’s N73bn hub that has a residential barracks, training college, warehouse and hospital.

The president also launched mobility, security and agriculture assets, including 1,000 electric motorcycles (EV bikes), and 80 units of security vehicles.

Tinubu was also in Lagos on Wednesday on a two-day state visit to commission key legacy projects of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.

Though represented by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the president inaugurated the newly constructed Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge, Lagos State Geographic Information Service (LAGIS) building, and Lagos Multi-Agency Building in Alausa.

Other notable projects commissioned by the President were Lagos Fresh Food Hub in Abijo, Ajah, Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle, and Maracana Stadium, comprising 19 mini-football pitches, built side-by-side in Ajegunle.

News

RSG Seeks Horticulturists’ Partnership To Restore Garden City Status

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has called for stronger collaboration with horticulturists as part of renewed efforts to restore the aesthetic appeal and environmental quality of Port Harcourt, in line with its urban renewal agenda.

The Commissioner for Urban Development, Sir Amairagha Edward Hart, made the call during an interactive session with private horticulturists and flower dealers at his office in Port Harcourt, recently.

He said the present administration remains committed to reviving the famed Garden City status of the state capital through deliberate policies and strategic partnerships, noting that professionals in horticulture have a key role to play in achieving that vision.

The Commissioner stressed that the state government is placing high premium on environmental sustainability, beautification of public spaces, and the creation of a serene urban atmosphere that reflects global best practices.

The Commissioner urged horticulturists to align their operations with government’s urban development guidelines, adding that their expertise and experience are essential in transforming Port Harcourt into a model city.

According to him, the collaboration will not only enhance the city’s visual appeal but also contribute to improved environmental health and economic opportunities for practitioners in the sector.

He, however, cautioned against practices that undermine urban order, particularly the obstruction of walkways and indiscriminate occupation of public spaces meant for other uses.

Hart emphasized that while the government encourages business growth, such activities must be carried out in a manner that supports urban planning objectives and promotes public convenience.

In a move to further support the sector, he disclosed plans by the Ministry to establish a dedicated “Flower Village” that will serve as a central hub for horticulturists and flower dealers across the state capital.

He explained that the proposed initiative is aimed at restoring sanity to the use of walkways and road corridors, while also creating a structured environment that will enhance business operations and boost revenue generation.

Responding on behalf of the practitioners, Evang. Caroline Nabo highlighted some of the challenges faced by horticulturists, including theft of plants and materials by scavengers and scrap metal dealers.

She appealed to the state government for intervention to safeguard their investments, even as she and other stakeholders commended the Ministry’s proactive steps and pledged their support towards the successful greening and beautification of Port Harcourt.

King Onunwor

News

TUC Demands Subsidy To Cushion Rising Fuel Prices

Published

2 hours ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC ) has called on the Federal Government to deploy excess crude oil revenue to subsidise local refineries as a way of cushioning the impact of rising fuel prices on Nigerians.

President of the Congress, Festus Osifo, who made the call during a press briefing in Abuja, yesterday, warned that the price of Premium Motor Spirit could climb to as high as N2,000 per litre if urgent measures are not taken.

Osifo said the persistent increase in the pump price of petrol, driven by global crude oil price volatility and exchange rate challenges, has worsened the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers.

The TUC leader attributed the surge partly to international developments, including tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which have affected global oil supply dynamics.

Osifo also linked the rising cost of petrol to the depreciation of the naira, warning that the continued weakening of the currency is compounding inflationary pressures and reducing the real value of workers’ earnings.

To address the situation, the TUC president proposed that the government should utilise excess revenue generated when crude oil prices exceed the budget benchmark to support local refining.

He explained that with the 2024 budget benchmarked at $64.85 per barrel, any price above that threshold results in additional revenue shared by the three tiers of government, adding that at least 60 per cent of such excess funds should be channelled into subsidising crude supplied to domestic refineries, including the Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries.

He also urged authorities to take deliberate steps to stabilise the currency, noting that exchange rate stability would significantly reduce the cost of imported energy and other goods.

The TUC said it would formally communicate its proposals to the Federal Government, including the Presidency, with a view to ensuring the prompt implementation of measures to ease the hardship facing Nigerians.

He said, “Today, the cost of petrol is heading towards N2,000 per litre, depending on the part of the country that you are in. It has deeply affected the purchasing power of the salaries that we earn as Nigerian workers.

“Let the government take that excess fund that was never budgeted for, take at least 60 per cent of it, and use it to subsidise the crude being supplied to Dangote Refinery.

“The same should be done for Dangote Refinery and all modular refineries, where crude is supplied to them at that subsidised rate.

“Take the difference from the excess crude revenue, take about 60 per cent of it, and use it to subsidise the price at which crude is supplied to the refinery.

“When you subsidise crude, it cannot be abused because you are subsidising production directly. When that is done, we are going to see an immediate reduction in the price of petroleum products.”