News

RSG Approves Security Stipends For Rulers …Says No More Abandoned Projects

Published

10 years ago

January 4, 2016

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has approved the release of security stipends to traditional rulers to assist them enhance community security.
Addressing the 102nd Quarterly General Meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers on Wednesday, Governor Wike said that the security stipends will assist the traditional rulers generate intelligence which will be forwarded to the security agencies for necessary action.
He said: “the security stipend to traditional rulers which will be disbursed to recognised traditional rulers will start from 2016. This stipend should not be used outside of gathering security intelligence.
“We shall also introduce special awards to traditional rulers who maintain peaceful communities. We believe these awards will encourage communities to take steps to improve security across the state”.
Governor Wike charged the traditional rulers to insulate themselves from partisan politics by ensuring that they remain neutral in all political matters.
He stated that being involved in politics diminishes the respect people accord to traditional rulers.
According to him: “You are custodians of customs and traditions and not custodians of politics. Your duty is to bless anyone that comes to you and not to make political pronouncements”.
Speaking further, Governor Wike said that the support of traditional rulers played a key role in the achievements of his administration.
He noted that his administration has restored the dignity of traditional rulers, noting that he will continue to liaise with them to attain greater development.
In his address, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, Amanyanabo of Opobo , commended Governor Wike for restoring the Quarterly General session of the council’s meeting. He said the last meeting was held over two years ago.
The Traditional Ruler commended the Governor Wike administration for the execution of pro-people development projects and the release of logistic support to security agencies.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that under his leadership the era of abandoned projects is gone for good.
Commissioning the completed Abuluoma-Woji-road with Bridge in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Governor Wike stated that no local government area in the state would be neglected in the renewal programme of his administration.
He said : “I will never do any project that will be abandoned. No part of the state will be neglected in the infrastructure renewal programme of my administration “
The governor urged communities to always provide a peaceful environment for contractors to complete ongoing project.
He appealed to the people of the state to support the administration’s execution of projects for the benefit of the state.
“You can see the level of development in the state. That is why you should always give you mandate to those who will use it to implement projects for all people irrespective of political affiliations.
“We have shown that it doesn’t matter what political parties you belong to. Once a government is formed, it works for everyone”, Governor Wike said.
Governor Wike said that aside the Abuluoma-Woji-road, his administration will in 2016 commence the construction of a Fly-Over on Peter Odili road.
In his address, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Kelvin Wachukwu said the 1.672kilometre road was inherited at the earthwork and filing stage before Governor Wike carried out the completion of the road, sidewalls, median , toll point, the median and 275 metres bridge.
He said the immediate past administration initially awarded the contract for N3.5 billion, but due to change of scope of work and variations, the immediate past administration increased the cost to N13.6billion in 2014.
Caretaker Committee Chairman of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Mr Samuel Ejekwu praised Governor Wike for completing the road which will ease the traffic pressure on Aba-Port Harcourt road, Dr Peter Odili road and also enhance free flow of traffic in Obio-Akpor, Port Harcourt and Eleme.
So far, Governor Wike has commissioned the Obonomma-Abonnema link road with Bridge and Eagle Island -Iloabuchi link road.

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