Rivers

Cleric Wants Mission Schools To Pay Tax

Published

9 years ago

October 19, 2016

The Rivers State Government
has been advised to enact a law that will make it mandatory for mission schools that are running as commercial enterprises to pay taxes to the government to boost internally generated revenue, and help revive the economy.
The General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, gave the advice at the OPM headquarters in Port Harcourt, while presenting school kits and study materials to the Headmistress of OPM Free Nursery/Primary School, Ohanku in Abia State, Mrs Basil Chidera, for the pupils of the school.
He decried a situation where churches build schools with the tithes and offerings collected from their rich and poor members, only to make the school fees unaffordable for the poor ones among them.
According to him, “Government should make law that any church that does not convert its expensive school of N.5million fees to free church schools for the less privileged in the society to attend should pay normal taxes as they have turned church into business ventures.”
He admonished pastors to desist from turning God’s house into business centres aimed at enriching themselves and their families, stressing that they should be pre-occupied with winning souls for God.
“My action is a revolutionary one, and as long as you stand for what is right and the truth, there would always be attacks from some of the selfish and greedy ones.
“They launch full-scale attacks on me, but I have been used to it from childhood. I have always stood for the truth, and would continue to conquer as light would always conquer darkness”, he added.
The cleric stated that the church’s Free Nursery/Primary School commenced academic activities in 2009 in Abia State, and later expanded to Bayelsa and Rivers states, adding that pupils in the OPM schools in Bayelsa and Rivers had earlier received their school kits and study materials.
He urged other churches to borrow a leaf from OPM to rid the streets of Port Harcourt of child hawkers and destitute, so as to reduce the burden on the state government in making life more meaningful for the generality of the people.
In her speech, the Welfare Director of OPM, Mrs Maureen Chukwu, expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the vision of the general overseer to help alleviate the plight of the less-privileged in the society.
According to her, the general overseer had made a vow that at the beginning of every new session, the pupils in all the schools across the three states must be given new school uniforms, sandals, provisions, sweaters, writing materials and textbooks, among others adding that for the last seven years, the vow has been fulfilled.
Receiving the books and writing materials on behalf of the pupils, the Headmistress of OPM Free Nursery/Primary School, Ohanku, Mrs Basil Chidera, thanked the general overseer for keeping hope life for the pupils of the school, and assured that he would never regret the huge investment the church has made on the pupils.
Earlier, the headmistress of OPM Free Nursery/Primary School, Port Harcourt, revealed the church’s opening of three more schools in Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre and Eleme local government areas of Rivers State, and hoped that more LGAs would soon get theirs.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

Rivers

INEC Urges Peaceful Rivers Assembly Bye-elections

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged stakeholders to promote peace and ensure credible Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections scheduled for February 21.

The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Gabriel Yomere, made the appeal at a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Yomere said the poll was vital for voters in Ahoada-East II and Khana II constituencies, who had remained without representation at the state level.

He said INEC had begun preparations, including deploying trained personnel and ensuring timely distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.

“The bye-election will involve 112,950 registered voters across 14 registration areas and 242 polling units in the two Local Government Areas.

“We have commenced all necessary internal preparations towards a successful bye-election”, he said.

Yomere urged political parties and candidates to uphold internal democracy and responsibility during the primaries scheduled to hold by January 23.

“Elections should be contests of ideas, not battles marked by intimidation, destruction or violence”, he said.

He commended security agencies for professionalism and assured them of INEC’s continued collaboration to ensure a secure election environment.

Yomere also encouraged political parties, civil society groups and the media to support voter education, peaceful participation and counter misinformation.

He disclosed that INEC commenced the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise on January 5 across all registration centres in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, appealed to stakeholders to ensure peaceful bye-elections, stressing that security remained everyone’s responsibility.

Represented by CSP James Njoku, Adepoju emphasised collaboration between security agencies and the public for a credible electoral process.

“Security agencies cannot do it alone without your contribution. We appreciate your efforts towards the safety and security of our state”, he said.

Adepoju warned against electoral violence, describing it as any act intended to intimidate, harm or abuse electoral stakeholders.

He urged stakeholders to educate relatives and party members on the dangers of electoral violence and its consequences.

Adepoju appealed to youths, religious, community and political leaders to encourage followers to shun violence and promote peace.

He assured that security agencies would work together to safeguard lives and properties for the conduct of free and fair elections.

The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dr. Nnanna Onyekere, praised INEC’s proactiveness, saying it boosted confidence in a credible election.

“We assure you there will be no violence. There will be peace across the state”, Onyekere said.

He commended INEC for moving voter registration to ward level, noting it would ease access for prospective voters.

Onyekere called on political parties to collaborate with INEC and expressed confidence that the bye-elections would be peaceful and successful.

Rivers

PH To Host 2026 NBA Conference

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) says Port Harcourt will host its 2026 Annual General Conference with an ambitious theme: “Beyond Limits.”

Its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, disclosed this at its National Secretariat on Friday.

The theme, the President said, serves as a strategic mandate for legal practitioners to shatter traditional constraints and pivot toward innovation in justice delivery and governance.

Osigwe emphasised that bringing the flagship event to the South-South region is a calculated move to foster national inclusion and ensure that the association’s activities resonate deeply with members across every geographical zone.

Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, assured the legal community that early preparations are focused on delivering a high-caliber experience that aligns with international organisational standards.

The day’s proceedings also took a significant turn toward professional development with the inauguration of a new co-working space for young lawyers.

Located at the National Secretariat, the facility is a direct response to the structural and economic hurdles facing early-career practitioners.

It offers a professional setting for client consultations and collaborative research, ensuring that junior members remain vibrantly engaged in active practice.

The co-working initiative, spearheaded by the NBA Welfare Committee, was personally funded by its chairman, Chief James Onoja, SAN, and coordinated by Welfare Secretary, Mr. Auta Nyada.

In a tribute to professional excellence, the space was named after former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, whose legacy of mentorship and ethical advocacy served as the inspiration for the project.

While urging local branches to establish similar hubs at their respective bar centers, the NBA also confirmed that registration for the 2026 conference is now officially open, with more details on the speaker lineup and session schedules to follow.

By; Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Wobodo Pledges Support For Ex-Service Men, Others

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Charles Wobodo, said he would not renege on his administration’s commitment to support ex-servicemen and other security personnel within the Local Government area.

Wobodo made this known during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held in Isiokpo, the Headquarters of Ikwerre Local Government.

He said the event provided an opportunity to honour men and women who paid the supreme price in the defence of Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty.

The council chairman described fallen servicemen as national heroes whose sacrifices must never be forgotten by government and citizens alike.

According to him, his administration remains committed to strengthening the local security architecture to enhance peace and safety across Ikwerre communities.

He disclosed that the council has provided operational vehicles and other forms of support to security agencies operating in the area.

The Kelga Council Chairman noted that beyond serving officers, the local government is also focused on the welfare of retired and disabled security personnel.

He also assured that widows of fallen servicemen would not be neglected, stressing that they would be included in the council’s social welfare programmes.

The chairman further emphasized the need for continuous collaboration between the local government and security stakeholders to sustain peace and development.

As part of activities marking the remembrance event, Wobodo made a cash donation to members of the Nigerian Legion in the area.

He urged the legionnaires to maintain a cordial relationship with the local government and to continue supporting peace initiatives.

One of the Ex-service men, Major Joseph Wonuma, stated that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was a significant occasion and appealed to the Council chairman to prioritise welfare, employment and empowerment programmes for ex-servicemen and their families.

By: King Onunwor