News

Delegates Congress Tears APC Apart

Published

8 years ago

July 31, 2017

Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, Senator Magnus Abe, has raised alarm over alleged manipulation of the delegates’ list of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State by some party leaders, saying the state congress that should have produced the delegates last Saturday, did not hold.
Abe, who spoke at the state secretariat of the party on Forces Avenue, old GRA, Port Harcourt, said the committee delegated by the national secretariat of the party to monitor the exercise in the state ended up at a hotel in the state.
“Well, as you can see, there has been no congress in the state. The so-called stakeholders meeting in the state, last Friday, ended in a fiasco.
“The committee from Abuja has not come to the party’s secretariat on Forces Avenue since morning, yet people have been here waiting.
“Nobody should stay in a hotel and concoct any delegate’s list for Rivers people. It is clear there was no congress in the state,” Abe argued.
Also speaking in an interview at the Novotel Hotel premises in Port Harcourt, member representing Eleme/Tai/Oyibo Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Barinada Mpigi, who is among the leaders of the aggrieved members, alleged that the delegates’ list has been manipulated.
Mpigi said that until the national committee addresses the supporters on the development, they would not leave the hotel.
The Tide investigations show that hundreds of aggrieved supporters of Abe had blocked members of the party’s national convention committee from exiting Novotel Hotel, after rumours had filtered to them that the committee and some loyalists of the party leader in the state, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, had concocted some names to bolster their chances at the congress.
The supporters, who stormed the hotel and barricaded its gates to prevent the committee members and other state party leaders from leaving, noted that the committee has refused to distribute the materials meant for the congress election to the 23 LGAs.
They also alleged that the committee had written the results to favour a faction of the party led by Chibuike Amaechi, insisting that officials of the APC had manipulated the list of delegates under the guidance of Amaechi’s associates led by Asita Asita.
It was gathered that the crisis in the Rivers State APC had degenerated to a record low following the mobilisation of armed militants by suspected Amaechi’s loyalists to unleash mayhem on supporters of Abe in Eleme, Ikwerre, Ahoada West, Emohua, Asari-Toru and Degema.
The armed militants, alleged to have been backed by personnel of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), shot sporadically at different congress venues, carting away materials to the homes of Amaechi’s supporters.
Attempts to reach the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, for his comments were unsuccessful as his line was switched off.
The Tide learnt that the current effort was in line with the former governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi’s grand design to cripple the political influence of Senator Magnus Abe.
Amaechi, who had already removed some perceived loyalists of Abe from the leadership caucus of the party in Rivers State, had scheduled the LG congress of the party in the state for last Saturday.
Inside sources revealed that the move was aimed at removing all perceived unit, ward and LG chairmen who are suspected to be sympathetic to the 2019 governorship ambition of Abe.
Speaking after last Friday’s stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt, the APC State Chairman, Dr Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, had said that “the party leadership has re-affirmed that the state-wide LGA congresses would hold Saturday, as earlier scheduled”.
Ikanya added that the locations and venues where the congresses will hold in all 23 LGAs of the state have been duly communicated to APC LGA party officers, and assured that necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure hitch-free congresses across the state.
But The Tide investigations discovered that despite promises of a level-playing field for all contestants for the various positions, most persons selected to lead the local government congress were loyalists of the minister, who were given specific mandate on the results expected from the congresses.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

News

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

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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