News

RVHA Writes UN, NASS Over Paris Club Refund, Flooding …Screens Two Commissioner-Nominees

Published

7 years ago

September 28, 2018

Miffed over the exclusion of Rivers State from the Federal Government emergency funding for flood-prone states and the Paris Club refund, the state House of Assembly says it would petition the United Nations and the National Assembly over the matter.
The petition emanated from a motion raised by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Martin Amaewhule on the floor, yesterday, as the House deliberated on issues affecting the state.
The motion, however, was amended after debate by members, with a resolution to condemn the recall of the Paris Club refund and write the Federal Government to direct multinational companies operating in Ahoada-West to donate relief materials as part of their corporate social responsibility, among others.
The House held that there was need to cry out to the international community over deliberate plan of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to sideline Rivers State on its right to benefit from the government.
Against this backdrop, the legislators, in a unanimous vote, supported the plan to address an international press conference to let world leaders know what the state was suffering in the hands of the present Federal Government.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani cited the Constitution as amended in Chapter 2 while pinpointing subsections 14, 15 (4,5) as provisions in the law that flaw all actions of the Federal Government against the state.
He said, “It’s a sad commentary that the Federal Government cannot protect the people of Rivers State”.
The Speaker explained that since most parts of the state are riverine, the coastal states were prone to flooding hence special attention should be given to those areas.
The sorry state of the situation being faced by people in Ahoada-West and some parts of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government areas was painted by Hon. Nanaka Ogbokiri, Christian Ahiakwo and Nathaniel Uwaji.
Ogbokiri had earlier raised the motion seeking to compel multinationals to intervene in the situation, as Ahiakwo decried the exclusion of the state from the NEMA’s N3billion emergency fund.
In the words of Uwaji, “Virtually all the districts in Ndoni Kingdom are submerged. When I get back home, I feel bad because the flood does not know APC or PDP”.
The Speaker concluded that the House would not fail to do the needful, as he commended the governor for meeting up to the challenge of defending the state always.
He, however, called for urgent steps to salvage the situation, especially those being affected by the flooding.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has screened two commissioner-nominees, Dr. Zacheaus Adango and Dr. Leloonu NwibuBasah, while committing the Rivers State College of Health Technology and Management Bill 2018 to committee stage.
Both Adango and NwibuBasah were grilled by some of the lawmakers as others sought that they be recongised and allowed to go based on their profiles.
However, after few questions, the commissioner-nominees were allowed to go, but NwibuBasah assured that he was poised to make meaningful contribution and bring his experience to bear in his new position.
Earlier, the House passed the Rivers State College of Health Technology and Management Bill 2018 for second reading, and thereafter, referred it to committee stage.
The bill, which was formally an Executive Bill, was only withdrawn and re-introduced as private member bill by Hon. Michael Chinda of Obio/Akpor Constituency earlier this year.
In his submission, Chinda said the bill was overdue considering the current state of affairs in the institution.
The Obio/Akpor 11 Constituency legislator said the school has over the years lost so much compared to other colleges of similar status, as both staff and students do not enjoy grants, scholarships and support from the Tertiary Education Fund (TEF).
If the bill is passed, Chinda maintained, the remuneration and staff welfare, including retirement benefits, would be upgraded.
The Speaker while commending the efforts of Chinda and other House members towards upgrading the school, relied on the House Order, as it committed the bill to Committee Stage.
In his ruling, Ibani directed that the House Committee on Education to conduct a public hearing within 14 working days, stressing that most part of the bill was on education.
The committee is expected to submit its report after the public hearing for more deliberations by the House.

Kevin Nengia & Idaminabo Shammah

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