News

Jackreece Defends Wike On Apiafi’s Choice …Says Rivers West Senatorial District Not For Sale

Published

7 years ago

July 19, 2019

A pioneer member of the Peoples Democratic Party and former chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece, yesterday, defended the emergence of Betty Apiafi as Senator representing Rivers West senatorial district, saying that the decision of the party leadership to back her candidature has entrenched justice, fairness and equity in the senatorial district.
Hon. Jackreece who was amongst the politicians to be elected into office in the first election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the current democratic dispensation, argued, in an interview with newsmen, that two out of the four federal constituencies constituting the Rivers West senatorial district have represented the district for eight years each except Abua/Odual/Ahoada East constituency which has occupied the seat for four years and Asari-Toru/Akuku Toru Federal Constituency which is yet to occupy the seat for once.
Further buttressing his argument, the politician known for his grassroots popularity, said, “These four constituencies have eight local governments and at the inception of this democratic dispensation, Bonny/Degema federal constituency occupied the seat with late Dr. Ibiapuye Martins Yellowe for eight years.
“hereafter, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni/ Ahoada West occupied the seat with Senator Wilson Ake for another eight years and then Abua/Odual/Ahoada East Constituency occupied the senatorial seat for four years with Senator Ideozu who later decamped to another party. Therefore, justice and fairness demand that a candidate from the same federal constituency is returned to the Senate,” he said.
Hon Jackreece commended the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike for his support to the popular demand that a candidate from the Abua/Odual/Ahoada East federal constituency in person of Senator Betty Apiafi should go for the seat. “Governor Wike, in his wisdom threw his weight behind Betty Apiafi and that is acceptable to the majority of the people of Rivers West senatorial district. That is the reason behind her overwhelming victory at the polls.”
“Wike is one of the greatest politicians of our time. He is a tested and trusted politician who has remained in the PDP to weather the storm. He is a founding member. He has remained in the party to continue to build it. He means well for the PDP and that is the primary reason people like us who are equally founding members support him and his decisions. Without people like Wike, PDP would have gone into oblivion not only in Rivers State but also in Nigeria.”
“While those who effortlessly benefitted from the PDP in several ways have turned around to seek the extinction of the party, Wike has remained dogged and resolute in the fight to ensure that the party is kept afloat because of his love for the party as a pioneer member. Taking into consideration the sacrifices made to build the party from scratch, Wike has resolved to ensure the existence of the PDP despite the challenges it has faced since 2015. My prayer is that God will continue to guide and protect him.
“Those of us who won elections to become local government council chairmen in December 1998 and waited till June 1999 to be sworn into office, were the foot soldiers of the then leaders that actually mobilised support for the party as an association to qualify for registration by INEC as a political party.”
Hon. Jackreece who declared that the Rivers West Senatorial District is not for sale, dismissed some politicians who claim to be founding members of the party in the Rivers West Senatorial District, adding that such politicians only benefitted from the efforts of the then council chairmen and the leaders to win elections into the State and national Assemblies. “The Rivers West Senatorial District is the richest in the State and can only be left in the hands of matured politicians.”
“I think people should not claim what they are not. You holding political office after the foundation has been laid cannot turn round to claim to be a founding member. Apart from the major leaders of the PDP, the then nineteen council chairmen including Nyesom Wike and my humble self are entitled to such claim. Amongst us, however, Georgeford Nwosu of Omuma, Mowan Owan-Etete of Andoni, Nnamdi Wokekoro of Port Harcourt City, Ngo Briggs of Akuku-Toru are no more, but fifteen of us are still alive to attest to that fact,” he said.

News

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

Published

4 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

4 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

4 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