News

Our Achievements Propelled By Wike, Nwanosike Insists

Published

4 years ago

October 13, 2021

Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Engr Samuel Nwanosike has attributed his successes to the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, for charging him and other council chairmen to deliver dividends of democracy to their people.
Nwanosike made this known at Omagwa during the commissioning of the 1,000-capacity seating town hall built by his administration for the Omagwa, last Monday.
The commissioning ceremony was performed by the Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja.
Nwanosike said, “Sir, we have a leader in Rivers State who is not just providing infrastructure for the people of Rivers State but he is building young men and women across the 23 local governments and 319 wards in Rivers State because he understands that leadership is transient, and when a set of leaders move up, vacuum should not be created. He has made us to understand that you do not just go and make promises because you believe politicians should make promises and deceive people to get into public office. He believes that when you make promises, do everything to fulfil them. The people have given us the opportunity to manage their resources, so we must provide results in the forms of dividends of democracy to justify the confidence reposed in us as leaders.”
He asserted that all the other local government chairmen were working on the same page in terms of delivering dividends of democracy to their people at the third tier.
Nwanosike praised Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governments across the nation for delivering dividends of democracy to the people, saying that All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal and state governments have failed woefully.
“Today, the APC-led administration has borrowed more than what we can imagine as a people. So, they have not only destroyed the security architecture, they have destroyed the rule of law because this Federal Government does not obey any law in Nigeria. They don’t obey court orders”, he said.
Nwanosike urged the public not to worry themselves again because PDP was about to give them a leader who would manage the country properly.
According to him, “Our father, we are happy that time is a healer of all wounds. We have told our people not to worry, by October 30 to 31, the Peoples Democratic Party will elect a leadership at the national level to pilot the affairs of the party round the 774 local governments in Nigeria and provide true leadership that will be able to manage our diversities and resources”.
The Ikwerre LG chairman said that the person eminently qualified to lead Nigeria has been found in Rivers State, saying that he is Governor Nyesom Wike.
He clarified that Wike has been able to manage Rivers State, which is a mini-Nigeria with people of different languages, culture and religion, adding that he has delivered numerous projects in the state which prompted the vice president to name him ‘Mr Project’.
Nwanosike pleaded with the monarch to lead a delegation to Wike and beg him to come and rescue Nigeria by agreeing to become the president of Nigeria come 2023.
He praised staff of Ikwerre LGA for supporting him to work for the people.
“Today is a wonderful day. When I was coming into this arena, I saw love, I saw appreciation, I saw joy and smile in the faces of Omagwa people. In my culture, my royal majesty, when you come home and your people lay on the floor this expensive george for you to walk upon, that means you have achieved a great feat.
“This feat wouldn’t have been possible without the civil servants headed by the HLGA, Dr Mrs Nne Okah, the treasurer of council, the Head of Personnel Management, council engineer and all other civil servants who said enough is enough, let’s work for the people of Ikwerre Local Government”, Nwanosike said.
The project commissioning is one of the activities lined up to mark 100 days in office of the second tenure of Nwanosike.
While commissioning the 1,000-capacity seating hall built for traditional rulers by Nwanosike in Omagwa, the Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, described the project as marvellous, and urged other council chairmen to emulate the Ikwerre LG chairman.
Douglas Jaja said, “What we are seeing here is marvellous in our eyes. What we have heard too is something we have to take home, is something we should ask other chairmen of local governments to emulate”.
He stated that Nwanosike was one of the chairmen that stand out like a colossus in the affairs of local governments in Nigeria.
“I know that he is man who has touched the lives of everybody. The traditional rulers have asked me to thank him very much because of what he has done in this local government. He has touched lives”, he added.
In his welcome speech, the Councillor representing Ward 9 at Ikwerre Legislative Assembly, Hon Samuel Oboni, said that Nwanosike has done more than enough for the people of the ward, saying that they would continue to stand with him.
While making their solidarity speeches, the Leader of PDP in Ward 9, Hon K. K. Aribodor; the President of National Union of Omagwa Students, Comrade Joe Moses; Mrs Rachel Dan-Wachukwu, amongst others; noted that Nwanosike was a worthy son who has brought development to his people, saying that their happiness and joy knew no bounds.
The commissioning was witnessed by the Vice Chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Mrs Rejoice Ifeoma Nyenwe; the wife of Ikwerre LGA Chairman, Mrs Silver Nwanosike; the member representing Ikwerre Constituency at the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Anslem Oguguo; the Leader of Ikwerre Legislative Assembly, Hon Nwobuisi Chikwe-Tasie; Rivers State PDP Women Leader, Hon Mirian Ogbonna; members of Ikwerre LGA Government Recognised Traditional Rulers, Owho holders, opinion leaders, political leaders, councillors, political appointees, amongst others.

By: Nelson Chukwudi

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