News

Before Wednesday: Longest Tuesday …Reliving Mood Of Rivers People… On That Day

Published

16 years ago

April 23, 2010

None could say for sure from whence it came or from whose lips it first emanated but in the days leading to Wednesday, April 21, 2010, particularly Tuesday, a thick dark cloud enveloped Port Harcourt and environs and indeed most parts of Rivers State.

This was not the type meteorologists often warn against, nor the recent acid rain alarm that shook parts of the state. It was even more frightening because it came along, with not merely thunder and lightening. This came with uncertainty, fear of the future, agony over a development drive about to be cut-short and above all else, a total displacement of the status quo.

Strangely, rather than let the apprehensive Rivers people see sunlight, this rare climatic condition thickened, darker and darker to a point when revealed its true identity – Viscious Rumour.

So eloquent, certain, arrogant, ambitious and brazen in manufacture of lies, Rumour went round town that Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi would by Wednesday cease to superintend the affairs of the state, as governor (the first to shed-executive), and vacate the seat for Chief Bekinbo Soberekon, the Accord Party candidate in the April 14, 2007 Governorship elections in the state.

Why Accord Party? When the well known and truly grounded parties in Rivers State, those with officers even at the unit levels, not to talk of wards and local government areas, are only two? The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and others which should hardly include the party in question?

Ever so certain, Rumour still said emphatically that the Appeal Court billed to sit in Port Harcourt past Wednesday, had reached a verdict already. A verdict that Bekinbo Soberekon would have been duly elected if his photograph had been on the ballot papers. And for that “costly slip” the Appeal Tribunal had resolved that the rightful winner – being Soberekon be sworn-in as EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, the type, his type treasures.

Seriously, so strong was the exactitude of Rumour’s eloquence that even those trusted to reassure their followers were also doubtful of what to say and so could say very little to counter the faithful agents of Rumour. Indeed, some were even rumoured to have started packing personal valuables, off offices in event of Amaechi’s tenure coming to an end, while, a good majority of Rivers people mourned, for their beloved leader still alive.

Pa Berthwell Nyeduko, a retired Shell contract staff from Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area told The Tide it would sheer madness for any court to unseat Amaechi, if for nothing else, the good job he is doing now. “If a man becomes governor pre-occupation has been to share money to friends and families, siphon their and prepare over seas escape, decides to make such a huge difference as Amaechi the Youngman is making why should anyone stop him? “the Papa queried.

But the rumours got even more dangerous, more convincing and with the likelihood of igniting some reactions among aggrieved Rivers youths and which apparently became even more compelling for government to douse the tension created by Rumour. Chief Nyesom Wike, the Chief of Staff, Government House did his best to calm the fears when he assured the citizenry that the issue was not about the removal of the Governor, but ruling on motions.

Yet, Rivers people continued their brooding, uncertain of whether Wike spoke to them through the media as a lawyer or a diplomat. Strangely, no where in both Port Harcourt and environs did The Tide news crew find any group celebrating what had been rumoured to be the imminent ouster of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

However, Rivers people witnessed the longest Tuesday in history with many wondering when and if the day had probably been increased to 36 hours. But when it finally did end and ushered Wednesday, it was a joyous sigh of relief that Amaechi stays as governor and indirectly told Chief Bekinbo Soberekon, a man who many had thought, would let go long ago, that his case that made all the hype lacked the merit he attached to it, a verdict Rivers people interpreted to mean the New Rivers State has moved far beyond his kind of leadership style and promise.

What Rives people are celebrating today are the beautiful model schools, many health centres, good roads, overseas scholarship for brilliant children, futuristic development of the city and above all transparency and accountability, and not what Late Reginald Furo often associated with bad politicians, the 3-W’s of political failure – ill-gotten wealth, women and wine. Not today.

Alas, the ballot paper in question has been vindicated, that now is not the time.

Soye Wilson Jamabo

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