News

Nigeria, Not ailed State, Says Jonathan …Inaugurates Exco

Published

15 years ago

July 15, 2011

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday, in Abuja dismissed insinuations that Nigeria was a failed State.

President Jonathan, who was speaking at the official inauguration of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), noted with delight that Nigeria was blessed with talented and hardworking people.

“Our nation has been described by certain persons as a failed state, but we are definitely not a failed state.

“We are a country of talented people who have the capacity to address whatever challenges our country may be facing now.

“Other nations have passed through their own trying moments. In no way is our experience peculiar.’’

Jonathan told the ministers that they were carefully selected to serve at a most trying and challenging period of the nation’s history.

According to him, some of the ministers are returning to their old portfolios to ensure not just continuity, but also the consolidation of projects and processes embarked upon in the administration.

He charged them to give proper account of their stewardship to the people at all times.

He noted that service to the nation was a patriotic duty that every citizen must look up to, and support, saying: “There is no greater responsibility than service to the nation.’’

He challenged the ministers to be the change agents that Nigerians craved.

He said: “We are expected to stabilise power supply in the country as a minimum pre-condition for strengthening national productivity.

“We are expected to generate employment for our unemployed youth; we are expected to revolutionise the agricultural sector and ensure food security for the people.

“We are expected to sanitise the oil and gas sector; the people also want good roads, a more qualitative public school system as well as more efficient public health and transportation systems, and so on.

“These expectations cut across all sectors. Most importantly, we are expected to protect life and property and guarantee the welfare and happiness of all Nigerians.’’

President Jonathan warned that his administration could not afford to disappoint the people.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that his administration would conduct a comprehensive audit of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) of Federal Government beginning from June 2007 to date.

Jonathan stated this in his remarks at the swearing-in ceremony of the last set of nine ministers and the inauguration of his cabinet at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The President said the decision was in line with his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption and his resolve to remove the country from the embarrassing rating in the global corruption index.

“Corruption is therefore the monster that we need to confront and defeat, in order to raise the country’s integrity profile. The war against corruption in this dispensation will start at the centre.

“The anti-corruption agencies have been directed to beam their searchlights on the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government, and also focus on the states and local government areas, in order to send out a clear signal, that no form of abuse will be tolerated,’’ he said.

He asked members of the cabinet not to see their position as a reward for status, but as an opportunity to serve the people of Nigeria and to be an agent of transformation agenda of his administration.

Jonathan also told the ministers not to compromise their integrity but ensure that the ministry they head serves the interest of public good and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.

While promising the ministers that everything would be done to provide the enabling environment for them to function, the President reminded them that the tasks ahead would be arduous and tasking.

Jonathan restated his commitment to the transformation of the country and to deliver democracy dividends to the people while asking the ministers to be committed along the line of his agenda.

“Our task is to address the issues which preoccupy Nigerians. We must act quickly while at the same time, working on sustainable responses to long-term challenges.

“This is the debt we owe the electorate who turned out in large numbers in the April 2011 elections to make a statement with their votes.

He charged the Ministers and Ministers of State to work together as a team, eschew rivalry and one-upmanship that has been a problem in the past.

He also reiterated on his campaign promise to run a transparent government and ensure significant improvement in the economy.

The nine ministers who were sworn in include, Dr Mohammed Ali Pate (Bauchi), Chief Edwin Duke (Cross River), Mrs. Omobola Johnson (Ondo), Hajia Adiza Mailafia (Kaduna) and Dr Nurudeen Mohammed (Jigawa).

Also sworn in are Mrs Sarah Ochepe (Plateau), Ms Amma Pepple (Rivers), Mr Ezeilo Nweke (Rivers) and Dr Akinwumi Adeshina (Ogun). The ministers have yet to be assigned portfolios.

Our correspondent recalls that Jonathan had on July 2, sworn in the first group consisting of 14 ministers while the second set consisting of 17 ministers were sworn in on July 8.

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