News

FG Orders Probe Of Pilgrims Deportation

Published

13 years ago

October 26, 2012

President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered a thorough post mortem of some Nigerian female pilgrims deported from Mecca over the issue of male companions.

Jonathan made this known yesterday in his Eid-El-Kabir message to Nigerians, which was made available to State House correspondents in Abuja.

He said the essence of the probe was to ensure that Hajj airlift operations were never disrupted by such problems in future and Nigerian pilgrims not subjected to such traumatic experience again.

The president extended warm greetings to Nigerians and Muslims in particular on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir festival.

He congratulated all Nigerians who successfully undertook the Hajj operations.

Jonathan noted that the country would make faster progress toward the attainment of developmental objectives with the co-operation of the citizens.

He called on people to live up to the highest ideals of religious beliefs, including the fear of God, selfless service, respect for laws and constituted authorities, honesty, justice, equity, fairness, dutifulness, peace and harmonious co-existence with others.

Jonathan said his administration would continue to give dedicated, committed, focused and purposeful leadership toward overcoming old and emerging challenges before the nation.

The president said Nigerians should use the occasion of the Sallah celebration to remember the plight of the victims of flooding.

“I have already announced a relief package of close to N18 billion and constituted a national committee to raise more funds to help victims of the floods.

“In the true spirit of our major religions which enjoin us to be generous to the needy, I urge all Nigerians who can do so to donate munificently to the national relief fund for affected persons and communities.

“We will monitor the disbursement and utilisation of the funds released by the Federal Government and those raised by the national committee very closely to ensure that they are judiciously and expeditiously expended for the benefit of the flood victims,’’ he said.

However, as a Muslims mark this year’s Eid el Kabir, Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has called for continued prayers for peace, security and development in the country, and its people.

Amaechi stated this in his Sallah message to Muslims and all Nigerians. He congratulated Muslims for the successful conclusion of this year’s Hajj and urged them to continue to pray for the peace and progress of the nation and unity among its people.

The statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. David Iyofor said, “As Nigerians, we should not relent in praying for our country, particularly for our leaders to lead right and for our people to grow in love and oneness to ultimately make our country a better place for us all.

“Let the love and generosity exhibited during the feast of sacrifice become part of our national life, as we strive to eschew violence and all forms of inhumanity.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Rivers State, I wish you happy Sallah. And as you celebrate, reflect on the ideals and virtues of Prophet Muhammed,” Amaechi said.

He assured Muslims in Rivers State of continued support and urged them to be good citizens and worthy ambassadors of the country.

In a similar vein, Senate President David Mark has called on Muslim faithful to use the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir to pray for peace and stability in Nigeria.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday implored religious leaders to teach their followers on the right thing to do so that they would not deviate or depart from the truth.

He noted that Nigeria was passing through trying times, especially security challenges, a development, he said, required that all men and women of goodwill rise up to tackle the menace.

The Senate president clarified that the insecurity in the land should not be perceived or seen from the prism of religion but a crime against humanity.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, has urged Nigerians to be law abiding at all times and restore the virtues of good neighbourliness.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Tambuwal said for Nigeria to make the necessary progress it desired, the citizenry at all levels must be their brother’s keepers and be more sensitive to the well-being of one another.

According to him, all Nigerians must show commitment and readiness to make sacrifice toward the development of the nation.

He said that making sacrifice for the nation had become imperative now more than ever before, considering the numerous challenges confronting the nation.

The speaker added that while every nation on earth had peculiar challenges confronting its people, the determination to tackle those challenges at times sets some of them apart.

He enjoined Muslim faithful to use the occasion to reflect on their spiritual lives.

“Let me use this opportunity to urge Nigerians, especially adherents of the Islamic faith, to use the occasion to reflect on our spiritual life as individuals and how we can contribute more meaningfully toward making Nigeria the great nation envisioned by its founding fathers.’’

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