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Yakowa For Burial ‘Morrow …Bayelsa Holds Valedictory Session

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13 years ago

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Governor Patrick Yakowa who died along with General Patrick Azazi and others in an helicopter crash in Bayelsa, Saturday will be buried tomorrow in his hometown Fadan Kagoma in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The remains of former Governor Patrick Yakowa arrived Kaduna yesterday amidst tears by thousands of sympathisers that thronged the Kaduna Airport.

The corpse and that of Dauda Tsoho arrived the airport at 2:45pm accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Rear Admiral John Jonah. Jonah expressed sympathy with the family and the people of the state.

He said the Bayelsa Government had held a Valedictory Executive Session in memory of the late governor, and described Yakowa as a bridge builder, whose career was dedicated to ensuring peace and development.

He urged the people in the state to support the new governor to enable the state forge ahead.

Receiving the remains of the late governor, Governor Mukhtar Yero expressed appreciation to the government and people of Bayelsa for their support and prayers.

Yero assured the people that he would continue with the foundation laid by the late governor for the sustenance of peace, unity and progress in the state.

Archbishop Mathew Ndagoso of Kaduna Catholic Archdiocess, Bishop George Dodo (Zaria Diocess) and Bishop Mathew Kiakh (Sokoto Diocess) led prayers at the airport.

The usual praises, hails and songs of supports from bystanders that usually accompany the late governor’s convoy was missing as solemn residents in clusters gathered by the road side to bid farewell to the deceased.

The late governor left behind a wife, Mrs Amina Yakowa and four children: Peter, Kyola, Rose and Benedicta.

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Government yesterday held a valedictory session in honour of the former governor of Kaduna State, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa who along with former National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Owoye Azazi including four others died in a Navy helicopter on Saturday.

The corpse was brought to Banquet Hall at about 8.30am for the ceremony and for onward journey to Kaduna State for burial tomorrow.

The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and other eminent Nigerians in their separate speeches extolled the virtues of Late Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, describing him as a bridge builder and true democrat.

Late Yakowa and five others lost their lives in a Naval Helicopter crash on Saturday in Tombi community, Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State while returning from the funeral ceremony of the father of the Special Adviser to the President on Research and Documentation, Late Pa Tamuno Obebera Douglas in Okoroba community.

In attendance, at the valedictory session were the wife of the Governor, Mrs Rachael Dickson, the Service Chiefs, traditional rulers, representatives of the Kaduna State government and others.

Describing the death of Late Yakowa as shocking, Hon. Dickson said the deceased contributed in no small measure to the unity of the country.

His words: “we have lost a great friend, a great leader and a great patriot who believed in the possibilities of a united Nigeria. He came building the bonds of unity and fraternity in our country. He was a bridge builder in life and died doing so. May his death motivate us all to do more to unite this country and its people.

With his untimely and unfortunate demise, our nation has lost a servant and patriot. The good people of Kaduna have lost a great leader and Governor. The family has lost a great husband, father, grandfather and a patriarch. Bayelsa State has lost a great friend and I have personally lost an elder brother, colleague and friend.”

The governor assured the immediate family of the deceased of the support of the government, stating, “Bayelsa will always be there for you now and in the future and you can call it your home too. Here in Bayelsa, we do not forget our friends.”

In his tribute, the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha described Kaduna State as the epi-centre of Northern Nigeria politics, adding that during his life time, the former governor was able to unite Northern and Southern Kaduna.

According to him, he was a celebrated democrat who believed strongly in his people and was a pillar of trust and support to President Goodluck Jonathan, adding “let his departure be a source of encouragement to those who value peace, justice and equity.”

Also, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Edmund Allison-Oguru said the names of the late Governor truly reflects the various ethno-religious groups in the country, adding that he had successfully built bridges linking Northern and Southern parts of the country.

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

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6 days ago

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January 12, 2026

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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.
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Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

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6 days ago

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January 12, 2026

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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
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PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

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6 days ago

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January 12, 2026

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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
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