News

‘Info Policy Must Ensure Liberty’

Published

13 years ago

June 14, 2013

Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (middle) flanked by the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria Uriel Palti(left) and his wife, when they paid a courtesy visit on the Governor at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC),Prof Chidi Kalu, has said appropriate information management in a society must guarantee democratic liberties by creating a deep sense of participation of the citizenry in the process of governance.

Prof Kalu gave the hint while delivering the keynote address at the first Rivers State Council on Information, organised by the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Prof Kalu said a system that alienated the citizenry through denial of access to information, was doing a great disservice to the society. He decried a situation where the wielder of power who was supposed to serve the people, consider leadership as a favour to the people, and pointed out that absolute power belonged to the people.

According to the Prof, who spoke extemporaneously at the event, “government is only relevant when it energises the people to make meaningful contribution in the process of governance, as this fast tracts the prospect of development.”

Commenting on the Nigerian scenario, Prof Kalu said there was disparity between the government and the governed, and blamed the slow pace of development and societal growth on the trend.

He noted that there was a symbiotic relationship between education and information management, and stated that every child should be given an opportunity to aspire through basic access to education as a right.

Prof Kalu, who lamented the obvious lack of citizenship awareness, called on the people to check irresponsibility in governance by asserting their rights to know what was happening in the process of governance.

He commended the Rivers State Government for its initiative as the first state to domesticate the National Council of Information, and charged the state government to come up with a proper regulatory policy on information and communication that will make the state the voice of sanity at the national level.

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the information and communication sector have applauded the Rivers State Government over its initiative to organise the first state council on information and communication, as well as domesticate the national council on information.

The stakeholders gave their views while speaking at the council on information and communication organised by the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications at the Hotel Presidential Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Speaking at the event, a veteran media practitioner in Rivers State, Chief Olu Fubara commended the Rivers State Government over its policies on information and communications and hoped that the council would evolve a sustainable information management system in the state.

Chief Fubara, a pioneer chief press secretary to the governor in the old Rivers State, who chaired the event, said the proper management of information in the society would strengthen our democracy and enhance good governance.

He emphasised the need for training and capacity development among media practitioners to avert the prospect of being gents of disinformation.

Chief Fubara, a former General Manager of Rivers Broadcasting Corporation, also called for proper funding of state media houses to discharge their statutory functions effectively.

In his goodwill message, the National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Mr Mohammed Garba, also lauded the Rivers State Government for engaging in a stakeholders platform to foster an effective information management system in the state.

The NUJ president, who was represented by the National Secretary, Shuaibu Leman, called on the Rivers State government to sustain the policy which he said , would boost transparency in governance.

Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Femi Adesina said, the theme of the event, “Public Information as tool for good governance”, was apt and called on media practitioners and information and communication managers to avail themselves of the opportunity to contribute to a more virile information management system in the state.

Earlier, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari had thanked the stakeholders for their participation.

The commissioner, said the council was geared towards evolving a policy that would conform with international best practices, and also enhance transparency and accountable stewardship in governance.

Taneh Beemene

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