News

Abe Hails Planned Nat. Confab; Says Its Opportunity To Build Nation Of Our Dream …As Senator, Others Lament Killing, Abduction In Ogu

Published

12 years ago

October 4, 2013

The Senator representing Rivers South-East in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Abe has thrown his weight behind the convocation of the national conference announced by President Goodluck Jonathan, saying, it will enable stakeholders in the Nigerian project discuss the nation of their dream.
He disclosed this while reacting to the proposed national conference by the President in his Independence Day broadcast to the nation.
Senator Abe said, the subsequent constitution of an advisory committee to work out modalities for the conference gives a clear indication that the President was beginning to respond to the concerns of well-meaning Nigerians on moving the country forward.
According to him “it is heartwarming that the President has realized the need for National Conference; it is a breakthrough for Nigeria, we can now seat on a round table and chart an acceptable path towards a brighter future for our country”.
The chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) emphasised that the initiative was an opportunity for Nigerians to address the avalanche of socio-economic and political challenges as well as resolution of structural problems plaguing the country.
He noted that the conference would undoubtedly address cases of impunity, incessant harassment, suppression and intimidation of dissenting voices, evils of the recent past affecting good leadership like the issues in Nigeria Governor’s Forum, non adherence to rule of law, democratic tenets and true federalism.
While enlisting the President to ensure the confab works, Senator Abe expressed optimism that it would promote national cohesion, stability, unity and preserve our heritage for future generations.
“We need the voice of everybody interested in the future of Nigeria, this is an opportunity we yearned for, we must take it serious,”. he concluded.
Meanwhile,the chiefs and peoples of Ogu in Ogu/Bolo Local Government areas of Rivers State have cried out to the government over the killing of their son, Mr Johnny Isaac and the abduction of two others byEkporo community in Eleme Local Government Area.
Addressing a press conference in Port Harcourt yesterday, the chairman of Ogu divisional council of chiefs, Chief Emmanuel Ibioricka said the two abducted sons of the community were Ibunemisa Obie and Steven Oju, whose where-about is yet unknown.
Chief Ibiorika said the victims were riding on a motorbike along the site the Ogu police station which is being renovated when they were attacked by one Inspector Franklin from Ekporo who was armed and two of his kinsmen.
According to him, as assailants killed Johnny Isaac and abducted the others, they escaped with their motorbike into a bush path through Ekporo community.
He appealed to the government to persuade Ekporo community to release those they abducted unhurt, and enjoined the people of the area to go about their normal business ad continue to maintain their peaceful disposition.
The Police Public Relations Officer who confirmed the story said that two persons died in the crisis.
Speaking on the issue, the Senator representing Rivers East in his reaction, the police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Rivers State Police Command DSP Ahmad Kidaya Muhammed confirmed and said there was an incident involving two communities over land that claimed two lives.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Senator George Thompson Sekibo has called on the people of Ogu in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Areas and the Ekporo Community in Eleme Local Government Area to resolve their differences amicably through lawful channels rather than take laws into their hands.
Reacting to the gruesome murder of an indigene of Ogu by the people of Ekporo, Senator Sekibo condemned the act and cautioned youths to eschew violence and other acts likely to breach the peace in the area.
In a statement by his Special Assistant, Hon. Kevin Agbam, the Senator warned rumour peddlers against spreading malicious falsehood or making provocative and inflammatory comments and advised those instigating the crisis to stop fanning embers of discord.
He noted that the people of Ogu and Ekporo have enjoyed several years of warm relationship that should be sustained in the interest of all and called on the law enforcement agencies to take necessary steps to restore normalcy
Senator Sekibo urged leaders to continue to preach peace adding that nothing good can be achieved in an atmosphere of rancour of disturbance.
It would be recalled that the Amanyanabo of Ogu, Chief Nicholas Abiebele Nimenibo Loko IX recently urged the neighbouring community to remain calm over the on-going renovation of the police station, noting that it will be of immense security benefit particularly to the two communities

Publicity Secretary PHCCIMA, Chief Nabil Saleh (right) with Financial Secretary PHCCIMA, Prince Allison Ogidigbon, during PHCCIMA membership induction in Port Harcourt, yesterday

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