News

Tai Leaders Tackle Wike On Banana Farm

Published

12 years ago

October 16, 2013

L-R: United Bank for Africa (UBA) Director of Consumer Banking, Mr Ilesanmi Owoeye, a customer, Ms Gladys Ugwuagu and Uba Head, Retail Products Division, Mrs Olumide Osunyomi during UBA launch of U-Gold Banking Product in Enugu, last week. Photo: NAN

The Federal lawmaker representing Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency, Chief Barinada Mpigi and leaders of Tai Local Government Area have cautioned the acting Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike and Senator Lee Maeba over their comments on the Banana Farm owned by the Rivers State Government.
Reacting to the comments by former Senator Lee Maeba at the inauguration of Grassroots Democratic Initiative in Kpite Community in Tai Local Government Area to lead a protest to destroy the farm Chief Mpigi said, the plot is targeted at destroying and sabotaging the economy of the state and render thousands of youths, women and men in the area useless and unproductive.
Mpigi stated this Monday, at a media briefing at Government House in Port Harcourt.
According to him, ‘Now, they are talking about Banana Farm, and many of our sons and daughters, including men and women engaged in the farm will be rendered useless. Some of them were paid huge sums of money for their crops that were bought for the farm, some of them were paid very little amount in the past, but what they were paid currently has been in millions. But let me assure them that the people of Kpite Community in Tai Local Government Area have resolved that they are ready to follow Governor Amaechi”, Hon. Mpigi said.
The Federal Lawmaker flayed Chief Wike on his inability to resolve the ASUU strike that has crippled academic activities in the nation’s university system, and urged him to dump his electioneering campaign and return to Abuja, where he is most needed.
“The comments by Nyesom Wike last Sunday shows that he has lost direction and bearing. Instead of Wike to concentrate on how to resolve ASUU strike, he is busy in Rivers State jumping from one local government to the other to inaugurate GDI. I think he should start going back to Abuja and sit down with President Jonathan and other well-meaning Nigerians to resolve the ASUU strike. Nyesom Wike also mentioned my name during the GDI inauguration, but let me remind Wike that since I became council chairman in 1999 and later appointed as Commissioner, I was not forced on anybody. I was also duly elected by the people of Eleme, Tai and Oyigbo Federal Constituency,” Hon. Mpigi said.
He strongly condemned the planned hiring of thugs, hoodlums and militants to terrorize his people during the upcoming general elections, stressing that the people of Tai, Eleme and Oyigbo have already thrown their weight behind Governor Amaechi.
“Last Sunday, our people saw how hired thugs, hoodlums and militants were roaming the communities, but when the chips are down, they will see. Amaechi has built 22 Model Primary Schools and Health Centres. Everybody in Tai will allow the votes casts at the poll to count”, Hon. Mpigi maintained.
Speaking further, Hon. Hycinth Dike, former Chief of Staff of Tai Council said, Nyesom Wike and former Senator Lee Maeba and their supporters were strangers to their land since they were not conversant with the level of infrastructural and human capital development instituted by the Governor Amaechi led administration in Tai local government area of the state.
Hon. Hyacinth Dike challenged former Senator Lee Maeba to tell the people of Tai and the people of his senatorial district how many constituency projects he attracted to the area during his tenure of office, and warned Lee Maeba and his cohorts to avoid the banana farm and other development projects put in place by the Governor Amaechi led administration.
One of the leaders of Kpite community, in Tai Local Government Area, Sir Mbakpone Okpe noted that the community has benefitted immensely from the Amaechi led administration, including the appointment of their sons as commissioners, award of overseas scholarships to indigenes, and the construction of solar power light project in the area by Chief Barry Mpigi.
Another political leader in Kpite Community, Hon, Mgbo Innocent advised Chief Nyesom Wike and Senator Maeba to withdraw their repulsive statements, and seek ways to end the PDP political impasse in Rivers State, and allow peace to prevail.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Amaechi, Mr David Iyofor said that the state governor will not be drawn into joining issues with Nyesom Wike and his insignificant group of court jesters.
“That Banana Farm in Tai Local Government Area employs over 250 indigenes of Tai and millions of Naira were paid monthly to this people. It is one of the biggest employer of labour in that area. It’s economic benefits to the Tai people and the state is enormous,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rivers State governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi says his administration is gradually moving the state from an oil -based to an agro-based economy.
He made the revelation in a press chat with a group of foreign journalists who visited him and undertook tour of projects last weekend in Port Harcourt.
The governor while calling on foreign investors to come and invest pointed out that Rivers state is virgin for any investor. He maintained that the state is ready to give out more lands for any agricultural investments
He stated that already foreign investors have taken over the former RISONPALM estate of about 10,000 hectares of palm, and that an Israeli company has also agreed to commence Farm Settlement in Etche worth about N50billion naira.
According to Amaechi Africa is a virgin land and has huge potentials, especially Nigeria with its huge population.
Even the huge untapped natural resources in the state according to the governor provides enough potentials for any investor, saying that the policy of government is to move the state from oil to an agro-based economy.
Amaechi also stressed that “one way of moving the country forward was through education and if you don’t have it you are in problem.
So far, he submitted that the effort has started yielding results following success recorded by indigenes who went abroad for scholarships.
Commenting on why the people still love his administration despite the political problems he said, “ I think Rivers people have been patient enough…you can see that despite the political problems they are still rallying behind government because they are seeing things on ground ‘’

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