News

UNEP Report: Ogonis Blast FG, Block East-West Road

Published

12 years ago

December 11, 2013

Vehicular movement along the Eleme axis of the East/West Road was yesterday disrupted, resulting in heavy traffic grid lock, following a mass protest by the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) over the non implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report by the Federal Government.

Placard carrying youths and women from the four local Government Areas of Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme thronged the road causing heavy blockade and chanting solidarity songs to press home their demands.

Some of the placards carried inscription such as; “Jonathan scrap HYPREP, create Ogoni Environmental Authority” “Our Environment is our life,” Restore UN decision now” among others.

The teeming protesters accused the Federal Government of blackmail and conspiracy against the Ogonis, pointing out that the Ogonis will not compromise the stipulated terms of the UNEP report.

The protest conducted simultaneously across the World by Ogonis was part of activities to mark the 2013 edition of the World Human Rights Day.

MOSOP President, Mr. Legborsi Pyagbara who led the protest along the Ogoni axis of the East/West road, said the refusal by the Federal Government to implement the UNEP report, two years after its release amounted to genocide against the Ogoni people.

The MOSOP President decried the continuous despoliation of the Ogoni natural environment, which he said had denied the people of their natural right to meaningful existence.

Describing the environment as man’s first right, the MOSOP President called for the immediate and full implementation of the UNEP report, stating that the Federal Government’s antics on the sensitive issue, amounted to politisation of the report.

Pyagbara also lamented the absence of Federal Government projects in Ogoni, adding that Ogonis had over the years suffered untold deprivation by the Federal Government.

He emphasised that the refusal of the Federal Government to implement the UNEP report, was an indication that the Federal Government was not ready to respond to the imperatives of justice in Ogoni.

Speaking with The Tide in a telephone interview, the Executive Director of the Ogonis in Diaspora Organisation, (ODO) based in the United States, Chief Ambrose Kii, flayed the Federal Government over the non-implementation of the UNEP report.

Chief Kii, said the Ogonis as a resilient group decided to embark on the peaceful protest in line with MOSOP directives, and pointed out that the protest, was to draw attention to the insensitivity of the Federal Government.

Kii also called for the creation of Bori State, based on economic viability and the principles of justice, noting that Ogonis had contributed in no mean measure to the development of the Nigerian state.

Maenwhile, oil workers under the platform of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN and its affiliate body, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers of Nigeria, (NUPENG), yesterday protested against the planned sale of the Port Harcourt Refinery by the Federal Government.

PENGASSAN, called on the Federal Government to begin the turn around maintenance of the Port Harcourt Refinery.

The State Chairman of PENGASSAN, Comrade Fidelis Ighodaye who led a peaceful rally along the refinery area in Eleme Local Government Area against the planned sale of the refinery to private investors also said that due to the routine maintenance of the refinery by the ad-hoc staff, the facility presently can work up to 60 per cent capacity.

Ighodayo therefore appealed to the Federal Government to ensure the supply of crude to the refinery to enable it begin refining of crude products for local consumption.

The Tide learnt that the, Rivers State chapter of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, P-MAN also staged a protest over their alleged exclusion from the forth-coming non-payment of their allowances in the Rivers State Carnival, popularly called CARNIRIV by the Director-General of the State Tourism Development Agency, Mr. Sam Dede.

Taneh Beemene

Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo (left), receiving special merit award and fellowship conferment from the President, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Mr Mustafa Shehu, at the opening of the 2013 International Engineering Conference, Exhibition and Annual General Meeting in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN

News

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

Published

4 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

4 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

4 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