News

Democracy Day: Stakeholders Lament Insecurity Of Lives, Property

Published

12 years ago

May 29, 2014

As governments at all levels mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic practice in Nigeria today, stakeholders from all walks of life have expressed divergent views on the successes, failures and prospects of democracy and good governance in the country.
The stakeholders, who spoke to our correspondents in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, x-rayed the nation’s democratic experiment since May 29, 1999, its achievements thus far, the challenges bedevilling the country, and the lessons learnt from the avalanche of issues that have negatively affected Nigeria’s march towards greatness.
They also made suggestions on the way going forward through policies that would guarantee hope, peace and sustainable development while at the same time securing the lives and property of citizens.
Chairman, Ahoada West Local Government Area, Barrister Awori Miller said, “the Federal Government has failed Nigerians in many ways, especially in the area of security of lives of the citizens, and combating poverty in the land. Presently, I can say that there is no security in Nigeria. The country’s leadership has also failed in terms of providing employment for the citizens.
“The Federal Government has to be sincere in its policies to revamp the faltering state of infrastructure development in all sectors of the economy. The National Conference that is expected to shape the future of the country is a mere jamboree, because I don’t expect anything meaningful from the look of things.
“The survival of Nigeria needs a deliberate and concerted efforts to address critical issues of national concern, such as job creation, security, minority rights, among others.”
For Patrick Court, a teacher: “There is not much to celebrate as the country is in a state of dilemma, and requires the intervention of God to save the people from extermination. It is unfortunate that Nigerians can no longer find peace at every part of the country, and that puts a question mark on our democracy and nationhood.
“We can only celebrate when we live life unmolested, and pursue our livelihoods in any part of the country without fear of harassment, intimidation or even being killed under violent circumstances. We need to pray for the peace, security and survival of this country.”
A commercial motorist, Akanimo Udosen said, “I am not very happy with the way things are going in this country. Things are very difficult for the ordinary people, who have increasingly become vulnerable. They are mostly the victims of terrorist attacks. “The government should do something to protect the lives of ordinary citizens.
“In the area of transportation, the Federal Government has tried with the reconstruction of the railway system. I think the government should try and complete the rail project to help the ordinary people who cannot afford expensive transport system.”
Fellow, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Elizabeth Bob-Manuel said, “I think the government has made some impact in the development of the health sector but there are still lots that need to be done. The government has to muster the political will to make the system more functional than the way things are now.
“For instance, there should be provision of basic facilities for effective medical services in Nigeria to discourage over-dependence in foreign medical services. There should also be a multisectoral approach towards the developemnt of the health sector as the government cannot do everything alone. I am however, optimistic that things will improve remarkably in the future, if there is a determined will to fix the system, devoid of politics.”
Chairman, New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Hon Princewill Enyie picked holes with the administration at all levels for what he described as government of exclusion. “Those in charge of governance should bring all the stakeholders in governance together. Any governance that cannot do that can’t be regarded as a government,” he said.
“Unity government is only professed but not put into actual practice, and until the attitude is changed towards uniting the people at all levels of governance, we cannot be speaking in one voice,” he mainatined.
“Our democracy has sufferred in the hands of leaders who lack the will to govern the people. Look at the delay in the conduct of local governemnt elections. This is one of the inconsistencies in policies that has characterised our democracy, and made progress towards perfection difficult.”
Vice Chancellor, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Prof Rosemund Dienye Green-Osahogulu, while assessing the contributions of the youth to the nation’s democracy, said there are areas the youth have performed enviably well, adding that many of their negative activities have also brought shame to the nation. She said there is no way Nigeria’s democracy can be unbiasedly assessed without taking into cognisance the role of the youth in national development, peace and stability.
She scored the youth high in the areas of sports, as according to her, many of them have represented the country well, bringing honours and laurels. They have also made the country proud in the area of entertainment such as music and movies.
“But in the education sector, they have not bequeathed themselves enough. Some of them still engage people to write JAMB and class examinations, especially at tertiary level. They involve in cultism, militancy, kidnapping, robbery, and other social vices. They have lost their sense of respect for elders, their social values and attitudinal orietations have not been encouraging. These are some of the challenges that our democracy has faced in the last 15 years.
For Senior Lecturer, IAUE, Dr Green Iheanacho: “Our leaders appear not to have a full grasp of the how presidential system of government in a democracy should work. This is why we tend to pander more towards parliamentary or unitary system of government. In the present dispensation, you see more of an overbearing legislature and controversial judiciary. It appears they do not have a clear undertsnading of the system of government they are running.

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