News

APC Accuses Fayose Of Plotting Fresh Violence …Fayose Reacts

Published

11 years ago

October 8, 2014

Following the recent attacks on judicial officials in Ekiti State, and arsonists’ attacks on the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), by alleged supporters of the state’s governor-elect, Ayodele Fayose, the APC has accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), of planning “fresh insurrection” in the state.
The Publicity Secretary of the APC in the state, Taiwo Olatubosun, in a statement yesterday, alleged that the planned unrest was aimed at intimidating the residents of the state and subverting the decision of the election tribunal towards the October 16 handover date.
The tribunal is expected to rule on the eligibility of Fayose to contest the gubernatorial election, which he won following his impeachment from office on allegation of corruption in 2006.
“We have our facts that beginning from tomorrow, Wednesday, October 8, 2014, Fayose and the PDP leadership will take to the streets again to forment trouble, using some thugs brought in from the neighbouring states and Ibadan,” said Olatubosun.
“The plan was hatched in a meeting held at the Spotless Hotel belonging to the governor-elect. Barring a last minute change of heart, they will start another round of protest and attacks on opposition leaders in the state capital to prevent the Judiciary from ensuring smooth dispensation of the cases before it following the resolution of NJC.”
Describing the plan as “anti-democratic”, Olatubosun said the “clandestine” move showed that Fayose was proving to be above the law.
“There are provisions in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that qualifies one to vote and be voted for. The issue of election is not complete until the election tribunal dispenses all the cases or petitions emanating from such election or electoral process,” he said.
Olatubosun said the APC was not perturbed by the threat. He said the party’s only worry is that supporters of Fayose and the PDP usually resorted to unleashing mayhem in their bid to take over by force thereby giving the star a bad name.
He said the state may be heading for “a session of one week one trouble.”
“We have it on good authority that anytime from now, Fayose and his PDP goons would start causing civil unrest in our state. We have it on good authority that they have been importing new set of thugs into the state to harass innocent people. We have it on good authority that they have been inciting some people to start protesting against the system,” he said.
He wondered why Fayose was worried and resorting to violence if he had the legitimate right to be governor.
He called on the people of the state to give peace a chance and allow things be done “legally and orderly.”
“Even Fayose should realise that whatever action he is taking today will become a sword in the hands of his perceived followers tomorrow when they are tired of his usual high-handedness. The earlier he follows the path of honour to power, the better,” he said.
He said the APC would not allow itself to be dragged into a campaign of violence but allow for the issue to be resolved legally.
“No one can build legality on illegality. If they have nothing to hide, they should go through the legal hurdles and come out clean. Then and only then can they reign in peace,” he said.
Olatubosun called on security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities and make sure that peace reigned in the state.
Reacting, Ekiti State Governor-Elect, Mr Ayodele Fayose, faulted the opinion of the Lagos-based legal practitioner, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) that some people are planning to relocate from the state after the inauguration of the governor-elect.
In the statement made available to newsmen by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, the governor-elect described the claim by the lawyer as baseless and out of place.
Fayose was apparently reacting to a statement in a publication in one of the national dailies in which Falana was quoted as saying some people in the state are planning to relocate from the state after the inauguration of Fayose in October 16, saying Ekiti State is gradually gaining the status of terror- state.
Adelusi, who expressed doubt over the claim of Falana, noted that only those who have skeletons in their cupboards may decide to move out of the state to other state.
He noted that the overwhelming people of Ekiti State that voted Fayose as their governor on June 21, this year are eagerly awaiting his inauguration as their governor.
“Ekiti people who elected Fayose and preferred him over and above Falana’s lackey, are waiting for his coming and for the four years he will lead the state.
“We know for sure that as our Lord lives, that expectation will not be cut short.
“Ekiti is as peaceful as any other state, it is people like Falana who are beating the drum of war and propaganda that are having nightmares and sleepless nights over the return of Fayose as the governor of the state.
“Those causing trouble in the state in the last two weeks are leaders of the All Progressives Congress and their thugs. If people like Jaruu and Apase, who have murder cases hanging on their necks, are leaving the state, security agencies know how to handle their cases.
“If trouble makers and people that the Bible calls ‘the troublers of Israel’ are relocating, then, it is good riddance to bad rubbish.
“If those who have looted the state’s treasury and are afraid of probe have decided to relocate, they should know that the long arm of the law will catch up with them.
“It is common sense that it is only the guilty that are afraid. Anybody who does not have any skeleton in his cupboard will not be running helter skelter when nobody is pursuing him.
“Falana and his cohorts should know that they are not in any way better than thousands of Ekiti teachers, artisans, bike riders, businessmen, council workers, professionals and others who cast their votes for Fayose to lead them for the next four years,” he added.
Adelusi urged the people of Ekiti and Nigerians at large to take Falana’s claims and others that could still be fabricated with a pinch of salt.
“The good people of Ekiti and Nigerians do not need to exert pressure on just a cell in their brains to think about such claims.
“They have better things to think about. We only hope APC and its sympathisers will come back from their dream land and face the reality on ground,” he added.

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