News

Panic As Fresh Fuel Scarcity Hits Rivers

Published

11 years ago

February 25, 2015

Indications of fuel scarcity with resultant queues have emerged in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital and other parts of the state.
Signs of the scarcity began to manifest since Saturday as a good number of filing stations in the city locked up their pumps and stopped selling products, thereby causing unusual panic among motorists and residents who use petrol and diesel to power their homes.
Some of the filling station attendants told The Tide that they were not selling because they had no product.
As at yesterday, the problem became more pronounced when virtually all filling stations in Ikwerre Road, especially within Diobu axis, Aba Road and Port Harcourt Old Township had no product.
Consumers concentrated on the few stations such as Oando and MRS along Aba Road.
When The Tide visited Oando, there was a long queue stretching from the station near Peoples Democratic party office to Federal Road Safety office (FRSC), on Aba Road.
At Total Filling station by Rumuola Junction on Aba Road, a similar scenario played out with queues stretching to Conoil filling station.
Black marketers had started making brisk business as they were buying from the Oando filing station and selling at road sides at higher prices.
However, at the filing stations that were selling, while some maintained the normal official price of N87.00 per litre of petrol, many others adjusted their pumps, and were selling at between N97 and N105 per litre.
The Tide gathered that the black marketers dealing on jerry cans were tipping the station attendants to sell to them.
In Etche Local Government Area and some other remote parts of the state, some filing stations had started reverting to the old price of N97.00 per litre, instead of N87.00 per litre while Black marketers sell between N130.00 and N150.00 per litre.
Consumers have started panic buying as they fear that the scarcity might become more serious in the covering days.
A marketer, who spoke to The Tide, said the devaluation of Naira has raised some fears amongst most of us who also import from outside the country”.
The marketer, who pleaded anonymity said, “a Dollar today exchanges for N200.00 and by the time you buy the Dollar at high exchange rate and come back to sell the product at same fixed price of N87.00 per litre, you might be running at a great loss”.
A taxi driver, who spoke to The Tide at Oando Oil Aba Road said, “There is scarcity already but I think it is artificial.
“I hope Nigerians are not subjected to the hardship associated with it”, he said, and appealed to Federal Government to nip it in the bud.

Chris Oluoh &Lydia William

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (right), presenting a plaque to the President, Governing Council of Institute of Directors, Mrs Eniola Fadayomi, during a visit of the governing council to Governor Fashola in Lagos last Monday

News

Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

Published

13 hours ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.

By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi

News

Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

Published

13 hours ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.

News

Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

Published

13 hours ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.

By: Jessica Sambol