News

Polls: Onne, Bodo Monarchs Endorse Peterside

Published

11 years ago

March 6, 2015

The traditional rulers of Onne community and Bodo community in Eleme and Gokhana local government areas, respectively have endorse the candidature of All Progressives Congress (APC) Dakuku Peterside for the governorship of Rivers State in the April 11 elections.
The traditional ruler in Onne has also described the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as enemy of the people of Eleme.
The traditional ruler said this during the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward rally which took place at State School, Ogale, Eleme.
“Your Excellency, it might interest you to know that there are Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), in Rivers State, today. The people of Ekporo are displaced persons in our state, they are refugees in their fatherland because power is in the hands of one man and his wife, so they decided to dehumanise us.
“Here in Eleme, we are working hard to ensure that PDP suffers a humiliating defeat in the hands of APC, it is a promise that must be accomplished. I speak as a paramount ruler because I know my people and my people know me. If my people are angry and I speak, when they hear my voice, they will be calm.
Today, like other days, I am asking them to reject PDP so that they can be free. They have no choice than to believe me because we are all victims of PDP’s oppression, intimidation and harassment. PDP has even taken that which God gave us because they are in power in Abuja”, he said.
The chief assured the governorship candidate of the APC Dr. Dakuku Peterside, of his peoples support for him and his party. Okpabi said the entire people of Eleme are working for Peterside because they believe he can liberate them from the oppression of the ruling party.
He warned his subjects of the dangers of voting for PDP, a party that continues to inflict pains on his people for no particular reason.
He called on Eleme people to use both the presidential and gubernatorial elections to free themselves from slavery and domination, adding that a vote for PDP is a vote for an enemy, which translates to total obliteration of Eleme land.
In his speech, Peterside commended Eleme people for their rare courage and determination to move ahead, even in the face of unjustifiable harassment, adding that “if you don’t change them now, they will continue to molest you and trample on your rights”.
The APC governorship candidate, who promised to protect the interest of Eleme people, pledged to urgently address the issue of unemployment by providing jobs, building of cottage industries and providing funds for small businesses.
He said the APC government at every level will also work for the wellbeing and progress of every Nigerian, irrespective of geographical location, age, sex, creed or party affiliation. Stating that justice, equity and fairness will constitute the critical building blocks of his administration.
Similarly, the traditional ruler of Bodo in Ogoni Kingdom, His Royal Highness, King John Berebon, has said that he is solidly behind governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside,.
The monarch made the statement when the Greater Together Campaign Organisation led by Peterside paid him a courtesy call in his palace in Bodo City.
Berebon also declared his support for APC and its presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari.
“I am very happy to welcome you, Your Excellency. All of us in Bodo are confident that God will see you through because you are a peaceful man and we believe in you; so we will continue to pray for you. You have honoured our palace, God will honour you. You have also honoured our people, so God will honour you.
“I wish to state that I am solidly behind you and the APC. I was a school boy when Buhari came here to commission the Niger Basin project many years ago. I believe you are a blessing to this community. I know that APC-led Federal Government with Buhari as president will be beneficial to our towns and region. So we are voting APC all the way”, he added.
In the same vein, spokesperson for the palace, Chief Livinus Kiebel, said Bodo people are traditionally APC and would remain so because the party serves their interest.
In his welcome address, spokesman for the community, Sir Clement Menegbo said it will be disastrous for Rivers State to entrust the leadership of the state into the hands of men without integrity and of questionable characters who cannot seriously say why they want power.
“Money was not shared in bags, which is why we have crisis in Rivers State. Rather than open the state’s treasury to a few, Amaechi chose to build infrastructure and improve the living conditions of his people, that is why they are persecuting him. This election is about our future and our life. We must support Peterside and the APC so that our dreams will come true”, he said.
Responding, Peterside called on the people to be peaceful and law-abiding.
“The people of Bodo must be concerned about peace. Tell our children that this election will come and go, political parties will come and go, but Bodo will remain. I am concerned about peace and security because without peace, there will not be progress. Nobody should deceive Bodo people. If you place everybody who wants to be governor on a pedestal, I am the only one who has a stake here.
“My brother attended St. Pius, Bodo, and my childhood friends are from here. I cannot be governor and look the other way. I know the challenges of Bodo, and I will pay attention to this place because I belong here. So, vote for me so that we can build together a greater Bodo”.
He said he will always defend their interest like he did when he staged a walk-out over the non-budgetary allocation for Bodo—Bonny Road, during Federal Ministry of Works budget presentation. Urging them to vote and leave the rest to him, adding that political interest must be reciprocal.
Meanwhile, Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC , Oji Ngofa, has described his party, as the hope and emancipator of his troubled people of Eleme.
Ngofa, who was recently appointed caretaker committee chairman of Eleme Local Government Area made the declaration at State School, Agbeta, Onne during a ward rally by APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside.
He said every Eleme son and daughter already knows that the alternative to APC is slavery and oppression adding that they are not prepared to be slaves in their country.
He called on voters in Eleme and the entire Rivers State to reject the PDP. According to him, the ruling party represents the worst form of subjugation and repression.
“I am here to affirm as deputy national secretary of our great party, that the mantra of change has taken firm roots in our local government. APC represents our hope and the only means of our survival. Without APC, Eleme is finished. Therefore, we will give everything to the party, including our blood, if necessary.
In his remarks, member, Rivers State House of Assembly and APC candidate Josiah Olu, said Eleme will deliver block votes to Peterside and the APC.
“We are for APC. Though we are under serious threat from the ruling party, our loyalty will continue to be with APC because they have peaceful and God-fearing people like Dakuku. I am happy that everybody here fully appreciates the fact that this election is all about our future, so we are not leaving anything to chance”, he said.
Responding, Peterside promised to pay special attention to Eleme because of its potentials.
“PDP should not even get a vote here and you know why. On my part, I promise to work with you. Nobody will harass you again because they are not God. They boast because they have power but I want you to put your hope in God. I will fight for you, I will protect your interest and I will complete every project that Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi started. Let me also assure you that our government will recognise and give special place to women and the youth”, he said.
Dr. Peterside reminded the people of Onne that his government will be driven by the desire for peace, unity and economic opportunity for all Rivers people.

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