News

RSG Presents NUJ Secretariat Keys To Union …To Review Posting Policies For NYSC

Published

11 years ago

July 1, 2015

The Rivers State Government yesterday handed over the keys of the ultra-modern Ernest Ikoli Press Centre to the new executive of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) barely 34 days after the official commissioning of the building.
The secretariat was commissioned by the immediate past Governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on the 27th of May, 2015 amid fanfare and celebrations from journalists in the state.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Mr. Sam Woka, who performed the handover ceremony on behalf of the state government, explained that the ceremony had to be delayed to protect the edifice from being vandalised by hoodlums following perceived crisis in the union.
Woka, who expressed the hope that journalists in the state, will get access to the secretariat in the next few weeks, also stressed the need for proper maintenance of the facilities at the press centre.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary has assured of the state government’s readiness to work with journalists to improve access to government information in the state.
Speaking during a courtesy call on him by the new executive of the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in his office in Port Harcourt, yesterday, he said that government will continue to insist in responsible journalism practice.
Woka stressed the need for journalists to always verify their stories before going to press to avoid litigation, and urged the new executive to always maintain listening ears, while discharging its duties.
The Permanent Secretary also commended the union for its successful triennial delegates’ conference, and assured that its request for assistance to enable the journalists in the state participate in the forth-coming triennial National delegates’ Conference in Abuja will be communicated to the state Governor for prompt action.
Earlier, the newly elected state Chairman of the Council, Mr. Ayo Tamuno had said that the visit was to thank the Ministry and government for their continuous support to journalists in the state.
Tamuno, particularly thanked the government for the ultra-modern secretariat, and stressed the need for the government to facilitate its connection to the national grid.
He also requested for a yearly grant and vehicles to enable the union discharge its duties effectively.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has promised government’s support to the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) in the state.
Speaking when the state Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Dorothy Nwatarali and other senior officials of the scheme visited him in Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday, Wike said the state government will not hesitate in providing the necessary support to make the programme effective
Against this backdrop, he promised to upgrade facilities at the orientation camp and also provide a 500KVA generator to guarantee sufficient power supply for the camp.
The Rivers State governor reiterated the desire of government to make the welfare of corps members a priority, as he donated two coaster buses and over 1,000-life jackets for those serving in the riverine areas of the state.
He also pledged government’s support for the Rural Mobile Health Scheme floated by corps members, and commended them for their efforts in raising the standard of health care delivery at the grassroots.
On the request by the state coordinator of the scheme to review its posting policy for corps members, the governor said the review will not be total, since that will negate the essence of the scheme.
In his words, “the scheme is to contribute to the development of the country. Therefore, if we are going to revisit the posting policy of the state, we are going to post you where you are relevant and not necessarily were you want to be posted to”
The governor remarked that his experience as Minister of State for Education has shown that many corps members shy away from contributing to the nation’s development by refusing to be posted to where they are expected to practice their profession – an act, he attributed to the poor quality of graduates in the country who are half-baked and scared of being exposed.
He insisted that while professionals like doctors, lawyers and engineers can be engaged in the ministries and parastatals, others should be sent to the classrooms, saying that he could not comprehend what a graduate of mathematics will be doing in an oil company.
Wike commended the State’s director for the role of corps members in the last general elections.
Conceding the brilliant performance of INEC, Wike argued that the success of INEC cannot be divorced from the role of corps members.
His words: “they said INEC performed well but without corps members, they would not have achieved success.”
Earlier, the state Coordinator of the programme, Mrs. Dorothy Nwatarali, had congratulated the governor on his success at the polls as she sought for government’s support for the scheme.
In addition to the provision of the 500KVA generator, the NYSC state director had also prayed the governor to renovate the orientation camp and offices of the scheme, disclosing that there are over 11,000 corps members serving in Rivers State.
Nwatarali, had earlier called for the review of the state’s posting policy for corps members, disclosing that currently the state has over 11,000 members posted and that all cannot serve in schools.
Pledging support of the scheme to promote education and health policies, the state director of the NYSC, pleaded with government to pay corps members special allowances in addition to the provision of safety gears, especially for those serving in the riverine parts of the state.

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