News

Sallah: Saraki, Atiku, Others Hail Muslims

Published

11 years ago

July 17, 2015

Muslims in Nigeria, today, joined other faithful around the world to celebrate Eid-el-Fitri which mark the end of the Ramandan fast, as a result, the Federal Government declared today and Monday public holidays nationwide to enable Muslim faithful celebrate with loved ones and show love to others.
Well-meaning Nigerians share the joy of the season and felicitate with Muslims this Sallah festival.
The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, yesterday enjoined Muslim faithful to pray for the unity, peace and progress of the nation ahead of the Eid el-Fitri.
In a statement, signed by Special Adviser (Media) to Saraki, in Abuja, Yusuph Olamiyonu, urged them to intensify prayers even as the month of Ramadan ends for their leaders as they have been enjoined by the Almighty Allah in the Holy Book.
“At this point in our national life, unity among all the different ethnic and religious groups will usher in peace and peace can only engender progress and development.
“We, therefore, need to learn to live together in peace, tolerate one another and eschew actions which can threaten the peace of the nation.
“Muslims, in particular, should continue to demonstrate the fact that the meaning of Islam is peace, and therefore, we should learn to live in peace with people of other faith and tolerate each other.
“We should also remember our fellow citizens in the North-Eastern part of the country who are being assailed by insurgents who call themselves Boko Haram,” Saraki said.
He also called on all Nigerians to continue to pray for our military who were engaged in the war against the insurgents to enable them restore total peace in the nation.
“Good followership is sine-qua-non for good leadership. Nigerians should always display patriotism, pay their taxes as and when due, eschew corrupt practices and protect public facilities.”
A former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has told Muslims to embrace the virtues of forgiveness and common understanding as they join their counterparts across the globe to celebrate the end of Ramadan.
A spokesman for Atiku said in a statement in Abuja quoted the APC stalwart as saying that one of the basic components of Ramadan was to seek mercy of God.
According to the statement, when God forgives our sins, it becomes imperative for us as humans to extend the grace of forgiveness and common understanding to other human beings.
The statement congratulated Muslims for the successful completion of Ramadan fasting.
It said that Ramadan was a season of abundant grace from God, especially at a time such as now, when Nigeria was at the threshold of a new beginning.
The statement advised that all hands must be on deck to close “old gaps” in order to support the new political leadership.
“As Muslims, we must live our lives by the examples of Prophet Muhammed in ensuring that we build peace and common understanding in our families and communities.”
The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Yussuff Lasun, also called for unity and understanding among Nigerians.
This is contained in his Sallah message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Oyewole Oladimeji in Abuja.
The statement said that Eid-el-Fitr should promote unity between Muslims and their Christian brothers.
According to the statement, it is only unity that can bring about growth and development to the nation.
The statement appealed to Nigerians to be patient and allow the present government to unfold its plans on how to move the nation forward.
It called on Nigerians to reflect on the spirit of Ramadan and always tread on the path of peace and unity.

Also, National Publicity Secretary of the United Progressive Party, (UPP)Chief Ogbuehi Dike also congratulated all Muslims in the country for the successful observance of the Ramadan fast.
In a statement in Abuja, Dike urged all Muslims to imbibe the virtues and lessons of Ramadan.
“We congratulate millions of our Muslim brothers and sisters for the successful observance of the Ramadan fast.
“We urge the Muslim faithful to imbibe the virtues and lessons of Ramadan, which include sacrifice, love, peace and patriotism in our collective quest at building a great nation,” he said.
He expressed UPP’s support to ongoing war on corruption and urged security agencies to investigate and prosecute all public office holders accused of embezzlement.
“We support ongoing war on corruption and urge security agencies, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute all public office holders who embezzled our common patrimony.
“This will serve as a deterrent to others and is in consonance with UPP principled stand on zero tolerance for corruption that has retarded the nation’s development,” Dike stated.
Similarly, All Progressives Congress (APC) leader, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, has urged all Muslim faithful to re-dedicate themselves to the enduring attributes of love for one another.
Onu said, “at all times, it should be borne in mind that as a people, regardless of differences in either religious beliefs or ethnic origin, we must remain bound together in the pursuit of a common resolve.
“We should build a better and a more united nation, where `though tribe and tongue may differ’, in brotherhood we should continue to stand.
“A house divided against itself can hardly stand; as a nation, our strength lies in our diversity. Nigeria is a nation whose sun is about to rise.
“We should work together as members of one family to realize our collective desire for a new Nigeria of limitless opportunities for all and boundless prosperity for many.
“ The challenge we face is to be determined in our resolve to work together, especially with the inspiring commitment of the APC-led Federal Government of President Muhammadu Buhari,” Onu said in a statement in Abuja.
In its own reaction, the Democratic People’s Congress (DPC) urged Muslims in the country to be great arsenal of democracy, especially in this era of change.
The political party gave the charge in a statement in Abuja yesterday to congratulate Muslims on the occasion of 2015 Eid-el-fitr.
In the statement signed by its National Chairman, Mr Olusegun Peters, the party commended the Islamic faithful for the successful completion of the month-long Ramadan fast.
It said that that it was without doubt that the fasting period was used for soul searching, rededication in service to God and the nation, as well as prayers for peace, unity and progress of the country.
The DPC urged Nigerians to renew their confidence and faith in the fatherland with a view to building a strong, virile and prosperous society.
”It is imperative for Nigerians to be more patriotic and to consider the interest of the nation and set aside mundane partisan politics and self-aggrandizement.
“We commend President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointments of the new service chiefs and National Security Adviser and hope that they will inject fresh air and passion in the fight against Boko Haram.
“Nigerians, and indeed, the whole world, expect total elimination of Boko Haram insurgency in the country.
“It is a task that must be done for the unity and territorial integrity of Nigeria,” it said.
It said that it remained expedient that the girls abducted by insurgents in the North-East were rescued and be re-united with their families ”after over 400 days in captivity”.
“We urge politicians to imbibe issue-based politics and eschew politics of bitterness and violence that has impeded our emerging democracy.
“It is time for action. It is time to build a new Nigeria and provide dividends of democracy to long-suffering compatriots; we are all in it together,” the party added.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

5 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

5 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

5 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