News

Easter: Wike, Obuah, Others Felicitate With Christians

Published

9 years ago

April 17, 2017

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has felicitated with Christians on the celebration of Easter, urging them to emulate Jesus Christ by making sacrifices that will advance the course of development.
In an Easter message, Wike said that Easter exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ to save mankind, noting that as individuals, Christians must take into consideration the welfare of others.
He called on the people of Rivers State to re-dedicate themselves to the service of the state as they reflect on the ideals of Good Friday and Easter celebration.
Wike assured the good people of Rivers State that he will continue to make sacrifices for the state, defend her interests and ensure that the people always enjoy good governance.
He said Easter was a period of fresh beginning, forgiveness, love and friendship, and urged the privileged to reach out to the less privileged as everyone works to deepen the culture of true Christianity.
While wishing the people of the state a Happy Easter celebration, Wike assured them of their security before, during and after the celebrations.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro. Felix Obuah has urged Christians in the state to use the Easter period to pray for the continuous success of the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike.
Obuah, in his special Easter message, said such prayers would go a long way to engender good governance and uplift the well-being of the people.
According to the PDP chairman, “Easter is an opportunity for Rivers people to cultivate a spirit that defines who we are as Christians”, and urged them to make sacrifices through prayer and fasting, adding that the governor needs their prayers for God’s favours and mercies to meet the socio-economic needs of the people.
He described the Easter celebration as a moment of sacrifice when our Lord Jesus Christ gave Himself as a ransom to redeem man from his sins.
Bro. Obuah stressed that the price for Christ’s death for mankind was immeasurable as the Christian faith was anchored on His death and resurrection.
He charged Christians and people of the state to compliment government’s effort by meeting one another’s needs, adding “There is no better time to do this than this period of economic recession”.
”Our governor, as a human being is also faced with challenges associated with governance. We should support him by doing the needful like carrying out our obligations as good citizens. We should not sabotage his efforts by engaging in acts inimical to his administration” said the PDP chairman.
As Bayesla State, the Governor Seriake Dickson called for greater sacrifice, peace, love and unity among Christians all over the world as they celebrate Easter.
Dickson said that these are virtues and qualities that Christ himself displayed and propagated throughout His life time on earth.
In his Easter message, made public by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the Bayelsa State governor noted that, the significance and real meaning of the season would be lost, if Christians allow selfish tendencies, hatred and intolerance to influence their lifestyles and general conduct.
He stated that, the country, and indeed, the world will be a more peaceful place, if Christians and adherents of other religions see themselves as one and the same people, irrespective of their religious, political, cultural and ethnic affinities.
Dickson, who also urged leaders at all levels of government to make sacrifice, as well as work in one accord to turn around the economic fortunes of the country, called on all Nigerians to see the current challenges facing the nation as a collective responsibility.
While wishing Christians a happy Easter celebration, he encouraged them to keep faith with the policies and programmes of the restoration administration in the state, stressing that, better days were ahead, while also urging them to pray fervently for the peace, unity and progress of the state and the nation in general.
Similarly, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has called on the people of the state to be united and renew their commitment to moral rejuvenation of the state.
The governor, in his Easter message yesterday in Ilorin, congratulated Christians for a successful completion of lent.
The governor called on Christians to imbibe the lessons of the holy period and allow them reflect on their daily life.
“I urge Christians to remain committed to the service of God and humanity.
“ You should be determined to show affection, care and sympathy to all and sundry as demonstrated by Jesus Christ.
“As you came out pure and simple from this spiritual rejuvenation, you are expected to live an exemplary life of Jesus Christ,” the governor said.
Ahmed also called on the people of the state to pray for the success of the current administration in its determination to restore dignity and honour to the country.
He reiterated the determination of his administration to continue to serve the people of the state and fulfill his electoral promises.
Also, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has urged Nigerians to allow love for the country reign supreme in their lives.
He said Nigerians must ignore those creating divisions and disunity in the country, stressing that “forces of division have nothing to offer other than chaos and negativity.”
The governor, in his Easter message in Sokoto, Saturday, by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Imam Imam, also said that ”love for the country means loving the people of the country without distinction.
“Only by loving our country can we attain lofty heights in development, growth and prosperity.”
While rejoicing with Nigerians, especially of Christian faith for witnessing this year’s easter, Tambuwal urged them to promote peace and harmony at all times.
He pledged to continue promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, and urged the people not to relent in prayers and support for government.

News

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

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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