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Sack Amaechi Now, Obuah Urges FG

Published

9 years ago

May 12, 2017

The Chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bro Felix Obuah has called for the immediate sack of the former Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as a Minister in the federal cabinet following the revelations of the judicial commission of inquiry that probed his administration.
Obuah made the call in a statement in Port Harcourt last Tuesday in which he commended the judgement of the Port Harcourt Division of the Court of Appeal which upheld the legality of the Justice George Omereji-led Judicial Commission of Inquiry that probed the sale of state assets by the Amaechi administration.
The court had held that Justice Simson Amadi of the Rivers State High Court was right when he ruled that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry had power to sit and make recommendations.
Obuah said the recklessness and financial waste that characterised the Amaechi administration in the state was such that must not be left unscrutinised.
These, he said, include the sale of the Omoku 150MW Gas Turbine; Afam 360MW Gas Turbine; Trans-Amadi 136MW Gas Turbine; and Eleme 75MW Gas Turbine; the sale of Olympia Hotel; the waste of funds on the construction of the mono-rail project; the failed construction of Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital; the disbursement of N2billion under the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme; the accrued sum total of money from the mandatory monthly contribution of N1billion by the Rivers State Government into the Rivers State Reserved Fund, and many others.
He further noted that some of the recommendations of the commission, which the former governor must act fast to comply with include, the refund of N4,633,440,000 illegally paid to CLINOTEC under the failed Public Private Partnership; answer questions in respect of the 38 unregistered co-operative societies that benefited from the agricultural grants, the former Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Emmanuel Chinda, who compiled the list of the benefitting cooperative societies, should be made to refund all grants so disbursed and should also be prosecuted for defrauding the government and people of Rivers State. The Permanent Secretary and all members of the disbursement committee should be made to face disciplinary action for not following the guidelines of the loan before recommending disbursement to the co-operatives.
Other issues to be addressed include, the approval for the disbursement of the sum of N3billion obtained under the agricultural loan scheme without regard to the guidelines issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); as well as the illegality surrounding the withdrawals, including the N53, 936, 000,000.00 between February, 2014 and January, 2015, and N30billion on 13/2/2014, the former governor made on the State Reserve Fund, and urged the office of the Attorney-General to take appropriate legal steps to recover the sums of money withdrawn from the fund.
The PDP also called on the former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Mr. George Feyii, to refund the N4 billion unlawfully withdrawn from the Rivers State Reserve Fund on the 20th of February, 2014, for the purpose of “settlement of various outstanding obligations relating to security issues in SSG’s Office”; the N400million unlawfully withdrawn from the Rivers State Reserve Fund on the 21st of March, 2014, for the purpose of staff armoured vehicles”; N117million withdrawn from the Rivers State Reserve Fund on the 25th day of March, 2014, for “revalidation and renewal of lease on the property at F29 Sani-Abacha Road, GRA Phase II, Port Harcourt”; as well as the N447,200,000.00 withdrawn from the Rivers State Reserve Fund “for payment of 2012 and 2013 Premier League Session Sign-On Fees for (3) three football clubs in Rivers State”.
Obuah also tasked the owners of Orosi House at No. 28, Forces Avenue, Old GRA, Port Harcourt, to refund to the Government of Rivers State the sum N300million which they received from Government of Rivers State as five years rent for the lease of the complex to SUBEB- Ministry of Education Office, knowing full well that the property had been destroyed by fire in 2007.
He further requested that the principal officers of the Rivers State House of Assembly at the said time, who facilitated the adoption of the House Resolution on 13/2/21, authorizing the former governor of Rivers State to withdraw the billions afore-stated, should be prosecuted for authorizing the illegal withdrawal from the fund.
The PDP chairman expressed optimism that doing justice to the above recommendations by a legitimate commission will go a long way in making Rivers people happy again, and also enhance the Rivers State Government’s ability in carrying out more development projects across the 23 LGAs.
“We demand justice in this matter and we would pursue it to the end”, Obuah said.
It would be recalled that Justice Simeon Amadi of the Rivers State High Court, had in 2015, dismissed the suit filed by former Rivers State governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, challenging the constitution of the Justice George Omereji–led Judicial Commission of Inquiry by Governor Nyesom Wike, to probe the sale of state assets by the immediate past administration.

News

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

Published

22 hours 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

22 hours 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

23 hours 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