News

Garri Theft: Rivers, Bayelsa Police In Blame Game

Published

8 years ago

November 1, 2017

The Rivers State Police Command and its Bayelsa State counterpart have disagreed over which command should be held responsible for the theft of four bags of garri (cassava flakes) by policemen attached to the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS).
The operatives were said to have snatched the goods from two traders in Mbiama Market, penultimate Tuesday, and fled with them in a white Hilux van.
The Tide reports that Mbiama is located in Ahoada-West Local Government Area of Rivers State, a border town between the state and Bayelsa State.
A Facebook user, Mashak Uyi, had posted a picture of two FSARS operatives at the back of a Hilux van with the bags of garri.
A woman and two men were seen running after the cops as their van zoomed off.
Uyi, who expressed shock over the conduct of the operatives, said the goods were snatched from the victims at gunpoint.
He added that some soldiers at the scene laughed while the impunity went on.
He wrote, “I was completely bewildered to see men of the FSARS cart away four bags of garri from two traders at the popular Mbiama Market at about 12.21pm today (Tuesday).
“Three of them jumped down from the white Hilux van in a commando style, charging at the two traders in the guise of clearing the road. Rather than clear the road, it was the traders’ four bags of garri that they hurriedly “cleared” to their van.
“Not knowing what their intention was, the traders ran to them to demand money for their goods, but the FSARS men warned them not to come closer than they had or they would be dealt with accordingly. ‘Una no dey fear!’ ‘Woman, you won challenge us abi?’ They charged and zoomed off!
“Sadly, there were soldiers at the spot where this incident happened. All they could do was to laugh.
“I managed to capture them at a distance before their vehicle zoomed off with their loot…it is really shameful,” he stated.
Uyi, an environmentalist, who later spoke with newsmen on the telephone, said the FSARS men headed for Rivers State after snatching the goods.
He said, “I went for an assessment of the flood impacted communities in the Ahoada-West LGA on Tuesday. I was on my way to the local government secretariat on a motorcycle, and on getting to a bridge near Mbiama Market, the Hilux stopped, and three of the FSARS men alighted in a commando style and charged at some traders by the roadside.
“Each of them helped themselves to a bag of garri and a policeman went to pick one more. The traders – a woman and a man – thought they were buying the goods. They rushed to meet them (cops), but they were intimidated.
“When I saw what was happening, I asked the motorcycle rider to stop. I was with a camera and was already taking pictures of the environment before I got there. As they were zooming off, I managed to take some shots.
“Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) officials were on the road to manage traffic. There was no need whatsoever for what they (FSARS men) did. Foodstuffs at that market are sold at giveaway prices because flood had ravaged the market. If they had begged the traders, they could have even got more than enough for free.”
Commenting on the incident, one Grace Eke, lamented the brazen extortion of residents by FSARS operatives on a neighbouring road.
“At Oyigbo Junction, they are there collecting money from motorists, thereby causing traffic,” she added.
In his comment last Wednesday, Okerhe Ogheneruemu, who also condemned the stealing, said the police authorities could disown the men.
He wrote, “What you will hear in response to this is, ‘They are not our men.’ What a shame!”
While responding to the allegation last Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Command, Nnamdi Omoni, disowned the policemen, saying men of the command could not have engaged in such an unethical conduct.
He said, “That allegation is neither here nor there. How can policemen steal garri? It is not possible. Such an allegation is wrong. Our men are trained and we ensure that they observe professionalism in all they do.”
In his reaction, Bayelsa State PPRO, Butswart Asinim, also absolved the state command’s FSARS of any wrongdoing.
He said, “Mbiama is not in Bayelsa; it is in Rivers. Our men won’t go to Mbiama to operate; we don’t cover the area. Get in touch with the Rivers Command. Even if they are not Rivers policemen, it happened in their (Rivers command) jurisdiction.”

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