News

RVHA Orders RSHMB To Pay Ex-Staff’s Full Benefits – Holds Public Hearing On Kenpoly, Wed

Published

8 years ago

November 10, 2017

The Rivers State House of Assembly has directed the state Hospitals Management Board to pay the balance of what was left of Princewill Elekima’s entitlements after deducting the amount the board claimed the civil servant allegedly stole leading to his sack in 1989.
The directive was given, last Wednesday by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani after listening to contributions from lawmakers to the report of the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions chaired by the lawmaker representing Ogu/Bolo State Constituency, Hon. Evans Bipi, at the Assembly.
Ibani had argued that it was unfair for the board to selectively obey the advice of the Rivers State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice on the matter by withholding the balance, after deducting the N11,000.00 that the complainant allegedly stole.
Earlier, members had aligned with the recommendation of the committee that Elekima Princewill had a valid case, demanding that justice be seen to be done in the matter.
Among those who spoke at the plenary were Hons. Sam Ogeh, Martins Amaewhule, B. Anabraba, Friday Nke-eh and Edison Ehie.
In a related development, the Rivers State House of Assembly has also directed the Ministries of Environment, and that of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs to ensure that Total E&P takes immediate steps to address the pollution arising from operational oil spill which affected eight communities in Ahoada–East Local Government Area of the state in 2015.
The decision was taken after debates on the report submitted by the Hon. Evans Bipi-led House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions, which looked into the petitions of the affected communities.
Contributing on the report, Edison Ehie, who noted that the affected communities were in his constituency, disclosed that the area was deserted because of the pollution that affected water and farm lands, destroying the people’s means of livelihood.
Both the speaker and other contributors, however, commended the committee for doing a thorough job, including meeting with the parties involved and visiting the affected communities to see things for themselves.
Observing that relevant federal laws in Nigeria were against the interest of host communities and giving so much leverage to multinational companies to operate without consideration, Ibani regretted the internal displacement of members of the affected communities, with the implication of human inertia among the very old ones among them.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly Committee on Education has fixed next Wednesday to conduct public hearing on the Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Bill 2017.
The public hearing, scheduled to hold at the Rivers State Assembly Auditorium, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt at 10am, will afford stakeholders in the education sector as well as other interested members of the public, avenue to make contributions to the proposed law.
A statement signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon. Doctor Farah Dagogo, stated that copies of the bill “are available for collection in Room 057, First Floor, Assembly Complex.”
The statement further indicated that for those who have memoranda, it should be submitted on or before Tuesday, 14th November, 2017, to the same venue.
It further appealed to all stakeholders, especially Rivers people with interest in how best to reposition the polytechnic to ensure active participation and contribution at the public hearing as the provisions of the bill therefrom would form the fulcrum of the enabling law for the institution, going forward.
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Rivers State chapter has suspended its proposed industrial action.
The suspension is coming on the heels of the intervention of the state councils of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The Tide reports that the leadership of organized labour in Rivers State had visited PASAN and the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission, last Monday, with a view to consolidating on ongoing dialogue to resolve existing impasse.
Following the interface arising from the visit, it was gathered that both parties had agreed to allow the leaderships of NLC and TUC midwife negotiations between PASAN and the management of the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission.
It was learnt that the bone of contention has been the non-payment of statutory four years’ allowances as well as very poor working conditions and staff welfare in the Assembly.
It would be recalled that before the last minute intervention, PASAN was at the verge of a three-day warning strike that would have led to a total industrial action by workers of the Assembly.

L-R: President of the ECOWAS Commission, Marcel de Souza, Secretary-General, West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF),Komlan Messie and representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mr Ba Abdarrahmane, during the 12th Annual ECOWAS-Development Partners Coordination meeting in Abuja, last Wednesday.

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