News

RSG Begins Reconstruction Of School In Amaechi’s Village …Seizes Private Property In School Premises

Published

8 years ago

February 5, 2018

In a move to take education to rural communities of Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Wike last Saturday flagged off the reconstruction of Community Secondary School, Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The school sited in the village of former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi had been abandoned for several years without any form of upgrade.
Performing the flag-off, Wike recalled how the former Rivers State Governor stopped the rehabilitation of the school in 2014.
He said: “As the Minister of State for Education, I tried to intervene and rehabilitate this school. But the former Rivers State Governor drove away the contractors on the ground that the Federal Government cannot intervene in a school in the state.
“But God’s time has come. As governor, I now have the opportunity to turn around the fortunes of this school. I also call on the Federal Government to intervene in projects in this state, even though, I know they will never do so”, the governor said.
Wike said that the reconstruction of the Community Secondary School, Ubima will be completed in five months, as the funds have been deposited in the account of the state Ministry of Education.
The governor charged the people of Ubima to work with the contractors for the scheduled delivery of the project.
He explained that the state government was tackling the security challenge in Ubima by checking the excesses of kidnappers and cultists in the community.
Wike announced the process for the revival of electricity in Ubima, with the donation of a transformer.
He directed the Commissioner for Health, Prof Princewill Chike to commence the process for the rehabilitation of General Hospital, Ubima, while he stated that the road leading to the Community Secondary School, Ubima will be constructed.
Also speaking, the former Rivers State governor, Sir Celestine Omehia thanked Wike for remembering Ubima, which was forgotten by Amaechi, an indigene of the community.
Omehia said that Wike has made history by his decision to reconstruct the Community Secondary School, which was built through communal effort in 1980.
Former Chairman of the Governing Council of Kaduna Polytechnic, Chief Sergeant Awuse regretted that the ex-governor of Rivers State would exhibit so much hatred for his people.
Awuse wondered why President Muhammadu Buhari was harbouring Amaechi, who has no political relevance, aside the sponsorship of violence in the area.
Senator George Thompson Sekibo praised Wike for taking development to Ubima, even when their own son neglected them.
Rivers State Education Commissioner, Dr Taminosisi Gogo-Jaja said that new facilities such as administrative block, modern classrooms, laboratories, hostels and staff quarters would be built as part of the reconstruction efforts of the government.
Meanwhile, government’s hammer has finally hit some persons encroaching on public school land as the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, last Friday, declared all buildings in the premises of Western Ahoada County High School, as government property.
The governor announced this during the flag-off of upgrading/remodelling/reconstruction of Western Ahoada County High School in Ahoada-East Local Government Area of the state.
The governor directed the state Commissioner for Education, Dr Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja to immediately commence the fencing of the entire school premises, and challenged those who developed properties in the school to go to court.
He equally appealed to parents in Ekpeye land to warn their children to stop forthwith from harassing or disturbing the contractors doing work in the school compound as the state government would deal decisively with anyone caught in the act.
Wike, who expressed disappointment that in spite of efforts by the government to turn around the fortunes of the school, said some direct beneficiaries of government’s gesture from the area were rather frustrating the plan, and stressed the determination of his administration to reconstruct the school.
The governor said the flag-off ceremony was in fulfilment of his promise to the people, and disclosed that the fund for the project has been set aside.
“I’m committed to keeping our promises to the Ekpeye kingdom. The fund for the rehabilitation of this school has been set aside”, the governor said.
Wike explained that the remodelling of the school was part of his administration’s effort of bringing back boarding system, and urged the people of the area to support the contractors handling the job to complete the project within scheduled time.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Education, Dr Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, while giving description of the project, said it has four hostels, new well-equipped classroom blocks, administration block, various laboratories, sick bay and council lounge, among other modern facilities.
The Eze Igbu-Upata 111, Dr Felix Otuwarikpo lauded the governor for keeping to his promise to the people of Ahoada-East Local Government Area.

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