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‘Buhari’s APC Govt, Most Clueless’ …President Lacks Capacity To Protect Lives -Suswan

Published

8 years ago

March 7, 2018

Young Progressive Party, (YPP), says the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of President Muhammadu Buhari will go down in Nigeria’s history as the most clueless government .
The newly-registered political party said this in a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Committee (NEC) Meeting in Abuja, yesterday.
National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Egbeola Martins, said Nigerians deserved commendation for its patience with government over the years, especially the recent fuel scarcity.
It read: “We commend Nigerians for enduring the longest fuel scarcity ever witnessed in the history of our beloved country and confidently believe that the APC led government will go down in history as the most clueless government in the history of governance in Nigeria for allowing this scarcity to linger for over four months even after the removal of subsidy it hitherto claimed never existed.
“We condemn the recent claim by the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru that the sum of N774 million is incurred daily as subsidy for petrol without appropriation by the National Assembly.
“ This is an organized fraud against the nation and a brazen looting of our common patrimony by an acclaimed sanctimonious ruling party, which from all indication is only interested in raising campaign fund for the fast approaching 2019 general elections .
“We condemn in strong terms the abduction of the more than 100 Dapchi school girls by the conscienceless Boko Haram sect whose level of depravity has rose to a fearsome crescendo.
“T he fact that we are witnessing the repeat of the Chibok girls’ episode goes to show that our government never learnt anything and further suggest that the claim that Boko Haram has been technically or completely defeated is a ruse.
“More worrisome however is when President Muhammadu Buhari in his usual characteristics had to prioritize a wedding ceremony over his visit to Dapchi where girls were recently abducted and whose only crime was getting an education.
“ This singular action does not show empathy more so that the APC as an opposition party condemned the immediate past government for doing same .
Meanwhile, the immediate past governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, has said President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government does not have the capacity to protect lives and property.
He also said that even though the nation may have gone out of recession, the change does not manifest in the life of the average Nigerian because the economic programmes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had failed.
The former governor made this known while speaking to a group of journalists in Makurdi.
He said when economic issues are not handled properly, they lead to security issues such as what the nation was experiencing at the moment.
Suswam said: “Issues of security and economy are linked together. Once we have economic issues such as what we have now, they lead to insecurity.
“I heard they say we are out of recession, that does not reflect on the per capita income of ordinary Nigerians and that can degenerate into security situations.
“So, economic failure is directly linked to this security issues as we are seeing now.
“When we had security issues while we were in government, the opposition (the APC) took time to criticise us and showed to the Nigerian people that there was a government (Goodluck Jonathan’s PDP led administration) that was incapable of protecting lives and property.”
Suswam also noted that the reason for which the APC was voted to power may have been the belief that the PDP administration had failed Nigerians.
The former governor, however, said it was now left for Nigerians to decide whether security issues had reduced or increased with the coming of the APC administration.
He said: “And the basis for which they were voted was that the people believed that these people (PDP) have failed and these new people (APC) that promised us heaven and earth may likely protect us.
“My own personal opinion is that there is worse security and economic situations now than they were during Jonathan’s time.
“That shows there is a failure in the way things are being managed, and I think that other than play politics with it, we should all sit together on a table and proffer solutions that are viable enough to protect the people; for now, we are playing politics with everything.
“The party (APC) came in at the backdrop of propaganda and they have continued as if they are in opposition, that is very bad.
“We were told that Boko Haram was totally annihilated, it’s unfortunate that Boko Haram is strong enough to go into a school and kidnap one hundred and eleven girls (Dapchi girls) and up till now they have no clue as to where those girls have been moved.
“This is something that is unthinkable, unacceptable, and I believe that PDP is the only viable platform to protect Nigerians.”
He added: “We (PDP) did our best, made our own mistakes but this government shows that it has no capacity to protect lives and property, and as you can see, it is now across the entire nation.”
“It’s no longer located in one place; it’s in Benue, it’s in Adamawa, it’s in Ondo, it’s in Edo, it’s in Ekiti, it’s in Borno, it’s everywhere. And so, it is left for you and me to judge what we need to do in 2019.”
Asked if he felt PDP would stage a comeback in 2019, he said: “It is not what I think, it is what you people (electorate) feel.
“As a Nigerian, are you faring better now? The answer lies in your hands. That card is your power. So exercise it and let’s see what happens in 2019.”

News

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

Published

3 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

3 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

3 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