News

Dickson, S’ South, A-Gs, NDDC Condole Wike Over Aguma’s Death …Say Passage Unquantifiable Loss

Published

7 years ago

September 5, 2018

The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has commiserated with the government and people of Rivers State over the passage of the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Emmanuel Aguma (SAN).
Dickson said the news of the death of the Rivers State Attorney-General was shocking.
The Bayelsa State governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Pastor Kemela Okara, prayed God to grant the people of Rivers State the strength to bear the loss.
He said that the affinity between the people of Rivers and Bayelsa states was such that what affects one, affects the other.
The Bayelsa State governor assured the Rivers State Government that his state would participate in the burial of the late Attorney General of Rivers State.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike thanked the government and people of Bayelsa State for commiserating with the state over the death of Attorney General of Rivers State.
He also commiserated with the governor of Bayelsa State over the death of his mother.
Wike said though he has expressed his condolences to the Bayelsa State governor over the death of his mother, the Rivers State Government would visit the state for an official condolence.
Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of a condolence letter to the Rivers State governor by the Chief of Staff to the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr Talford Ongolo.
Similarly, the South-South Forum of Attorneys-General and Commissioners of Justice has declared the death of the late Attorney-General of Rivers State, Hon Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) was an unquantifiable loss to the Niger Delta.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Monday, Secretary of the Forum and Attorney-General of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Uwemedimo Nwoko said that the news of the demise of late Aguma broke like an enemy bomb on their WhatsApp group.
He said: “His death was incomprehensible and inexplicable. He was fearless and believed in responsibilities. Aguma earned the respect of all of us.
“He was a strong believer in the fight for Justice in the Niger Delta. The demise of Aguma is an unquantifiable loss”.
The secretary of the forum stated that with the passage of Aguma, the region has lost a vocal and credible voice.
Also speaking, the Bayelsa State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr Kemeasuode Wodu said as chairman of the forum, Aguma provided quality leadership that enhanced justice sector performance in the South-South.
He said: “We received the news of his death with sadness. He led us very well. Personally, I had the privilege of learning from Aguma.
“He was very expressive, correcting younger lawyers when they go wrong. He was quite bold and courageous. He has left behind a very good record of service and achievements”.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike noted that the forum has been central to the struggle for justice for the region.
He said: “Aguma’s death is a loss to the people of the region. We lost a very committed, loyal and intelligent lawyer. It was at the mortuary that I saw that really he was gone.
“With what we are passing through now, we require people like Aguma. But God knows the best”.
Wike said that the people and Government of Rivers State would honour the late Attorney-General, hence he would receive a state burial.
He noted that “his contributions are greater than his age”.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba has described the late Attorney-General of Rivers State as a thoroughbred professional who contributed to the development of the Niger Delta region.
He spoke, yesterday, when he led the Board and Management of the NDDC on a condolence visit to the Government House, Port Harcourt.
He was accompanied by the Managing Director, Mr Nsima Ekere and other executive directors.
He said: “The late Attorney-General of Rivers State was a professional to the core with very deep insights.
“As a commission, we share in your grief. His death is a sad loss for the Niger Delta region because Aguma was an outstanding legal practitioner from the region”.
The NDDC prayed God to grant the people of Rivers State the fortitude to bear the great loss.
“We pray he finds peace in the hands of his maker. We can only take solace in the quality of life that Aguma lived while on earth “, Ndoma-Egba said.
The former Senate leader said Aguma was not just a friend, but a brother.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike thanked the Board and Management of the NDDC for their condolence visit.
He described the loss of the Attorney-General of Rivers State as unfortunate, pointing out that he lived a quality life.
“We thank God for the quality of life that Aguma lived while on earth. We urge the NDDC to participate in his funeral “,Wike said.
The Chairman of the Board of the NDDC, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba and the Managing Director, Mr Nsima Ekere later signed the condolence register in front of the Executive Council Chamber of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Also, yesterday, Investments and Securities Tribunal, Abuja paid a condolence visit on Wike over the death of the Attorney General of Rivers State.
Chairman, Investments and Securities Tribunal, Abuja, Mr Siaka Isaiah Idoko-Akoh, said that the late Attorney-General of Rivers State was a bridge between the state government and other agencies operating in the state.
He said the Investments and Securities Tribunal, Abuja had fond memories of their professional interactions with the late Attorney-General of Rivers State while they worked towards establishing their presence in the state.
While thanking the leadership of the Investments and Securities Tribunal for the condolence visit, Wike said that the death of late Attorney-General of Rivers State came as a shock to the state.

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