News

Election Violence: RSG Seeks Compensation, Sanction Against Security Officers …Gberegbe’s Father Calls For Justice …Army Staged Coup Against Rivers -Wike

Published

7 years ago

May 8, 2019

The Rivers State Government has called for disciplinary action against erring security officers found culpable in the violence and killings that rocked the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly and March 9 gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections in the state.
This formed part of the submissions made by the state government during the two-day public sitting of the Joint House of Representatives Committee on the Army, Police, Justice and Human Rights in Port Harcourt, on the violence and killings that engulfed the state during the just-concluded elections.
The committee was set up following a motion by Hon Kingsley Chinda, representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency on the floor of the House, penultimate week, over the murder Dr. Ferry Gberegbe and Ibisaki Amachree, among others.
Speaking through Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state, Dr Zacheaus Adangor, the governor, among other prayers, sought for the immediate redeployment of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen Jamil Sarham, payment of compensation by the Army to families of those killed and unlawfully arrested during the elections.
From figures made available to The Tide, about 13 persons were killed in Akuku-Toru as 23 sustained injuries, while in Ahoada-West, about 30 persons were arrested and manhandled, just as in Andoni, five were detained.
Similarly, Tai had 11 persons detained while in Opobo/Nkoro, 15 persons, including the state Commissioner for Education, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja were also illegally detained.
Meanwhile, Gogo-Jaja and Peoples Democratic Party stalwart in Asari-Toru, Chief Pawariso Horsfall have recalled the trauma and abuse they suffered in the hands of the Army before and during the general election.
Gogo-Jaja explained that his house was ransacked, as his wife and children suffered psychological trauma, while his visitors were manhandled on March 7.
Though he was released after questioning on suspicion of harbouring criminals at his home, he alleged that he lost valuables, including N1.5million.
On the hand, Horsfall narrated how his house was vandalised by suspected soldiers who claimed they were searching for criminals.
He narrated how one Captain Balarabe led soldiers who stormed his house at about 1.30am and another Supol Abu, who led a police team to search his home thereafter.
However, the Army authorities have denied involvement in the alleged acts.
Representative of the Nigerian Army during the committee’s sitting, Brig-Gen Felix Omogui, maintained that the Army complied with clearly spelt out rules of engagement.
Omogui said, “On the alleged murder of Mrs Amachree, it’s laughable that we will kill a law-abiding citizen”, as he added, there were cases of unknown soldiers, “we had so many cases and arrested many of them.”
However, the House of Representatives Committee investigating killings and violence during the general election in Rivers State has sued for peace and healing in the state.
The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Rimande Kwenum, who made the prayer, yesterday, as the committee rounded up its public hearing in Port Harcourt, said the panel was set up to avert such violence in the future and ensure healing in the state.
He frowned at the way security agencies conducted themselves but said there was need for preventing such in the future, as he called on the political class to mend fences.
The same view was expressed by Hon. Kingsley Chinda, representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the House, and who moved the motion for the committee’s investigation.
Chinda held that the elections in Rivers State were more of a battle field with F-SARS and Army being major actors.
He argued that the action of both the Army and police was unconstitutional, and therefore, the panel was set to straighten the system to avert future occurrence.
“I will continue to raise issues that border on the sanctity of the nation…It’s only truth that can heal wound, but if we sweep truth under the carpet, it can aggravate the situation”, he further submitted.
Meanwhile, the father of murdered lecturer and Ogoni youth leader, Dr Ferry Gberegbe, during the just-concluded guber and House of Assembly elections, yesterday, prayed for justice over his son’s death.
Mr. Conduct Gberigbe while praying the House of Representatives Committee on the Army, Police Affairs, Justice and Human Rights during a two-day public hearing on the violence and killings in Rivers State during the general election, stressed that those who killed his son should be brought to book.
The former police officer, who came with pictures of late son as a teenager, shed tears as he recalled the closeness he shared with late Dr. Gberegbe.

News

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

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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