Niger Delta
Stakeholders Fault Selection Of New Eleme Monarch
Less than a week after the emergence of HRM Philip Osaro Obele as the new king of Eleme in Rivers State, stakeholders, including some traditional rulers have faulted his selection, saying due process was not followed.
The Tide recalled that some clan heads in Eleme had reportedly elected Obele as new king of the area, claiming that the monarch was chosen by consensus at the Eleme town square, last Wednesday.
Paramount Ruler of Ogale in Eleme, HRH Godwin Bebe Okpabi who himself was a contender to the stool of Eleme land, had told newsmen that the monarch’s (king) selection was peaceful; describing it as a ‘total display of that ancient tradition of the people of Eleme by ten clan heads”.
But a contender to the stool and Paramount Ruler of Okori Kingdom in Eleme, HRH Appolus Chu described Obele’s declaration as null and void, pointing out that the kingship position is not hereditary, saying all interested parties, key stakeholders should be notified and allowed to particpate in the selection.
Addressing newsmen in company of some elites, chiefs and traditional rulers at his palace weekend, Dr. Chu expressed surprise over news of the selection and coronation of Sir Obelle as Eleme king.
Dr. Chu who is the Egbere Emere 1, Okori, Eleme Kingdom expressed displeasure that as one of the candidates for the exalted stool of Eleme Kingdom, he was not informed of the selection, noting that such development was capable of causing disunity in the area.
“What happened two or three days ago (last Wednesday), although I have been briefed when stakeholders, chiefs, most members of the Eleme Council of Chiefs were here to express their bitterness and grievances over what has happened.
“They (the stakeholders) were not here because they are against HRM Dr. Philip Obele, the one they said was chosen as King. They are not against him, but everyone is getting bored and angry because something is missing and not going right. That is the custom, the culture and the value of Eleme people.
“I was not informed in any way that they are selecting, or choosing or electing the king of Eleme. I am one of the highest Yam title holders in Eleme kingdom and as a candidate or interested candidate of the stool of the king of Eleme I am just surprised that those I expected to protect the custom and culture of our people are the ones violating the custom, the culture, process or where one or two will seat and say they have chosen the king of Eleme,” he stated.
The monarch described the selection process as an effort in futility; pointing out that the people of Eleme were yet to select their King.
“We have former Ministers in Eleme, we have an ambassador here, serving local government chairman and former council chairmen, we also have serving and former Commissioners. We have Bishops, and Arch Bishops and so on.
“Are all these personalities not supposed to be a part of the meeting to deliberate on the process of selection of who becomes their king? We have culture, values and traditions and then one or two people make up themselves to say that they have chosen.
“I am really disappointed that our values which is our culture and tradition is being destroyed in the hands of some traditional rulers that are supposed to hold this customs and culture very well and protect because it is sacred stool. What do we pass on to our children if everything is being turned into politics?
“In Eleme today, people need to rise up and condemn what is wrong. I am one to the aspirants of this stool. So I believe things should be done right. I was denied my right of participation. Eleme people have not selected their king because the stool is not hereditary. What this will cause is disunity. This is not politics. We should not force ourselves on our people so that we can earn their respect,” the monarch said.
Dennis Naku
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.