News

FG, Stakeholders, Agitators Dialogue Over N’Delta

Published

5 years ago

October 30, 2020

The Federal Government has reportedly started dialogue at Abuja with Niger Delta stakeholders and militants, who, last week, gave it a 21-day ultimatum to recommence hostilities, if government refused to quickly address the demands by #EndSARS protesters and additional 11-point demand by the agitators.
The talks were convened by the Deputy President of Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who is expected to convey the complaints of the stakeholders and militants to President Muhammadu Buhari and brief him on the outcome.
Omo-Agege, who spoke to newsmen, yesterday, confirmed his meeting with the stakeholders.
However, there were intrigues, after the meeting, as the militants, at an emergency meeting in one of the creeks, presided over by the leader and commanding officer of Reformed Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA), a collation of nine militant groups spread across the region, self-styled “Major General” Johnmark Ezonebi, attended by all unit commanders, disowned all serving ministers from the region.
Omo-Agege, evidently oblivious of the rejection of the minsters by militants, said: “We are just coming out of the challenges posed by the #EndSARS protests, it is my obligation as the Deputy Senate President and currently, the highest political office holder from Niger Delta to ensure that there is no breach of peace in my area, especially as militants had threatened to resume hostilities.
“I see it as my obligation to plead with all stakeholders of the region to ensure that there is peace in the Niger Delta.
“Yes, a delegation led by Chief Wellington Okirika and Prince Mike Emuh, leader of Host Communities of Nigeria and other leaders reached out to me, and we held a meeting with several reports and demands, which they pleaded with me to pass on to government. And I told them that I will convey their positions,” he said.
Also speaking, the militants vowed that they would not be part of any dialogue initiated by Niger Delta ministers, and would; instead, go ahead with their initial plan to stop oil production, if the Federal Government gives ears to their antics.
He stated: “Deputy Senate president, who is the number five citizen in the country and also the political leader of Niger Delta, being the highest political office holder from the region met with a delegation of stakeholders, including representatives of the dreaded RNDA militant group in Abuja.
“The delegation was headed by Chief Wellington Okirika, a highly respected chief from Gbaramatu Kingdom, one-time chairman of Delta State Oil Producing Development Commission, front liner in the agitation for the development of the Niger Delta region, and one of the leaders that fought hard for the establishment of 13 per cent derivation Act in the former Head of State, late Gen Sani Abacha era to the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
“Also among the delegation was the National Chairman of Host Communities of Nigeria, Dr. Prince Mike Emuh and Hon Prince Jude Tabai, son of a retired Supreme Court judge in the country, who sacrificed his life to come down to the creeks in the year 2016 in company of former Minister of Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalong with the former GGM Security at the NNPC Towers, Sam Otobueze, which led to the pronouncement of the ceasefire agreement entered into with the Federal Government,” he said.
According to RNDA leader, “Deputy Senate President has kick-started the dialogue process on behalf of the Federal Government already, therefore, the Presidency should ignore caricature people, deceitfully organizing another planned stakeholders’ dialogue team that will be spearheaded by self-centred, selfish, inhuman and greedy ministers from the Niger Delta region.”
His words: “The RNDA wants to ask a question: where were the so-called ministers from the region when Senator James Ovie Omo-Agege, the Deputy Senate President took out time to reach out to the leaders and the representatives of the dreaded RNDA and militant groups in the creeks, and engaged them for a dialogue process in other to persuade them on the need to maintain and sustain the existing peace in the creeks?
“The Deputy Senate President promised to convey our grievances and demands to President Muhammadu Buhari, who is ready to address the immediate demands laid down by the dreaded RNDA militant group in the creeks.
“And the Deputy Senate President assured the delegation that President Muhammadu Buhari is ready to address the underdevelopment challenges confronting the people of the region.
“He assured the delegation that he will make sure the demands of the RNDA will be looked into and will come up with speedy implementation for the purpose of peace, and to enable them maintain and sustain the existing peace in the creeks of the region.
“Therefore, RNDA, with the coalition of the nine militant groups in the creeks, calls on the Federal Government and the Presidency not to enter into any dialogue organized by the so-called inhuman, wicked, greedy, self-centred and selfish ministers from the region, who want to use this medium to grab millions of dollars for themselves in their normal usual method to make themselves popular before President Muhammadu Buhari and the Presidency.
“The ministers were appointed by Mr President to enable them reach out to their constituencies and address the plight of the people of the region, which is their primary assignment, but it is now obvious that these ministers are just there for themselves and their families with their cronies, and they continue to perambulate around without reaching out to the people of the region. They have failed woefully in their primary assignment so far.
“RNDA warns that if the Federal Government and the Presidency enter into any form of dialogue with these greedy, self-centred ministers from the region, we will go ahead to resume hostilities and embark on bringing down the production of crude oil to standstill in the creeks.
“Meanwhile, RNDA states that the 21-day ultimatum given to the Federal Government is still counting until the dialogue team kick-started by the Deputy Senate President on behalf of the Federal Government and the Presidency come with a speedy implementation of the demands submitted to the Federal Government by the RNDA.
“On this note, RNDA wishes to state categorically that the only dialogue team recognized by it is the dialogue team kick-started by the Deputy Senate President, spearheaded by High Chief Okirika, Emuh and others.
“RNDA warns seriously that if the dialogue team headed by Chief Okirika is found wanting, that is seizing this opportunity to acquire wealth and bid for contracts for themselves from the Federal Government, we will come after them and their children and families, and their acquired wealth of properties will not be spared.
“To this end, RNDA urges the Deputy Senate President to use his highly exalted office as the number five citizen of the country and as the political leader of the Niger Delta region to prevail on the Federal Government and the Presidency to speedily implement the demands by the RNDA and come out with a blueprint that will better the fortune and lives of the people in the Niger Delta region to enable the emancipated, neglected oil producing community people from the region build trust and confidence on him and to write his name in gold as far as the development of the region is concerned,” he added.
Okirika also confirmed that he led some stakeholders to Abuja, saying: “We met with Deputy Senate President over the 11-point demand by militants.
“We informed him of the challenges in Niger Delta, the demands are not new, it is not because of the #EndSARS crisis that the militants came up with the demands, they have been there in Niger Delta waiting for attention,” he said.

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