Connect with us

News

Nigerians Call For Restructuring

Published

on

As Nigeria marked her 60th anniversary of nationhood yesterday, some Nigerians have called for a return to the 1963 Constitution.
A cross section of the respondents who spoke to The Tide on the celebration also said the incursion of the military into the nation’s politics also acted as a setback to the nation.
The Eze Mbam Abali/Eze Risi Oha of Rebisi, Port Harcourt, Eze Christopher Wanodi said what the country needed at the moment was restructuring.
“Nigeria, instead of progressing is retrogressing. The basis of the retrogression is that the country has not learnt enough lessons.
“What we need at the moment is restructuring. We need true federalism, let the right thing be done,” he said.
He also stressed the need for the decentralisation of the power sector, regretting that in spite of the fact that billions of naira had been sunk into the power sector the nation is still having epileptic power supply.
“To me, what we need is for state to generate its own power. Decentralise power supply and the country will move forward.”
Also reacting, the President of Ogbum-nu-Abali Youths Council, Manuchim Praise Lemmy Wopara, said the country should develop an employment policy for the youths to curb restiveness in the nation.
“Governor Wike is doing a lot in youth employment, so let other state governments in the country key in,” he said.
On his part, the Paramount Ruler of Iriebe Community, Eze Jeremiah Worenwu, said unity was the greatest achievement for the country.
“We are celebrating oneness. The challenges of insecurity are not only applicable to us, but other countries also have security problems.
“So let us thank God for being together this 60 years,” he said.
Also reacting, Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Rivers State, Ofimaobari Igwe, said the country should use the celebration to improve the Agricultural sector.
“Nigeria with its population should provide leadership to the rest of Africa in food production” he said.
Also speaking, Coordinator of CDC Forum, John Onwu budili, said, “The good people of Nigeria mostly the current leaders, should not deviate from the original intention that led to agitation for the Nigerian, Independence.
“If we should evaluate the economic situation of Nigeria, and the system of leadership which our leaders are applying currently, you can agree with me that the leaders and Nigerians are going contrary to the original intention, which led to the agitation for having Nigeria’s independence.
“It is a pity that for 60 years of the Nigerian Independence, we are still celebrating when some of our roads are being patched, we are in a country where ordinary toothpick is being imported, people of creativity are not being encouraged, but hooligans and outlaws are rewarded. We face injustice on daily basis, where leaders do not practise what they preach.
“I believe that during the time of agitation for Nigerian Independence. those our heroes had it in mind that within 25-30 years of Independence, Nigeria would have been a centre of attraction, but the reverse is the case. We now face a country where there is abuse of power, abuse of rule of law, tribalism, corruption, killings, nepotism, injustice of all kinds.
“However, despite our mistakes for the past 60 years, Nigeria’s Independence is a commendable achievement.

 

By: John Bibor

Continue Reading

News

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

Published

on

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.
Continue Reading

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

on

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
Continue Reading

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

on

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
Continue Reading

Trending