News

APC May Hold National Convention, Dec

Published

4 years ago

September 27, 2021

Barring last minutes change in the arrangements, the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) would hold in the first weekend of December.
A source close to the party said that, according to the arrangements, after the State Congresses in October and the Anambra governorship election in November, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) would meet to rectify the timetable and schedule of activities for the National Convention.
“I can confirm to you that the APC National Convention will hold on the first Saturday of December this year which may likely be December 4. After the State Congresses in October, the party will set up Appeals Committee same month and concentrate on the Anambra State governorship election coming up in November.
“After the Anambra guber, according to the plan, the party’s NEC will meet to rectify and approve the timetable and schedule of activities for the Convention within the one month statutory stipulation.
“The meeting is just formalities because NEC has already given the committee the powers to conduct the convention. However, if they are to amend the party constitution, it requires the approval of NEC.”
“Before then, the party is also looking at setting up Zoning Committee that may be a 13-man membership to be drawn two members from each geopolitical zone and a chairman.
“I can confirm to you that convention is most likely to hold first weekend of December because the national leadership knows that shifting the event beyond December will deepen the crisis within the party,” our source said.
Meanwhile, unless urgent intervention comes from the presidency, there are strong indications that the ruling party may be enmeshed in a fresh crisis as the national leadership and hitherto loyal state caretaker committee chairmen have declared war on each other over the recently concluded Congresses and date for conduct of National Convention.
The love lost is hinged on what some of the state caretaker committee chairmen described as renege by the national leadership on the agreements reached with the forum.
They had specifically frowned at the situation where the national leadership endorsed the charade Congresses conducted in some states, lamenting that the national leadership ignored many of them that complained about the unfair treatment melted on them during the Congresses.
Confirming the situation, the Enugu State Caretaker Committee Chairman, Ben Nwoye, had stated that he has personally declared war against the national leadership, threatening fire and brimstone over their lukewarm attitude to the injustice melted on him by their member, Senator Ken Nnamani.
“You will recall that the national leadership recently ordered the state caretaker committee chairmen to conduct the swearing-in of the newly elected ward and local government executives, yet they could not address various complaints we took to them about certain party chieftains shutting us out of the Congresses. If we are not relevant during the Congresses how can we swear-in the exco we petitioned the leadership against their emergence?
“We had an agreement with the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Committee before the Congresses, but I was surprised that they endorsed the charade Nnamani did in Enugu.
“They allowed us to be in charge of our states during the membership registration but handed over the party structure to those they considered superstars during the Congresses. For instance in Enugu, they allowed Nnamani to take charge and even gave the result sheet to him to write whoever he wants to emerge as executive.
“After sidelining me, I am waiting and watching to see how they will run the party in Enugu State after giving the party structure to Nnamani. We are just starting the fight because the baby who said its mother will not sleep will not also sleep. If they think that somebody like me will back down, they must be dreaming.
“Let me tell you that what happened in Zamfara and Rivers states during the 2019 elections will be a child’s play to what will happen in Enugu in 2023.
“Whether they like it or not, they must hold Convention by December and hand over power to a new national leadership. We don’t have party again, what is keeping APC is President Muhammadu Buhari and by next year, all these stories of Buhari said this, Buhari did not say that will be over. And once Buhari story is over, people will do whatever they want to do,” he said.
Asked if the Forum of State Chairmen is no longer functional, he said, “They have killed the Forum. Many of the forum members are no longer interested due to the manner the National Caretaker Committee has endorsed some illegality in their states.”

News

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

Published

4 hours 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

4 hours 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

4 hours 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