Niger Delta

Emmanuel Forecasts Better Year For A’Ibom

Published

4 years ago

January 3, 2022

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has urged Akwa Ibom people to remain hopeful and prayed that 2022 shall be a better year for the state and the country in general.
Emmanuel who made the prayer on Saturday, during a New Year worship Service at Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion Diocese of Uyo, expressed the optimism that the state and country would evade the challenges faced in the year 2021.
‘’Today is New Year’s day, I stand here to wish everybody a happy new year, I pray that this year shall be a much better year for us as a country and for us as a state and for you as an individual and your family”, the governor said
The Governor who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel and family, as well as some members of his cabinet, welcomed Akwa Ibom citizens and residents to the New year.
He advised detractors to desist from peddling unverified reports and rumours on social media, and giving the state a bad image, pointing out that what the country went through in 2020 and 2021, calls for appreciation and gratitude to God for blessing the state.
He explained that in line with the theme of the state in 2022, ‘There Shall be a Performance’, that God would reveal his successor in due time, adding that whoever God reveals as his successor would have the same confirmation without confusion.
He noted, “Our theme as a state is that ‘There Shall Be a Performance’ of what the Lord has told me as a governor, as a leader. And if what God is telling you is different from what He is telling me it means it is not from God, it could be a personal opinion.
“But this year shall be a year of that performance of what God has told me including my successor. So if anybody mentions anything to you know that it is not from God, it can’t be different from who God has told me and shown unto me.
“What is happening in our state, a lot of people may not understand. Jesus Christ said hereinafter you will understand.
“A lot of people may not understand and we can pardon them, because so many people that write and talk on the social media, some of them are never exposed to what is happening around the globe
“So when they see things, instead of giving thanks and all the glory to God, they say things that will not glorify God.”
Emmanuel who thanked the Anglican Communion Church, Uyo Diocese for their fervent prayers for the state, redeemed a pledge of N10 million in support of the building project of the Bishop’s house and also donated a bus for Anglican Communion, Uyo Diocese Choir.
In his homily, the Bishop, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Uyo Diocese, Rev. Prince Antai, enjoined Christian believers to live a life of obedience to God’s word and faith which will bring the will of God to pass.
‘’Faith is the ability to believe God without questioning God. When you obey God you will prosper, through the dark tunnel of obedience, the light shall shine. There is a specific miracle for those who obey God.’’, the Cleric said.

Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

Published

12 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has awarded damages to a masquerade who was arrested by the State Police Command for allegedly disturbing public peace during traditional worship rites.

The arrest followed an executive order reportedly issued by the State Governor, directing the Commissioner of Police to detain any masquerade seen performing during the Yuletide period.

Acting on this directive, a masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, a practitioner of traditional worship, was arrested and subsequently charged to court.

In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Mr. Effiong and his custodian, affirming that Ekpo, a recognised traditional religious practice in Akwa Ibom State, is protected under the law, and that its adherents are entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The judge held that Mr. Effiong’s arrest and detention violated his rights to personal liberty and freedom of religion.

The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release and directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the infringement of his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.

Human rights experts have hailed the judgment as a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional protection of traditional religious practices, emphasising the importance of respecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.

By: Enoch Epelle

Niger Delta

MOSIEND Seeks Water Projects In Buguma From NDDC … Urges RSG To Revamp Fish Farm

Published

12 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area (ASALGA), Rivers State

The Group also called on the Rivers State government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths.

On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously and that the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people.

The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the LGA to assist in making the project a reality and also attract more developmental projects to the LGA.

MOSIEND’s Eastern Zonal Coordinator, Half Hour, Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, made the call on a radio programme in Rhythm 93.7fm, “Talk of the Town”.

LongJohn, who made the call alongside the Chairman of MOSIEND in Buguma, Mark Ojuka, and his counterpart in Obuama, Hon. Sandra Owunari, also called on the Management of Nigeria Liquidifed Natural Gas (NLNG) to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kalabari communities to improve their health status.

He appealed to NLNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting that the company is doing same in Bonny, while abandoning Kalabari communities

“We need contracts, free medicals, scholarships and employment, including skill acquisition programmes for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions”, LongJohn stated.

On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Amama soldiers, saying “the city is more peaceful and investor-friendly as the youths of the area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area.

“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”

On revamping the Buguma fish farm, he said, “The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment.

“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence.”

By: Chinedu Wosu

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

3 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.