News

IPOB Blames Army, Police, Uzodinma For Imo Killings

Published

4 years ago

January 5, 2022

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) said the Nigerian Army, Police Force, and Governor Hope Uzodinma were responsible for the innocent killings in Imo State.
A statement by the group’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, noted that the security agencies peddled false reports regarding the residents of the state to paint a negative picture of them.
The statement read in part, “Following the frustration and lack of professionalism by the Nigerian security agencies, they have as usual resorted to lies and propaganda to deceive the gullible minds.
“The Nigerian Army and police parading and killing innocent citizens in Imo State have started with falsehood to demonise their innocent victims. They can only deceive those who don’t know what is happening in Imo State since Hope Uzodinma and his APC party turned Imo State into an abattoir for innocent Biafrans.
“Nigerian security agents and Ebubeagu security members recruited by Hope Uzodinma were operating and killing innocent citizens in Imo State have lied again that they repelled Eastern Security Network (ESN) operatives who allegedly besieged the palace of Eze Emmanuel Okeke of Amaifeke in Orlu LGA Imo State.
IPOB added that it had no grouse with monarchs in the South-East, against what the security agencies are peddling as a hunt on the traditional institution.
IPOB stated that the community policing network, known as Ebubeagu, under the direction of Uzodinma, lied that it repelled operatives of the ESN after allegedly holding siege to a palace.
“This is another blatant lie from the pit of hell. IPOB/ESN operatives have no issues with traditional rulers in Biafraland but Nigeria army and police are trying to create the wrong impression that we are hunting the monarchs,” IPOB stated.
However, IPOB has warned those behind incessant attacks in the South-East, saying “they (criminal elements) have as usual resorted to lies and propaganda to deceive the gullible minds”.
Exonerating itself from the killings in the region, the group through its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, yesterday, said they have no hands in the spate of killings and abductions in any part of South-East.
The group claimed some criminal elements parading as security agents were the ones behind the incessant killings in a bid to demonise IPOB.
“It is true that we criticise some traitors among our people, including politicians, traditional rulers, and even fake religious leaders.
“Our condemnation of their unpatriotic actions against Biafra has not got to the level of going after any of them.
“Maybe very soon these criminals behind the bloodletting in our land will start going after religious leaders and blame their abominable act on IPOB and ESN.”
“The recent confession by Rochas Okorocha has vindicated us.
“Some wicked people in collaboration with the security agents are the masterminds of the insecurity in our land.
“Many buildings were burnt down in Umutanze, Amaifeke in Orlu and Orsu by compromised security agents in Imo. This madness must stop,” the group added.
Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra, through its Media and Publicity Secretary, Mr Emma Powerful, has confirmed that the group had banned recitation of the Nigerian national anthem in schools in the South-East region.
It would be recalled that IPOB, had last Monday, apart from banning the national anthem in schools, also banned the use of Fulani cows during festive seasons in the region.
Speaking with newsmen, yesterday, Powerful said the order came from the “head of directorate and leadership of the group as led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
He, however, explained that he would expatiate with further details more information as regards the directive, yesterday.
Powerful, who denied the group’s involvement in the killings and kidnappings of some monarchs in the South-East, said “shedding of blood” is not included in their mandate, but rather, the emancipation of its people from slavery.
He said, “Yes, our head of directorate and leadership made it so that Nigeria national anthem should be banned in schools, including the use of Fulani cows during festive season.
“We will work out mechanisms to ensure compliance in a non-violent manner. We are freedom fighters working for the emancipation of our people from slavery as led by our leader, MNK. We are not a violent or terrorist group.
“We are putting heads together for a more robust deliberation and before the end of the day; further details would be put out in the public domain.
“This campaign will be tagged the ‘Prisoner of conscience campaign’ and all IPOB family members, Biafrans and friends of Biafra are expected to key into this campaign.”
Also, the Indigenous People of Biafra has made known its intention to create an Education Department that would teach Igbo history in schools.
In a New Year statement signed by the group’s Head of Directorate of State, Chika Edoziem, IPOB stated that three books are ready for publication to support this effort.
“We have about three books that will be published this new year in furtherance of this. After the head of this department is made public, Biafran writers will be called upon to bring forward books and educational materials to be published for our children in primary and secondary schools,” the statement reads in part.
Meanwhile, IPOB has stated that it would start a worldwide campaign for the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is detained by the Nigerian government on charges of treason.
This came in a statement signed by Edoziem and IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, which outlined the group’s activities for the year 2022.
The proscribed group added that it would take the campaign to embassies and international governments and organisations to spread its message.
The statement read in part, “Secondly all IPOB families worldwide are hereby directed to activate the earlier instruction passed down to them. We shall embark on a worldwide protest in cities and capitals around the world.
“The campaign will be called, ‘The Prisoner of Conscience Campaign’. In furtherance of this campaign, all IPOB family members, Biafrans and friends of Biafra are hereby urged to change their profile pictures on social media with our official campaign poster.
“The focus of our protest shall be British Embassies, the British Parliament, 10 Downing Street, the Kenyan Embassies, the Nigerian Embassies and international organisations like the UN, the EU, Amnesty International and media houses.”

News

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

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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