News

Unity Road’s Completion, Priority Of Wike’s Govt -Akawor

Published

3 years ago

August 24, 2022

Chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Rivers State chapter, Amb Desmond Akawor, has assured the people of Andoni Local Government Area that the Ogoni-AndoniUnity Road project remained a top priority project of the Governor NyesomWike-led administration.
Akawor, who is also the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stated this while addressing the people of Andoni during the Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) collection sensitisation programmeorganised by the Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI) at State School, Asarama, in Andoni Local Government Area, last Monday.
He said though the road was one of the most expensive projects, the present administration was determined to complete it before handing over in 2023.
While announcing that the contractor would soon move to site, IPAC chairman appealed for the cooperation of the people of the area so that the project can be completed as planned.
“The Ogoni-Andoni Unity Road is one of the most expensive projects in Rivers State. The governor has made commitment that the road must be completed. This is the desire of the governor of Rivers State. After the construction Andoni will no longer be a riverine community, Andoni will become upland”.
Addressing the people, Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, said he was happy to be in Andoni, and to be received by such a large crowd even when he was told that GDI does not exist in the area.
The PDP standard bearer said the enthusiasm shown by Andoni people has made the job of educating them on PVC collection very easy.
He advised the people to ensure they collect their PVCs, and also safeguard same.
Fubara, who said he was an indigene of Andoni, urged them to continue to work together to achieve a stronger GDI.
“I am happy with the level of awareness in our local government area. Iam overwhelmed by what I am seeing because it has made my job easier. We are done with registration, what is on now is collection of PVCs. Keep these PVCs safe. Ignore any text message that asks you to come with your PVC for empowerment”, he advised the people.
Fubara has charged the electorate in Andoni to close ranks so as to build a stronger GDI in the LGA.
The standard bearer maintained that though GDI was fully on ground in the LGA, they, as the electorate, can be stronger if they remain united.
Fubara also forewarned the people to stand strong even in the face of storms that may come with the electoral season, as the battles ahead have already been won.
He advised eligible electorate to ensure that they use their PVCs wisely during the forthcoming elections in 2023, assuring that their votes would count this time around.
He commended the leaders of the area, women and youths and the GDI supporters for coming out enmasse for the programme.
In his remarks, the President-General of GDI, Hon Bright Amaewhule, said that the large crowd that turned out to grace the rally had justified his earlier assertion that the group was fully on ground in Andoni.
He encouraged those who were yet to collect their PVCs to do so as soon as possible, now that the window is still open.
He added that with the level of awareness among the people, electioneering campaign messages by candidates of the PDP would be easy to drive home to eligible voters in the area, particularly because of the giant strides the state government had made in delivering solid dividends of democracy to the people.
Amaewhule charge the people to protect their PVCs, and ensure that they use same wisely to elect the right candidates into various offices during the 2023 elections.
Also speaking, the member representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency, HonAbiante Awaji-Inombek, stated that 2023 elections shall be a referendum on moving Nigeria forward towards progress, unity, development and peace.
He emphasised that the era of ‘top-to-bottom’ policy is over, and that it has become imperative to use the PVCs to secure the lives of citizens and posterity as well as to SIMplify tomorrow.
Earlier, the Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, Barrister Erastus Awortu, declared that staff of Independent National Electoral Commission in Andoniwere not resting because on a daily basis, the people were busy collecting their PVCs from the electoral umpire.
He also stated that in time past,Andoni was enslaved by the forces of darkness and underdevelopment, but now has been liberated by the Rivers StateGovernor, Chief NyesomWike.
The chairman maintained that with the PVCs collected, they shall execute punishment on those who short-changed Andoni in contracts, scholarships and other basic necessities.
The Andoni rally featured dance gyration by the 11 wards in the area, and solidarity speeches from stakeholders.
Among the stakeholders, who spoke at the event are a former chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) and current stalwart of the PDP, Chief Davies IbiamuIkanya;member representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon Abiante Awaji-Inombek;Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Ikuinyi-OwayiIbani; and the LGA Chairman, BarristerErastus Awortu.
Others include the Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Edison Ehie; the Majority Leader of Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Martin Amaewhule; former Commissioner, Civil Service Commission, Mrs Sotonye Toby Fulton, chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Engr. Samuel Nwanosike; Mayor of Port Harcourt, Hon AlwellIhunda; and other council chairmen, prominent government officials and chieftains of the party.

By: Nelson Chukwudi

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