News

Our Projects’ll Secure Votes For PDP Candidates, Wike Predicts

Published

3 years ago

December 23, 2022

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has revealed that more projects being delivered by his administration are an unbeatable strategy to secure winning votes for all candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state in the 2023 general election.
Wike made the revelation at the inauguration of the Ahoada-Omoku Dual Carriage-way, yesterday, which held at the Ahoada State School in Ahoada East Local Government Area.
The governor said while people are talking about vote buying and using money to induce electorate, his administration has remained committed to do more work for Rivers people and to make them feel happier.
“Our own campaign is to do work. When you are talking about vote buying, this is the vote buying. We are using work to make the people to support us. So, people should not bother themselves thinking people are going to carry money.
“See our own here, we are using the Ahoada-Omoku road dualisation, we are using Ahoada-Ekpena Road, we are using the university campus, we are using Ochigba/Ogbologbolo/Ozochi Road. What will they (opposition) come here and tell you again.”
Wike also said that his administration would use the instrumentality of the law to jail politicians who want to disobey the Executive Orders 21 and 22.
The Executive Orders prohibit political parties, including the ruling PDP in the state, from using public school premises for their political rallies without requisite approval and payment of N5million non-refundable security fee.
The governor noted that some politicians were already boasting that with the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Police on their side, the Executive Orders were inconsequential, and therefore, they would disobey them.
Wike dared such politicians to disobey the Executive Orders if they can, and see if they would not be jailed.
“I didn’t say nobody should use primary and secondary schools for campaigns. All I have said is: if you want to use primary and secondary schools for your campaigns, you deposit money.
“So, that when you’ve used the place and spoil anything in the school, government will use the money to repair those things you spoilt and clean up the school. And there are those who say that they would disobey and no person will do anything. If you do disobey, you know where you will be.”
Wike explained that the Executive Orders seek to regulate the conduct of political activities to curb nuisance and promote public peace.
“Some people put their campaign offices in where people are living. Somebody is coming back to his house, he can’t enter his house. Why, because they are holding political meetings. We say this thing has to be regulated. It has to be in a non-residential area. They say they will not, I say you will. If you dare it without approval, you’ll go to jail.”
Commenting on the Ahoada-Omokudualised road, Wike said the phase one has been completed to add to the several projects that has transformed Ahoada into a modern city.
He said the phase two of the project has been approved and it will extend to Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
He said the phase two of the project has been approved and would extend to Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
He warned owners of land property who were duly compensated before the road project commenced not to return to build structures on the space left for future expansion work.
Wike said the space now belongs to the state government and directed the commissioner for works to demolish all structures that have already been erected on such land space.
The governor at the event formally recognised Kelvin NgoziAnugwo as the EzeEkpeyeLogbo 111, and said his staff of office and certificate of recognition would be issued to him in Port Harcourt.
Wike also gave a brand new Prado SUV to the Bishop of Diocese of Ahoada Anglican Communion, Rt. Ven. Clement Ekpeye, and said other bishops of the Anglican Church had received theirs.
He stated that before his assumption of office in 2015, there was only one first class traditional ruler in Ekpeye land, but explained that he had reversed this as there were presently not less than six first class traditional rulers in Ekpeye land.
Providing the description of the Project, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr.DakorinimaAlaboGeorge-Kelly, said despite some minor difficulties at commencement of work, the project was completed in good time.
George-Kelly said the administration of Governor NyesomWike has succeeded in transforming Ahoada Main Town to a satellite city through various projects in the area.
He said the administration’s road projects in Ahoada are not just to link it with Omoku Town and create access to neighbouring communities, but also to urbanise Ahoada and make it a municipal in line with the state’s original masterplan of creating new cities.
George-Kelly made the assertion at the commissioning ceremony of the 1st phase of Ahoada-Omoku Dual Carriageway at St. Paul’s State School, Ahoada East Local Government Area, on Wednesday 21 December, 2022.
“The construction of Ahoada-Omoku Road was flagged off last year, there were some minor difficulties at the inaugural stage of the project due to the terrain, topography, and flooding, but all those challenges were eventually surmounted.
“This dualised road is 6.2kilometres long, it has a total of 11.2kilometres drains of various sizes, there are drains of 1,200millimetres by 1,200millimetres, 1,000 millimetres by 1,000millimetres, 750millimetres by 750millimetres, and 600millimetres by 600millimetres. They all have a common wall thickness and base thickness of 150millimetres each.
“For the pavement, we have soil replacement of between 400 and 750millimetres thickness. Then we have 150millimetres thickness of soil cement stabilisation, 5percent soil cement stabilisation, specifically. We have an average of 250millimetres stone base thickness, 60millimetres thickness of binder course, and 40millimetres thickness of wearing course.
“The purpose of this project is not just to create access from Ahoada to Omoku or to create access for the neighbouring communities, it is also to transform Ahoada from a rural status to an urban status, or to a municipal if you like, in line with the original masterplan of the state. The Ahoada we saw yesterday is not the Ahoada we are seeing today,” he added.
According to him, the purpose of the project was not only to create access to neighbouring communities and other local government areas but to transform a rural town into an urban status whose residents can enjoy the trappings of city life.
In his address, the South-South Regional Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Juergen Fischer, commended the Rivers State Government for granting the company the opportunity to part of its urban renewal programme.

News

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

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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