News

Wike Laments Lack Of Respect For Sacrifices Of Armed Forces

Published

3 years ago

January 11, 2023

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has described as sad that most Nigerians do not appreciate the role men of the Nigeria Armed Forces have continued to play in ensuring there is peace and unity in the country.
Wike made the observation at the All Saint’s Cathedral Church of the Anglican Communion, Rumuokwurusi Town in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where the thanksgiving and inter- denominational church service organised in commemoration of 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations held, last Sunday.
The governor said each year; the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations begin with the Emblem launch.
After the launch, he noted, crests were usually made available that were meant to be worn daily, but most Nigerians do not attach importance to it.
He stated that pinning such crests on shirts won daily serves as a mark of honour, and a way of identifying with the men and officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Refusing to wear them, Wike stated, indicates a lack of appreciation of the sacrifices the officers had made in fighting to curtail insurrection, secession, crime and all forms of criminality that threaten peace in a healthy country.
Wike reiterated his stance on the need for the Federal Government to establish a standing welfare fund, from which pool money could be pulled to cater for the families of fallen heroes and war veterans that had defended the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
The governor also lauded the leadership qualities of the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo, the Rt. Rev. Innocent Uchechukwu Ordu, describing him as a true Man of God and an exemplary leader.
“I must express my satisfaction at the amazing work I have seen here in this cathedral. I will continue to support the diocese.
“I have never doubted the leadership qualities of Bishop Ordu, but coming here today and seeing the quality of things in this cathedral, I now have more love and greater respect for him.
“This is why I will continue to love and support him because he has shown that he is a true Man of God,” Wike said.
The Rivers State governor also announced a donation of N50million to support missions and other sundry work at the cathedral.
The service was used to offer prayers for men and officers of the Nigeria Armed Forces, unity within families of the citizenry, peace, justice and economic advancement in Rivers State, and Nigeria, and greater grace of God upon Wike.
Delivering his sermon titled, “A Blessed Memory” with text from Prov. 10:7, the Vicar of All Saints Cathedralof the Anglican Church in Rumuokwurusi, Ven. Alex Usifoh, applauded the sacrifices of the retired servicemen, stating that “their sacrifices cannot be easily forgotten”.
Usifoh further noted that a blessed memory is service that leaves impact, loud legacies and unchallenged monuments that will cut across generations.
He urged Nigerians, especially those in positions of authority to ensure that they bequeath worthy legacies that would have positive impact on the society.
He noted the sacrifices made by the ex-servicemen, and other members of the armed forces working under adverse conditions without adequate equipment.
He said the fallen heroes and war veterans who served the nation had made valuable sacrifices, giving up their comfort while fighting against insurrection and secession attempts in order to keep Nigeria united, and in peace.
He explained that a blessed memory is evoked by worthy legacy left behind, and urged Nigerians to conduct their affairs in a manner that leaves positive impact in their work places, communities and at the state level, without wasting the opportunities so given to them.
While praying that God gives grace to everyone to have such mindset to leave enduring impact on the sands of time, Usifoh urged Nigerians to continue to support families of the war veterans in appreciation of the sacrifices they have made.
He admonished leaders in all areas of life to impact positively on the people with love and fear of God so as to live amazing footprints on the sands of time.
The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, read the first lesson on behalf of the governor, while the second lesson was read by the Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Rivers State, ACG Justice O. Chichi.
The church, during intercession, prayed for the Nigerian Legion, the families of the fallen heroes, the state government, the Nigerian government and Nigeria as a country.
One of the highlights of the service was the treating of the congregation to a melodious rendition by the Cathedral Choir.
The 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Service was also attended by chaplains from various military chaplaincies, members of the Nigerian Legion, the Armed Forces, top government functionaries, traditional rulers and the political class.

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