News

Remodelling Obio/Akpor ’ll Continue Under My Govt, Fubara Assures

Published

3 years ago

February 20, 2023

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has promised to continue with Governor Nyesom Wike’s urban renewal drive in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, when elected governor of the state.
Fubara gave the assurance while addressing a mammoth crowd of supporters at Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, venue for the grand finale of Rivers PDP state-level campaign rally, last Saturday.
He said the remodelling of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area has become imperative because the area is no longer a remote area but a mega metropolis accommodating millions of people from every part of the State and Nigeria.
“Today is a very special day because it marks the end of our campaign rally. We have journeyed 22 local government areas before today. We thank the Almighty God that we did not record any casualty throughout the campaign across the state, this shows that God is with us.
“Let me thank Obio/Akpor as a whole because you have shown me so much love. Let me say this today, Obio/Akpor people have adopted me, so you can say I am an Obio/Akpor man.
“Obio/Akpor is no longer a remote LGA, it is now a big city. I will continue with the remodelling of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. I will continue with the siting of major projects here that will change the face of Obio/Akpor and better its standard.
“I live in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, we all live in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor, therefore, I will provide adequate security in Obio/Akpor because anything done here is not just for Obio/Akpor people but for everybody living and doing business here.
“My good people of Obio/Akpor, I thank you for your support and love. I promise you that I will not disappoint you for believing in me. All the candidates of our party in the state are grateful to Governor Wike and the leaders of our party,” he said.
In his remarks, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, scored Obio/Akpor Local Government Area best in terms of mobilisation and organisation, followed by Khana Local Government Area, and Akuku-Toru Local Government Area in second and third positions respectively.
“Let me say this without bias, in terms of mobilisation and anything you can think of as long as this campaign is concerned, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area is the best, followed by Khana Local Government Area in the second position, and Akuku-Toru Local Government Area in the third position.
“Sincerely, let me thank the leadership of the party in this LGA, for working together to produce this marvellous result. Some of the presidential rallies do not come close to this,” he said.
Wike asserted that the PDP governorship candidate in the state is a very honest, humble and committed person who talks less and do more, assuring that Fubara will not disappoint Rivers people.
“The incoming governor, Siminialayi Fubara, is a very honest, humble, and committed person who is not going to disappoint the people of the state. He is not the talking type, he is the working type.
“I am supporting him because I want someone who will do better than what I have done to succeed me. He was the Accountant-General of the state, he followed all our workings and he understands our vision. He will continue and consolidate on our gains,” the governor added.
On his part, the National Vice Chairman of the party, South-South, Chief Dan Orbih, said Governor Wike’s achievements in Rivers State for the past eight years are the weapons the party is going to use to win the election in the state.
“Your Excellency, I want to specially congratulate you for what you have done in Rivers State. Your achievements are our weapons to win this election.
“I have lived in Rivers State for many years, the Rivers State I knew yesterday is different from the Rivers State of today. Governor Wike has transformed the entire state,” he said.
Governor Wike had earlier led Sir Fubara and leaders of the party in the State to Obiri Ehie Apara Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to seek the support of government-recognised traditional rulers in the kingdom for the governorship candidate.

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