News

Ariolu, NYCN, Others Hail Fubara’s Emergence As Rivers Gov-Elect

Published

3 years ago

March 22, 2023

Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Barrister George Ariolu; the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and the leadership of PDP in Egbeda, Emohua Local Government Area, have congratulated the winner of the 2023 gubernatorial election and candidate of the Rivers Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, on his victory at the polls.
Also congratulating the governor-elect is the member-elect, Rivers State House of Assembly representing Emohua Constituency, Justina Emeji.
Reacting to the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday, Ariolu said, “I seize the opportunity to congratulate the Rivers Governor-Elect, Sim Fubara on his landslide victory at the 2023 gubernatorial polls.
“Elected by the people, I believe he is the best man for the job, and I and my team shall work closely with him to ensure a better Rivers is actualised.
“I am confident that your vote for Fubara will consolidate the continuous infrastructure development of our leader, Chief Nyesom Wike, who has performed beyond measures.”
Ariolu, in a statement in Rumuodomaya, the Local Government Headquarters, thanked voters for their patience and peaceful conduct during the exercise.
According to him, the March 18 Rivers gubernatorial election marked the beginning of a new journey towards a better Rivers State.
He said, “I sincerely appreciate everyone who turned up to perform their civil rights, especially for their peaceful conduct during the exercise.
“Yesterday marked the beginning of a new journey towards a greater Rivers State.”
He equally appreciated residents for their unwavering support towards the success of his administration, assuring that their support would not be undermined.
He maintained that his administration was committed to ensuring that Obio/Akpor remains a hub for innovation, opportunity, development and growth.
“Also as a council, we are sincerely grateful for all your support, and will not take it for granted. I promise to continue to work tirelessly to ensure that your voices are heard and that your needs are met.
“I am committed to ensuring that Obio/Akpor remains a hub for innovation, opportunity, development and growth”, he said.
Similarly, the leadership of Egbeda chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward 11 has congratulated the newly elected governor on his victory.
A statement signed by the party read in part, “Your Excellency, on behalf of the leadership under Chief David Omereji and members of PDP Ward 11, Egbeda, Emohua LGA, Rivers State, we congratulate you on your emergence as the governor-elect of Rivers State in the just concluded governorship election held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“It is a victory for all Egbeda sons and daughters and Rivers State people at large, irrespective of political affiliation as it shows that the hand of the Almighty God is truly on our dear state. May your renowned brilliance and God’s wisdom direct your part. Your emergence is a major pointer that politics today is tilting towards meritocracy and goodwill of God Almighty.”
Omereji further thanked the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his tenacity in ensuring Fubara’s victory at the polls, in spite of several threats by the opposition.
“Once again, congratulations Your Excellency, and thanks for your tenacity, steadfastness and consistent courage”, the statement added.
Also, Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Rivers State Chapter and South-South zone, Chijioke Ihunwo, has congratulated Fubara on his election victory.
The chairman believed that under the leadership of Fubara, the relationship between the youths and government would be more cordial.
The youth leader expressed gratitude to Rivers State youths for coming out en masse to vote for Fubara, saying that “he believes in the capacity of Sir Sim Fubara to carry the youths along in his administration, and the state will continue to blossom in leaps and bounds in the areas of infrastructural development, human capital development, agriculture, security, health, education, etc.”
In the same vein, the House of Assembly member-elect representing Emohua State Constituency, Justina Emeji, also congratulated the governor-elect on his landmark victory at the polls.
In a statement, she said, “Your electoral victory came from God with evidence of the voice of the people of Rivers State that spoke with actions from the 23 local government areas of the state.
“As an accomplished accountant and administrator who rose through the ranks in the Rivers State Civil Service, you defied the odds as a presumed ‘nobody’ to make history as the first governor-elect of Rivers State of Opobo/Ibani descent of the riverine part of the state.
“Your emergence as governor means so much to us as EMOLGANs. It is a prayer answered to consolidate on the superlative performance of our leader, Chief Nyesom Wike, and continue to deliver qualitative, viable dividends of democracy under the NEW RIVERS VISION in the state, especially in Emohua Local Government Area.
“Let me again, specially thank our good people of Emohua Local Government Area for the show of massive support for the PDP-led Government of Rivers State and for voting massively for the Peoples Democratic Party.
“I also applaud INEC and the security agencies for the successful conduct of the 2023 General Elections considered as free, fair and credible in the whole of Emohua LGA and other parts of Rivers State”.

News

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

Published

5 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

5 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

5 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