News
Sylva Allays Fears On Alleged Disqualification
The Bayelsa State All Progressives Congress(APC) gubernatorial Campaign Council has re-assured citizens of the state of a landslide victory at the November 11, 2023 governorship elections, saying Sylva and his running mate, Great Joshua MacIver are the candidates who would beat at the polls.
This reassurance, The Tide learnt was coming on the heels of a judgement delivered by Federal High Court sitting in Abuja which allegedly disqualified Sylva from contesting the forthcoming gubernatorial polls in the state.
A statement made available to Newsmen during the week by the Director, Media and Publicity of the Bayelsa State APC Governorship election campaign council, Mr Perry Tukuwei, reassuring party faithful and supporters of the APC candidate reads in parts:
“Sections 29 and 84 of the 2022 Electoral Act states that only persons who contested primaries of a political party has the locus standi to file a pre- election matter to challenge the qualification of the party’s candidate in any election, hence the suit filed by one Chief Demesuoyefa Kolomo who is not a member of the All Progressives Congress and didn’t contest our party’s governorship primaries do not have the locus standi to sue in the matter.
“Section 285 of the 1999 Nigerian constitution enjoins any aggrieved party to file an election matter within 14 days of the occurrence of the event, but this case was filed on the 13th of June 2023, whereas INEC published the names of the governorship candidates for Bayelsa, IMO and Kogi on the 12th of May 2023. Thus, the case was filed outside the constitutional prescribed 14 days thereby making the case statute barred.
” It is surprising to the party and Bayelsans that the court ignored the fact that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi to sue and went ahead to give judgement in their favour.
“Additionally, there is a practice directive by the Supreme Court that all pre-election matters be heard in the state where the primaries took place. To perfect their sinister act, the case was filed in Abuja. Is Abuja, Bayelsa?
“Subsequently, the Bayelsa All Progressives Congress can smell the coffee and sinister move by Governor Douye Diri to go through the back door which is his usual practice, having realized that our governorship candidate Chief Timipre Sylva is coasting home to victory, already following unrivaled acceptance in the eight local government areas of the state.
“The Party has briefed its lawyers to appeal the judgement and it is confident that the Court of Appeal will overturn the judgement of the Federal High Court.
“Our dear Bayelsans, fear not! This clandestine strategy by the PDP should not deter the resolve to elect Chief Timipre Sylva as the next Governor of Bayelsa State. We will win”.
Meanwhile, The Tide which had earlier monitored the flag-off of the party’s Governorship campaigns in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state on Monday prior to the Abuja Court ruling reports that the APC gubernatorial candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva and his running mate, Great Joshua MacIver, alongside their campaign team and party faithful had visited traditional rulers of the area, and campaigned in the three state assembly constituencies of the council area, respectively.
Speaking in the trio communities of Sagbama town, headquarters of the Sagbama Local Government Area, which also doubles as headquarters of the Local Government’s constituency two, and Agbere, as well as Ebedebiri communities, headquarters of constituency three and one, Sylva said he was willing to change the narrative of the people of the state for the better.
The former Minister of State, Petroleum Resources also noted that the incumbent Governor of the state, senator Douye Diri has brought untold hardship and abject poverty to citizens of the state, noting that upon his election, come November 11th he would put smiles on the faces of the people via job creation and employment generation, as well as reduce the worrisome poverty index of the state.
“I’ve been governor before, and have been Minister and so many other things. I’ve the experience to lead and change this state for the better.
“The poverty index of this state are too glaring, that’s because the current man in position as governor doesn’t have the requisite experience to govern the state.
“We’ll harness and explore our abundant gas to generate constant power supply. We’ll create jobs and opportunities for our people, and give all our citizens a sense of belonging”, Sylva said.
Earlier, the trio of the state chairman of the APC, Dr Dennis Otiotio, former Deputy Governor of the state, who also doubles as Deputy Director-General of the party’s Governorship campaign council for the state’s West Senatorial District, Chief Peremobowei Ebebi and the party’s state Vice Chairman, Barr. Francis Kolokolo described the APC candidate, Chief Sylva as an experienced and pragmatic leader who understands the problems and needs of the citizens of the state with a view to solving them.
They noted that Sylva was ready to right the wrongs in the state if elected as governor in the forthcoming elections, just as they promised to partner with all stakeholders to work assiduously towards the delivery of victory for the former Minister and his running mate, Joshua MacIver as Governor and Deputy Governor of the state, come November 11th, 2023.
In same vein, the people of Ebedebiri community have scored the APC guber candidate high, saying he was instrumental to the election of their Son, now acting Chief of staff to the governor of the state twice as former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
In another development, the campaign council of the Bayelsa State APC Gubernatorial candidate took their campaigns to Peretorugbene, Agoro and Toru-Ndoro communities of Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.
Highlights of the campaigns were the receiving of defectors from other political parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Continue Reading
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.
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
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
-
News3 days ago2026 Budget: FG Allocates N12.78bn For Census, NPC Vehicles
-
Sports3 days agoAFCON: Osimhen, Lookman Threaten Algeria’s Record
-
Politics3 days agoWike’s LGAs Tour Violates Electoral Laws — Sara-Igbe
-
Politics3 days agoRivers Political Crisis: PANDEF Urges Restraint, Mutual Forbearance
-
Sports3 days agoNPFL To Settle Feud between Remo Stars, Ikorodu City
-
Sports3 days agoPalace ready To Sell Guehi For Right Price
-
Sports3 days agoArsenal must win trophies to leave legacy – Arteta
-
Sports3 days agoTottenham Captain Criticises Club’s Hierarchy