News

Bye-Election: 12 Candidates Jostle For Gbajabiamila’s Seat In Surulere

Published

2 years ago

January 12, 2024

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State, says 12 candidates of different political parties will be contesting the February 3 Surulere Federal Constituency I bye-election.
The Lagos State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Prof. Ayobami Salami, disclosed this yesterday at a Stakeholders’ meeting with the leadership of political parties, religion, and security among other stakeholders.
The Tide’s source recalls that the Surulere Federal Constituency I seat became vacant due to the resignation of the former occupant, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, who after winning, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as his Chief of Staff.
The REC said the purpose of the meeting was to brief party leaders on the commission’s level of preparedness for the forthcoming bye-election, scheduled for February 3.
“The commission is required by law to conduct a bye-election in Surulere federal constituency 1 to fill the vacancy arising from resignation of Gbajabiamila.
“It is worthy of note to inform us that this category of election belongs to the class of bye-elections, which are also fresh elections.
“To this end, it goes without saying that political parties must conduct fresh primaries within the time frame provided by the enabling instruments to elect their candidates.
“In tandem with the provisions of the enabling instruments, the following electoral activities have been undertaken so far, to ensure not only the smooth conduct of the process but also demonstrate its fairness and transparency.
“Notice of election was given on January 4, while party primaries to elect candidates held from Jan. 5 to Jan. 9.
“List of 14 political parties were forwarded from the national headquarters to partake in the process but only 12 political parties eventually participated and have been submitted to the national headquarters for publication,” Salami said.
He listed the candidates to include: Akinyemi Da-Sliva (Accord) Kayode Jelili (Action Alliance) Collins Aigbokhaode (African Democratic Congress) Fuad Laguda (All Progressives Congress) Jonathan Ololade (All Progressives Grand Alliance) and Samuel Ekwuruke (Allied People’s Movement).
Others are: Yinusa Adisa (Action People’s Party) Adeola Adebanjo (Labour Party) Jerry Afemighie (Peoples Democratic Party) Muyiwa Adedeji (Social Democratic Party); Oluwole Austine Brito (Young Progressive Party) Emereole Anthony (Zenith Labour Party).
According to him, recruitment and training of ad hoc officials to take part in the bye-election are on-going through root training.
“These ad hoc staff consist of serving corps members and INEC officials.
“The non-sensitive materials meant for the election have been arranged, while we await the delivery of sensitive materials,” the INEC boss said.
He said the essence of the meeting was also to keep all stakeholders on equal page in tandem with the mission statement of the commission which was to serve as an independent and effective Election Management Body (EMB).
Salami said that INEC was committed to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections for sustainable democracy.
“I want to assure all stakeholders that on our part, we are going to adhere strictly to our guiding principles and bring to bear, our core values with a view to ensuring that we midwife a process, devoid of any rancour or acrimony.
“Being a double edged game, the commission will also profoundly appreciate that the stakeholders play the game according to the established rules. The idea of ballot snatching, vote buying and thuggery should be jettisoned.
“Let us strive together to allow our democracy grow and stand the test of time, “ the INEC boss said.
Also speaking, the INEC Administrative Secretary, Mrs Feyijimi Saseyi, who recognised past efforts of the critical stakeholders, called for more cooperation and collaboration saying: “INEC work with rules and regulations.”
Saseyi advised party stakeholders to always approach INEC for any clarification when in doubt or confused.
Addressing the stakeholders on level of preparedness, Mr Gabriel Abidakun, INEC Head of Department (HOD) Election Party Monitoring said that primary elections, if properly carried out by political parties, was to deepen internal democracy within the party.
Abidakun, who noted that the next phase of the exercise was campaign, said that public campaigns by political parties would commence on Jan. 18 and end on Feb. 1.
“Take violence out of the campaign. Eschew violence. The space is wide enough for all political parties to campaign. Do your campaign without violence.
“Take permission from constituted authority before open air rallies and processions. Adhere to the spending limits and date for the submission of the party agents.
“Avoid foul language, sell your candidate and leave them alone to make their choice,” Abidakun said.
Also speaking, Mrs Oluyemi Adeyemi -Showunmi, the HOD, Electoral Operations, said that Surulere Federal Constituency I consisted of six Registration Areas (Wards) and 258 Polling Units.
According to her, the total number of registered voters in the six wards remained the same at 140,377, while only 121, 111 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were collected.
Adeyemi-Showunmi said the commission had begun batching non sensitive materials which would soon be distributed.
Also, Mr Muyiwa Yusuf, the INEC HOD ICT explained that no fewer than 258 Bimodal Accreditation Voter Machine (BVAS) aside back up BVAS, would be deployed, adding that the configuration of the machine would soon start.
The Tide source reports that other INEC HODs also took turns to explain to the stakeholders, their level of preparations for the election.

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