News

WE’RE WATCHERS OVER AFFAIRS OF RIVERS – FUBARA

Published

2 years ago

June 17, 2024

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that he will make a difference with the sterling leadership that is being provided as a watcher over the affairs of the State, and not as one who merely craves for absolute power to control the people of the State.

The Governor explained that those who seek absolute control get obsessed with power, become ruthless and delightfully trample on the rights and liberty of people they should ordinarily dedicate themselves to serve.But Governor Fubara said he will continue to watch over the affairs of State entrusted in his care with the fear of God, and make Rivers people truly proud of his time of service.

Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the baby dedication service in honour of the family of Mr and Mrs Henry Wordu at the Royal House of Grace International Church in Rumueme Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State on Sunday.

He said, “For us, by the special grace of God, He has placed us, today, to watch over the affairs, not to control, but watch over the affairs of this State. I am not controlling, but watching the affairs; and I will watch through the fear of God.

“I will watch, understanding that one day, I will leave and account for the way I had watched over the affairs for all of us,” he said.

Governor Fubara emphasised: “It’s when you are of the mind of controlling power, that you will become obsessed. But when you are watching, you know that one day, you will leave and another will take over.

“So, I will watch with the fear of God, and I will make everyone of you proud. I will make a difference in leadership, and that difference will be to give everybody the opportunity to be free in this State,” he added.

Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the church for its fervent prayers, which is the reason why his administration is still standing strong and daring to implement impactful policies and programmes that advance the progress and growth of the State.

The Governor said no single man is more powerful than God to thwart divine purpose because, according to him, the hearts of kings are willed to any direction by God to do His biddings.

Governor Fubara asserted that no administration in the State has ever been subjected to the ordeals it is experiencing but stressed that the confidence to pull through is rooted by the spirit to stand in the strength of God continually.

He emphasised, “No man is more powerful than God. And even the heart of that wicked and heartless man or whatever you want to call it, it is even in the palm of God’s hand.

“It’s like a water that God turns in directions He wants. So, it’s only God that will continue to help us. And I know that He will lead us to a successful end.”

Governor Fubara further said: “And I am here to say thank you, first for all your prayers. A good number of you don’t even know me, have not seen me, have not had any personal contact with me, but from the time God showed His mercy upon us, you have always prayed for us, wish us well, and your prayers have always been answered by God.

“We are only standing because of your prayers. What we have gone through in this State, no previous government had gone through it. But it is only God that has made us still standing. Not just standing, but standing in the strength of God.

“It is only God and God alone. Without God, it won’t and will never be possible. So, I want to thank the Almighty God for showing His mercy, His grace that none of us even merit, but He poured it on us abundantly.”

Governor Fubara explained that he is at the church service to identify with Mr Wordu, who is a wonderful and great personality, and also to be part of the dedication of their baby to God.

The Governor noted that the beginning of life of any child is better started from the altar of God in act of dedication, making pronouncements and friends making the promise to join in the upbringing, provision of spiritual guidance and physically tend the child to grow into responsible adult.

He noted, “So, we are here to join everyone to make the promise that we will continue to pray for this baby. We will physically support the upbringing of this child in the fear of God and in the understanding of the workings of God in the lives of everyone.

“Nothing happens without God. He is a perfect designer. Before anything happens, He knows the end from the beginning. He already knows where he is going.

“It’s important you understand who a successful father is. A successful father is not measured by the wealth, money, houses, but when you are surrounded by worthy children.

“So, my prayer is that this baby will grow to bring honour to the Henry’s family; to bring honour to this church; to bring honour to this State; and bring honour to our country, Nigeria.”

Governor Fubara, who urged the church to continue to pray for his administration because God has already taken charge, said Rivers State and its people are truly liberated by God.

The Governor, while assuring of upholding what is right and just for the interest of the State, on behalf of the State Government, donated the sum of N100million support to the church.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, noted that Governor Fubara means well for the State, adding that he will continue to make progress in his governance over Rivers State.

General Musa also noted the huge defence task undertaken by the Nigerian military to ensure sustained security of the country, and assured that they will not relent in that responsibility.

In his speech, General Overseer of the Royal House of Grace International Church, Apostle Zilly Aggrey, said no plan can ever understand the plans of God and how He accomplishes them.

He added that this is why God will continue make detractors dumbfounded with the successes Governor Fubara has recorded within one year in office.

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