News

Rivers Exco Approves 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework …Ups Payments To Pensioners By N1bn …Gives Nod To Five-Yr Extension Of Service For Teachers

Published

1 year ago

October 1, 2024

The Rivers State Executive Council has approved the framework for the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to commence the preparation for the 2025 budget of the State.

The State Executive Council gave the approval at its meeting, presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and attended by Deputy Governor, Prof Ngozi Odu, and other Council members at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt, last Thursday.

This follows the approval of the request by the ministry for the submission of the updated copy of the 2025-2027 Rivers State Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) to Council.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Peter Medee, disclosed this while briefing newsmen after the meeting, noting that the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, which explains the fiscal and economic outlook of government for the year under consideration, enables government to situate the economy such that the budget will not be over or under budgeted.

He said, “Council, today, graciously approved our request for the submission of the updated copy of the 2025-2027 Rivers State Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). The MTEF is a document that explains the fiscal and economic outlook of government for the year under consideration. It takes six years behind and three years ahead. The essence is to project and put some forecast based on which the budget of the following year will be prepared.

“So, today, Council has approved the framework for us to go ahead to prepare the 2025 budget of Rivers State. The essence is that the Medium Term Expenditure Framework takes into consideration the global outlook, the continental outlook, the national outlook, and the state’s specific outlook.”

According to him, “The idea is that when we do this focus, we will be able to situate the economy such that whatever maybe the vicissitudes of the shock or other volatilities that may affect the economy, the projection will be able to make the economy insulated, such that we will not be able to over budget or under budget.

“So, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework that has been presented today has taken into account the shock arising from the conflict in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine and Russia as well as other internal shocks, just like oil price as well as other daily averages that will be able to affect the economy.

“So, Council, in their wisdom today, has looked at all that, so that we will be able to prepare a budget that Rivers State can be moved from where we are today, where the Governor and the government of Rivers State will be able to provide value for the money, because budget is all about expected income and intended expenditure.

“The income we are expecting, we have been able to look at the outlay of the sources where this income will come, and we have also been able to look at what the needs are, such that the expected expenditure will be situated on the need basis and all that is what this document looked at.

“We have also projected the income that we are expecting from the local governments as well as other sectors. All these are packaged in the envelope, such that by the time we do sectoral distribution of this income, which is going to be the actual budget, then, we will be able to put the State on the path of growth and development.”

Dr. Medee noted that the 2025 budget, which will be bigger than that of 2024, will enable the Governor and government to deliver more democratic dividends to meet the needs of Rivers people.

He added, “One important thing that we have been able to achieve today is that the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, has projected such that we are going to have a budget that is going to be expansionary, because the figure we are looking at is greater than the figure for 2024. And because the figure is greater, it means that the delivery from the state government to the people of Rivers State is going to meet a lot of expectations, such that Rivers people will be proud that they have a government that cares for them.”

On his part, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joseph Johnson, stated that Council applauded the Governor for approving additional N1billion to the already subsisting N1billion Pension Fund in the State.

Warisenibo Johnson noted that the Governor’s gesture is worth commending as the additional fund will take care of pensioners in the State as part of his welfare package for both the civil servants and the retired senior citizens of the State.

He added, “Council also appreciated His Excellency for a N1billion addition to the Pension Fund. It had always been N1billion, but the Governor, in his usual mannerism, has increased that figure from N1billion to N2billion.

“This is to take care of our pensioners, and that is worth commending His Excellency as part of his welfare package for both the civil servants and the retired civil servants.”

Also speaking, the Rivers State Head of Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, said Council also approved the domestication of the law elongating the number of service years for teachers across the country by extra five years for teachers in Rivers State.

Dr Nweake, however, stated that the approval will only be applicable to professional teachers duly registered with the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

“There is this new law elongating the number of service years for teachers across the country. Before now, teachers retire at the attainment of 60 years of age or 35 years of service to Nigeria. But this new law now has elongated the service of teachers by five extra years, so that teachers will now retire at the attainment of 65 years or 40 years of service, whichever comes first.

“So, today, Council has approved this particular domestication of this new service years for teachers in Rivers State. And we are talking about teachers, not administration staff or other staff working in the schools.

“Every person that will benefit from this must be teachers that are professional and registered with Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria. They must be professional teachers, and they must be teachers in the classroom, not people that are working as admin staff. This is a very heartwarming news, and Council has approved it,” he asserted.

He added that implementation of the policy is effective immediately, based in the circular enabling the elongation of the service year for teachers across the country.

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