News

Amidst Attempts To Starve Us Of Funds, We’re Still Providing Services, Projects -Fubara

Published

1 year ago

December 9, 2024

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that no matter how hard detractors tried to starve the State of funds, his administration has continued to provide social services and infrastructure projects to the people.
Governor Fubara spoke when he inaugurated the reconstructed 11.8 kilometres Okehi-Umuola-Eberi Link Road, along Okehi-Omuma Road, in Etche Local Government Area last Wednesday.
The Governor stated that the 14 days that have been set aside in December 2024 will be used to showcase the landmark projects undertaken by his administration to prove that it has remained focused.
These set of projects, he said, are definitely going to transform the socio-economic status of communities in the benefitting Local Government Areas in the State.
The Governor said, his determination remains to make the people happy with the mantra of “Rivers First”, which is why he will not politicise projects’ delivery.
He said, “But, today, we are starting to showcase what we have done in those months when people were asking what are we doing? Where is the fund?
“I am happy to say here, I stand to be challenged, this administration has not borrowed to execute projects. The only money we borrowed was the one we used for the Ring Road project, and everybody is aware of it.
“Go and bring any paper. Go to Debt Management Office and check if we have asked for anything. We don’t need it. What is important is the little we are getting, we are applying it rightly.”
Governor Fubara asserted that everybody is also aware that his administration has paid the N85,000 new minimum wage he promised Rivers civil servants, which is more than the N70,000 national minimum wage.
This, he said, further affirms the commitment and love of his administration to Rivers people, who have continued to stand by his government with unalloyed support.
Governor Fubara, however, acknowledged how tough it has been amidst the political crisis, to provide the climate of peace and security to Rivers people, which has been achieved on a continuous basis.
He said, “Even when we are struggling to meet the basic needs of government, which is protecting the lives of the people, their property and providing services; even when they are working to make sure that we can’t provide services, that we have to stave, we are determined to make sure that our people are happy.
“And we said, whatever it will cost us, we must make sure that we did this. So, I am happy the contractor didn’t disappoint us. I am also happy that the communities, both in Etche and Omuma, gave us the needed support.”
Commenting on the project, Governor Fubara said the Okehi-Umuola-Eberi Link Road is a major access route, and cannot be left in deplorable condition, adding that the Umuakali-Eberi-Omodu Road on the other end has already been earmarked for commissioning.
He noted, “We were here about five months ago when we came to inspect the extent of job that was ongoing in Omuma.
“I stand to be challenged, Omuma for more than eight years had not witnessed any project. It was in our administration that we awarded Umuakali-Eberi road.
“The road was almost completed when we came. So, we said, how can we be going to commission a project and the access road is bad?
“So, I said we must, no matter what it will cost us, ensure that the access road to Omuma is properly fixed so that when we are going to Omuma to commission that project, it will be an easy and smooth drive.”
Governor Fubara also said: “We want to assure you, we will not let you down. Continue to believe in one Rivers State, believe in Rivers First.
“The users of this road, the Chairman said something here: please, the security agencies and others, should ensure that they try as much as they can, to provide adequate security here, which is also very important.
“It is not just we building the road, but the security for the road should be there, at least, to save the lives of the commuters.”
Governor Fubara, while thanking everyone, especially his supporters, assured that provision of democratic dividends that they are seeing is just the beginning.
The Governor agreed that the General Hospital in the area needed urgent attention, and promised to complete the ongoing reconstruction work on the Zonal Hospital in the area.
He explained, “We are not those people who believe in and do flag-off only. If we have to do flag-off, we must tell you the significance of that project. There are a few of them that we are going to flag-off, and when we get to that flag-off, I will tell you the story behind it.
“Somebody mentioned here: when we came onboard, there is some part of the road connecting Imo State. But because the road had a few meters to an opposition politician residence, the project was terminated in front of the man’s gate for so many years, and the people suffered.
“It doesn’t matter where the person comes from or who is to benefit. I am the Governor of Rivers State. So, I owe everyone the responsibility of caring, providing and protecting them.”
Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, said five months ago, before commencement of reconstruction work, the road was deplorable and a nightmare to commuters.
He said, “The road is 7.3 metres wide and the design specifications are 150 millimeters of stone base, 50 millimeters of binder course, and 50 millimeters of wearing course. At some point of the road, we also did cement stabilization, because of some few wet areas.”
He explained that within specified time, the project was completed and has ended the nightmarish experience while providing the people pleasurable ride on the 11.8km road, measuring 7.3meter wide, with 8.5km of drains.
In his speech, Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Uzodinma Nwafor, described Governor Fubara as the deliverer of Rivers State from the coven of darkness, adding that he has given the people liberty and made Etche people feel positive impact of his administration.
Nwafor thanked Governor Fubara for starting the reconstruction work, completing and eventually inaugurating the 11.8 kilometres Okehi-Umuola-Eberi Link Road, in addition to completing the Umuohie-Igbodo axis of the Etche-Igbodo Road, among other projects executed in the area.
Representative of contracting firm, Foretex Construction Company Limited, Nabeel Aljarmakani, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for entrusting them with the project.
Aljarmakani noted the project as an integral part of the transformation agenda of Governor Fubara geared towards making the experience of motorists and commuters comfortable.

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