News

Fubara Delivers Residential Quarters To NAF

Published

1 year ago

December 13, 2024

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that the residential building constructed by the State Government for officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) was to enable his administration complement the efforts of the military and the Federal Government in providing welfare support to Servicemen.
The Governor also said that the housing facility, started in 2017, and reviewed from N212million to N454million, demonstrates a modest contribution to the Air Force personnel in appreciation of the existing mutual collaboration in the fight against crime and criminality.
Governor Fubara made the explanation at the inauguration of two (2) Blocks of 12 Flats each of 2-Bedroom NAF Prototype Residential Buildings for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) at the Port Harcourt NAF Base in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, last Monday.
He said that the eventual realisation of the project speaks to the commitment of his administration to ensure that the deriveable benefits of the project are accessed by NAF officers.
The Governor said, “This project that we are commissioning today did not start in our administration. It was conceived in 2017, and it wasn’t completed.
“But our government came in and we were approached, and knowing the importance of the welfare of the officers of the Air Force, knowing fully well that when they are comfortable, they will perform effectively, we executed it.
“Like the contractor said, the project was initiated in 2017 at the cost of N212million. For one reason or the other, it wasn’t completed. When we came on board, we had to review it, and it was valued at over N454million. We felt what is N454million to the support that we are getting from the Nigerian Air Force?”
Governor Fubara emphasised the need for the State Government’s support not to be restricted to communities of electorate alone but to institutions that play critical roles in the protection of lives and property, while also advancing the interest of the State.
He stated that the housing facility will contribute to the housing comfort of personnel, enhance their performance and productivity.
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will continue to extend support to all security agencies to strengthen collaboration towards protection of national economy and assets, while also frustrating oil thieves.
He said, “We are here to say, as a government, our support is not only to those who elected (voted for) us, and those communities that we have to oversee their welfare. But we also have to contribute and support the agencies which also protect lives and property in our State.
“We have a very difficult situation in our hands, were we are battling the cases of oil theft; we have the cases of vandalisation of our oil pipelines. These are men who are always flying to ensure that those national treasures are secured.
“Our little contribution to their welfare can just be these. I consider it not much, but just a little thing that we can do to appreciate the sacrifices they are making for us.
“It is not only Mr President that will carry this burden. We, in our little corner, are also supposed to contribute to the welfare of these officers.”
The State Chief Executive said his administration is committed to making the 115 Special Operations Group Base of the NAF more attractive and to become an envy of others.
Governor Fubara further assured that already, other requests of the Base to the State Government were being considered, and will be eventually addressed in the characteristics manner of his administration as listening and supporting government.
He added, “We use their (NAF) airstrip; they are also part of the joint task force that are securing lives and property in Rivers State. We said, this is the little thing that we can do and that was why the government immediately approved and released the said amount.
“And what we are seeing today is the realization of commitment, not just verbal, but seeing it to the end. So, it is just an event to say, our government will continue to support all the security agencies in our dear State. Our government will continue to collaborate with them to protect lives and property.
“Our duty is to provide services, protect lives and property, ensure that we support the government at the centre for effective governance, to make our people happy, and that is what I believe and that is what I stand for.
“I assure you that we will work with your boss to make this base, 115 Special Operations Group more attractive. Other requests made by the commander, I believe, we are already working on them.
“We are doing it because we want this base to enjoy effective operational system. We want this base to see itself as the envy of all bases in Nigeria because you have a government that listens, and supports.”
Performing the inauguration, Chief of the Air Staff of Nigeria, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, described the project as a demonstration of the commitment to the welfare of NAF personnel and a testament to the strong partnership that exists between Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Air Force.
Air Marshal Abubakar said the project is very significant because it will undoubtedly have positive impact on the quality of life of NAF personnel and their families, boost morale, and also promote civil-military cooperation while contributing to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force.
He said, “Indeed, we are deeply indebted to the Rivers State Government for the kindness and commitment to our well- being for nearly six decades. As the saying goes, ‘One good turn deserves another’, and Nigerian Air Force has reciprocated by contributing towards the peace and security of the State, primarily through air operations against illegal oil bunkering.
“This has helped sustain the economic lifeline of the State, and created the enabling environment for businesses to thrive. We have also allowed the Rivers State Government unfettered access to our airfield facilities, while also providing security and handling services for the State-owned aircraft free of charge.
“This mutual cooperation exemplifies a strong partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and the Rivers State Government,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Commander, 115 Special Operations Group, Nigerian Air Force Base, Port Harcourt, Air Commodore Ali H. Idris, said the housing facility represents an exemplary leadership of Governor Fubara to improve the welfare of NAF personnel, enhance their operational readiness and strategically strengthen partnership towards crime fighting in the State.
Providing the description of project, Rivers State Commissioner for Special Projects, Dr Rowland Obed-Whyte, said the 2-blocks of 12 flats of 2-bedrooms each is a monumental project that has been conclusively completed after it was abandoned when it started in 2017.
In his speech, representative of the contracting firm, Tee Gay and Associates, Onyeama N. D., thanked Governor Fubara for trusting them with the project and supporting them to deliver it to specifications.

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