News

WE’LL IMPACT LIVES OF RIVERS PEOPLE EQUALLY, FUBARA ASSURES

Published

1 year ago

December 31, 2024

As Eze Ikegbidi Marks 7th Anniversary On Throne

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of his administration’s determination to continue to impact on the lives of the people by ensuring that their welfare is the upmost concern of government.

This is as he has also declared that the policy trust of his administration is not to enslave the people, but to make them feel free and happy, even at difficult times.

Governor Fubara made the assertion while speaking at the 7th Anniversary celebration of the Coronation of HRM, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi, Eze Igbu Akoh and Natural Ruler of Ancient Akoh Kingdom at Igbu Akoh in Ahoada East Local Government Area on Saturday.

He said, “We must continue to encourage our people, and to make them understand that government is about the welfare of the people. When the people are happy, the government is succeeding. Success of a government is not you being a bully; it is not you being a dictator. It is about the people feeling free; it is about the people feeling happy. Even if you are not doing all they want, they should be free, they should have the freedom to express themselves, even in a bitter situation, and that is the policy of our government.

“Even if we don’t provide everything, I want you to be free as that freedom is even enough assurance to make you happy, because you’re not in bondage. So, the bondage that you were in, I don’t want to call the number of years, I hereby relieve you of that bondage. So, feel free.”

Governor Fubara pointed out that he was in Igbu Akoh to solidarize with Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi, who has been persecuted for his support to his administration and standing on the side of truth at the detriment of his kingdom.

The Governor, while congratulating the monarch for his 7th Anniversary on the throne, wished him long reign as well as admonished him to rule his subjects with the fear of God, even as he also approved the request of the Eze Igbu-Akoh to reconstruct the Odioku-Okporomini Road linking Ahoada East and Emohua Local Government Areas to facilitate movement of Akoh people living in the boundary area with Emohua.

He said, “My coming to Akoh Kingdom is to show support to one of our own, somebody who has decided to join the good side of history, and a man who faced some punishment in the course of this struggle. He still stood his ground, and the little I can do is to come to his kingdom and show him solidarity. I congratulate you on your 7th Anniversary. I wish you a successful reign. You will live long and rule your people well.

“Eze Ikegbidi, you have a lot of responsibility as a leader. As Eze of this Akoh Kingdom, please ensure that you rule your people with the fear of God. And that is the only way your reign will be remembered forever.

“You’ve asked for a few things. You’ve shown so much support at the detriment of this kingdom. The little thing we can do is to make sure we give the people of Akoh and the Ekpeye people the assurance that we are with them. So, your request on the issue of road, thank God that the Commissioner for Works is here, is already granted.”

Governor Fubara particularly urged the people of the area not to worry about sentiments expressed in various quarters on the situation in State, noting that at the appropriate time, the people will know who is in charge.

He also charged the people to ensure that peace reigns in Akoh, and by extension, Ekpeye Kingdom by standing against every tendency that will bring division among them in order to propel development in the kingdom.

According to him, “Let’s forget about the noise people are making, when the time is right, God will take care of it. It is God that has led us from that day till today, and each day, we get stronger, and stronger. It is only God, we are not achieving this because of our strength, but because of God. So, you don’t need to worry about what people are saying, when the time comes, God will take us through it.

“The most important thing is, you must ensure that we live peacefully. Development can’t come in your kingdom, to Ekpeye Ethnic Nationality without peace. There will try a lot of means to bring disunity among you, try as much as you can to avoid it. You know the mechanism of those people: divide and rule. Try to avoid anything that will bring problem to this kingdom so that we will continue to show that we love you by ensuring we bring meaningful projects that will bring development to Ekpeye people.”

He lauded the people of the area for their continued support to his administration, and assured to recognize the traditional stool of an Ekpeye monarch by the second week of January, 2025.

In his remarks, Eze Igbu Akoh and Natural Ruler of Ancient Akoh Kingdom, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi, lauded Governor Fubara for the honour done him by attending the occasion, and assured him of the total support and loyalty of the Akoh people, which he said, will be reciprocated in 2027.

Also speaking, Eze Nnamdi Obuzor, commended Governor Fubara for his genuine love for the Ekpeye people, as demonstrated in his several visits and developmental strides in the area within one year, prophesying that his tenure will be better.

In their separate speeches, Prime Minister of Akoh Kingdom, Eze Justice Moses; Lady Beatrice Awala; and President General of Ekpeye Youth Congress Worldwide, Dr Justice Ewoh; applauded the Governor for his good works, and assured to stand by him and his administration.

Highpoint of the programme was the cutting of the anniversary cake by Governor Fubara and Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi, supported by others.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

4 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

4 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

4 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