Politics

When Women Unite To Pray For SIM

Published

1 year ago

January 10, 2025

“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word”, (Acts 6:4).

Rivers State is at the center of propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This time around, all residents, irrespective of religious, tribal and political inclinations, have come together to pray for the Governor of the state, Sir Sim Fubara (GSSRS), in one accord. He’s the proverbial answered prayers of our people over the years from deliverance from Godfatherism, corruption and political wickedness.

In the light of recent happenings, it is clearly evident that God Almighty is securing and protecting the state and government against aggression by enemies of progress.

Indeed, God’s presence abides with the Government and the state under the present administration of Governor Fubara and all lovers of the state are therefore enjoined to continually pray and support the administration with prayers for our peaceful co-existence.

The governor’s peaceful disposition makes him a personality that nothing can pull down from the hill top of authority because the people’s ceaseless acidic prayers are pouring for him daily.

The peace and overall well-being of any Government is fundamental for the development of a strong society through daily prayers and Government needs that peace for meaningful development.

Our frequent, fervent and persistent prayers even in the mist of our daily activities is and will continue to avail for our growth and development.

Prayers can put an end to increase crime rate, moral decadence, bad governance, negative influence of science and technology and love for materialism of our people, which is detrimental of our development and growth. Prayers bring direction and orderliness to our state, eliminating confusion and anarchy. Prayers also help to address, reduce and resolve problems as well as tension in any state and body polity.

Not long ago, some happenings in the state elicited condemnations from well meaning people. These include the closure of the 23 local government areas secretariats by the police, following the expiration of the tenure of the former Chairmen, for three months; the bomb attack on the secretariat of the Action People’s Party (APP) in August.

Also worthy of note is the burning of some local government areas secretariats after failed attempts to stop the local government elections on October 5th 2024, by detractors of the government, resulting to some killings among other political happenings intended to make our state ungovernable.

Their intention to cause a Presidential declaration of a “state of emergency” in Rivers State coupled with the conflicting judicial pronouncements regarding matters emanating from Rivers State House of Assembly among others, all failed to achieve their sinister objectives because of the prayers of the saints, especially a group of dedicated women under the aegis of Rivers Women Unite for SIM.

The cry of these children of Zion and others against the impending storm was answered.

The women prayer group under the leadership of Mrs (Hon.) Sotonye Toby Fulton is steadfast in praying for the peace and growth of Rivers State with presence in the 23 local government areas of the State.

Their persistent, exemplary and unwavering commitment to prayer against the enemies when they came against the government of Gov.Sim Fubara like a big Tsunami brought the group to limelight.

Its advocacy of good governance and dedication to prayer for peace and development of the State in recent times also highlights their activities to society watchers. Members have kept merry making apart to seek the face of God for the state.Their spirit of oneness of purpose is worthy of emulation by other groups irrespective of religious, tribal and political affiliation.

For Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, like the Biblical Daniel, has come to judgement to liberate our people from political stagnation and darkness.

Rivers people need to rally round the governor and his dispensation to find a common solution to the crisis by enemies of the State through prayers. Detractors of the Governor and his administration are undemocratic and unacceptable. Their rantings are distractive.

If our hope for Rivers State is for development through conducive business and work atmosphere, and to live without undue interference of unwholesome political disputations, then all must rise up to pray with this women prayer group for our governor, and the present administration.

We need, at this critical period, as stakeholders, to come together peacefully and give the present administration the needed boost and encouragement.

Already, with patriotic zeal, some groups have vowed to support the administration by speaking to the world in different forms, especially through press conferences, releases and interviews.Their voices are speaking against the negative onslaught being focussed to run down the present administration by enemies of the state. One of such groups is The Coalition of Rivers State Leaders of Thought (CORSLOT), an elite group of elders, chiefs and opinion leaders, founded as a non partisan, very potent pressure group for good governance.

The Coalition of Rivers State Leaders of Thoughts are a pro-state group that has sponsored over 5 press conferences in 2024 to speak to the sensibility of the present matter in the state by the Convener, High Chief Sunnie Chukwumele.

The group intends, in the near future, to raise letters to the British government, UN,EU,the African Union, ECOWAS and the Commonwealth besides other stringent steps, to inform them of the negative effects of the enemies of Rivers State, anticipating that the political situation may escalate into a disaster if not addressed.

It is their belief that the brazen actions of opposition are bent at state capture and to destabilize it, without minding unhelpful interventions like Abuja Presidential Peace Accord.

Though the Accord was skewed against an elected governor and leader of the state, yet the governor, as a man of peace, did not mind the sacrifice for the sake of peace, tranquility and development. However, the problem is being exacerbated by the opposition enemies.

Nobody is happy with the recent political crises and other criminal activities in the state, but negative and unbalanced criticism and name calling by leaders of the opposition party is not the way forward.

Rivers people have taken solace in God while Gov. Sim Fubara is advised to continually fashion out strategies to address the situation where peace and prosperous transformation will thrive, instead of engaging in negative counter criticism that will not solve problems.

Happily, our answered prayers continue to crumble the undeserved, irrelevant and sponsored criticisms against the state chief executive by enemies of the progress of Rivers State. They have never wished our great state well in it’s desire to become the economic and development hub of Africa via the quality leadership provided by Gov Sim Fubara.

By all standards, the governor has, a little after one year in office, shown capacity in governance with indelible positive actions on our teeming citizenry, especially in human capital and well fare of our people.

Gov Fubara has been roundly commended for his ability to conduct one of the most peaceful elections of our time, despite non participation of the security agencies admist provocative threats and challenges against the state.

This is nothing short of answers to prayers. The battle is truly of the Lord’ and with continuous daily prayers,we are winning the battle to the glory of God.

By Odinaka Osundu

His Highness OSUNDU, Media Practitioner, Traditional Ruler And Secretary of CORSLOT writes from Port Harcourt.

Politics

EFCC Alleges Blackmail Plot By Opposition Politicians

Published

3 days ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

In what could be described as a proactive measure, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised the alarm that some opposition politicians were allegedly plotting to undermine the agency ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.

The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.

The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”

The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.

“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.

“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.

“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.

“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.

Politics

Datti Baba-Ahmed Reaffirms Loyalty To LP, Forecloses Joining ADC

Published

3 days ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has dismissed speculation about a possible defection from the Labour Party (LP), declaring that he will not follow his former principal, Mr Peter Obi, to any new political platform ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Baba-Ahmed said his political allegiance remains firmly with the LP, the platform on which he emerged as vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election. He stressed that his future political aspirations are anchored on party loyalty and personal conviction, not shifting alliances.

The former senator representing Kaduna North stated that although he shared a joint ticket with Mr Obi in the last presidential race, he has no intention of joining him following Mr Obi’s recent alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party now being positioned by an opposition coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing journalists at the LP national headquarters, Senator Baba-Ahmed made it clear that he would not take the same political path, insisting that his decision was informed by long-term goals and a clear sense of purpose.

He expressed scepticism about the ADC-led coalition, describing its promoters as “disgruntled politicians” and arguing that the platform does not offer the kind of political vision Nigeria urgently requires.

Senator Baba-Ahmed also reaffirmed his commitment to national service, noting that he remained willing to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at fixing the country and would make himself available for service as the 2027 elections approach.

While acknowledging his past partnership with Mr Obi, he emphasised that political choices must be guided by principles rather than personal relationships.

According to him, his priority is to strengthen the LP and position it as a credible and enduring alternative for Nigerians.

It would be recalled that Mr Obi recently exited the LP and embraced the ADC as part of a broader opposition coalition seeking to unseat the APC in the next general election.

Politics

Bayelsa APC Endorses Tinubu For Second Term

Published

3 days ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement was made on during a special stakeholders meeting of the party convened by Governor Diri in Yenagoa, the State capital.

Senator Konbowei Benson, incumbent Senator representing the Bayelsa Central, moved the endorsement motion, and was seconded by a former Speaker of the House of Assembly and one time deputy governor, Peremobowei Ebebi.

The Tide reports that Chairman of the new caretaker committee of the party, Dr Dennis Otiotio, Senator representing Bayelsa East, Chief Benson Agadaga, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, attended the endorsement meeting.

Other attendees were, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samson Ogbuku, Managing Director, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, other stakeholders as well as the ex-officio member (South South) of the APC National Working Committee, Hon. Godbless Diriware.

The Tide also gathered that the meeting was the first expanded stakeholders gathering convened by the governor since becoming a member and leader of the party in the state in October 2025.

In his speech, Governor Diri expressed delight that the State’s APC was one big family which has resolved to work together to deliver President Tinubu for another term in office.

He underscored the need for the members to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, humility and rise above politics of bitterness and divisive tendencies for the sake of peace, development and progress of the state.

The governor also urged the members to play by the rules and engage in politics of consultation, stating that those interested in political offices in the next election should shelve their ambitions for now.

“Here we are today in a very big family of the APC. Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the old members of the party for the reception accorded me and other Peoples Democratic Party members who crossed over. It was a welcome like no other.

“Political parties are vehicles for development. Let us truly be progressives. Whatever positions you want to contest for, whether governorship, House of Assembly or National Assembly, please put it on hold for now. Power comes from God. What should be uppermost is that we are all gathered here to make sure that President Tinubu returns for a second term”, he said.

In a brief remark, Senator Lokpobiri expressed joy to be part of the meeting and acknowledged that the Bayelsa APC now had one united and indivisible objective to wholly deliver the party for all elective offices in 2027.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, former APC governorship candidate in the state, Mr David Lyon, and Prince Ebitimi Amgbare lauded the governor for his maturity, noting that his inclusive governance style would lead the party to achieve its objectives.

Also, the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, commended Governor Diri for uniting all facets of the party’s political leadership in the state, which he noted had been fragmented for over a decade.

Dr Otiotio stated that the purpose of the meeting was to enjoin members and supporters to participate in the party’s electronic membership exercise in order to capture genuine voters.

Meanwhile the stakeholders observed a minute silence in honour of the former Bayelsa West Senatorial District representative in the 5th National Assembly, Senator John Brambaifa, who died on Saturday, January 3, 2026 in Abuja.

By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa