News

LG Polls: APC Candidates Emerge …We Won’t Leave APC- Chuku

Published

11 years ago

May 8, 2015

The immediate past Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in Rivers State, Hon Samuel Eyiba, was among the 22 persons that emerged the chairmanship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the May 23 local government council election in Rivers State.
The APC primaries for the council election were held last Tuesday across 22 local government areas except Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni in the state.
Eyiba was declared the winner of the primaries in Ahoada West Local Government Area
Declaring the result, the returning officer for the election, Bestman Osi said Eyiba polled a total of 87 votes to defeat Ngozi Ofobo, who scored 38 votes.
Osi who described the process as free and fair said that 126 accredited delegates participated in the primaries.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after his victory, Eyiba said he was delighted and humbled by the mandate given him by his people, assuring them of delivering on his promises to the people.
Eyiba said the mandate was a victory for the people of the area and thanked them for their support.
“The people of Ahoada West have spoken and their voice should be respected.
I am happy for this mandate, and I also assure them that the mandate that has be given to me will not be misused”, he stated.
Meanwhile, Mr Opi Negia Samuel has emerged the party’s chairmanship candidate in Okrika Local Government Area.
Samuel,who was declared winner at the APC secretariat in Okrika, expressed gratitude to the party supporters who found him worthy as the flag-bearer of the party in the area for the forth coming council election in the state.
He also expressed appreciation to the leaders of the APC in the area and the state, promising to take the people of Okrika and the party to the next level of development, if elected the chairman of the area.
In Tai, House of Assembly member, Felicia Taneh emerged winner of the APC chairmanship ticket for the LG elections.
Also, Mr Benson Imie Alpheaus was unanimously adopted as the sole chairmanship candidate of the APC in Andoni Local Government Area.
Mr Alpheaus promised to reflect even development, including electrification across the local government area. In Ahoada East, Onwukachi Oma also emerged as chairmanship candidate of APC for the local government election.
Similarly, the leadership of the party in the state has expressed gratitude for the peaceful primaries conducted across the 22 local government areas of the state presently ready for the local government election out of 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
The state APC chairman, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, former Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha, among others thanked the supporters of APC for the peaceful conduct of the party primaries in the state. They called on the APC supporters to come out enmasse to vote APC come May 23, 2015, Local Government election in the state.
Meanwhile, former Obio/Akpor Local Government Caretaker Chairman, Dr. Lawrence Chuku has debunked claims that he and his supporters were defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the outcome of Tuesday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) council primaries.
Dr. Chuku told newsmen yesterday in Port Harcourt that such claims were smear campaigns against him and his supporters and should be discountenanced by the public.
He reiterated that, “ I still believe in RotimiChibuikeAmaechi and the mandate of Dr. DakukuPeterside, who God has ordained to rule Rivers State.”
The former Caretaker Chairman maintained said neither himself nor his supporters has any plans to leave the party, “ APC is our party and we have continued to make sure that the party moves from strength to strength. I am not interested in working with any other party than that of Amaechi and Dakuku.”
Chuku however stressed that his grouse was that the council primaries were not held in Obio/Akpor and that he and his supporters have petitioned the party leadership that the right thing be done.
He promised to abide by the decision of the party and support whoever wins the primaries, noting that he is not desperate to be chairman of the council but rather wants strong and purposeful leadership in the area.
Reacting to claims that the chairmanship was zoned, Chuku observed that it was zoned to Obio/Akpor Constituency 1 and that as member of the constituency he is qualified to contest the elections.
He therefore advised his supporters and all APC faithful in the area to remain calm and law abiding despite the current setback, assuring that the party will soon regain its mandate at the Election Tribunal.

Kevin Nengia,Enoch Epelle & Chikwere Uzoigwe

L-R: APC Taraba gubernatorial candidate, Sen.Aisha Alhassan, President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Chairman of APC in Taraba State, Alhaji Jika Hassan and Chief Whip, Rep Ishala Baurau during their visits to the President -elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja last Wednesday

News

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

Published

3 hours 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

3 hours 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 hours 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