News

Sale Of Assets: Amaechi, Ukpo, Cole, Six Ex-Commissioners For Prosecution

Published

10 years ago

October 12, 2015

The former Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Chairman of Sahara Energy Resources, Tonye Cole, ex-military administrator, Brigadier Anthony Ukpo (rtd) and six former commissioners for Health, Power, Transport, Commerce, Finance and Agriculture, are to face prosecution for the sales and buying of state-owned assets, a White Paper on the Justice George Omeregi Commission report has recommended.
The White Paper on the panel report released over the weekend by the State Executive Council after a meeting on Thursday, directed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Emmanuel Aguma, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to immediately commence judicial process of recovering the assets.
Briefing newsmen on the details of the report, Commissioner for Housing, Barrister Emma Okah, stated that the sales of the 70 per cent equity share of the four gas power turbines at Omoku, Eleme, Trans-Amadi and Afam, totalling 621 megawatts at the cost of $800,000 per unit to Sahara NG HPS Limited was unjustifiable and against the interest of the state.
It also said the transaction was not transparent as NG Power HPS Ltd was yet to pay an outstanding balance of $28.4 million, after it acquired the power plants below market price of $432 million, even though actual balance was $146.5 million.
On the sale of Olympia Hotel, the report also picked holes in the concessioning agreement leasing the property for 40 years to one Centro Sarotem Hotel Limited for a fee of $1miilion equivalent to about N55.7million. While the actual sum of $2.4 million was to be paid, the cumulative concession value of the property and land was put at $3.450 million.
In the words of Okah, “the commission called for the review of the concession agreement covering the value of land, deduction of concession and for non-employment of Rivers State indigenes”.
Okah revealed that the commission further uncovered an illegal account opened by the Ministry of Commerce where about $155.7 million from the hotel concession was lodged.
“The account was opened by the ministry without the requisite authorization of the Accountant–General of the State,”Okah stated.
On the Monorail Project, the white paper indicted former military administrator of old Rivers State, Brigadier Anthony Ukpo, whose company, TSI Ltd had entered into a partnership agreement with Rivers State Government on the project.
While the state government was to contribute 20 per cent and TSI 80 per cent, yet the private partner never contributed as the state invested over N35 billion, which N11 billion was paid to Rivers State Monorail Company Limited managed by TSI Ltd.
The white paper called for the recovery of the fund from the company, Amaechi and former Transport Commissioner, George Tolofari, who were the masterminds of the failed project, as it frowned at the huge sum paid to Argus Gibbs a consultancy firm on the project at the tune of N696million since it contravened Section 52 of the State Procurement Law No4 of 2008.
The White Paper also directed the Attorney–General and Commissioner for Justice to commence legal proceedings to recover funds meant for the planned Adolphus Karibi Whyte Mega Hospital which never saw the light of the day.
The hospital initially conceived under private partnership deal shared funding between the state and one Clinotech Ltd 40 to 60 per cent.
While the state government contributed its own funding of $39 million, Clinotech failed in its obligation.
As if that was not enough, the report revealed that the state government went further to release a new Clinotech Turnkey project to the tune of N150 million as mobilization fee.
“The commission found that Clinotech Turnkey Management Ltd got N200 million paid in excess with nothing to show”, the report further revealed.
The report picked holes in the disbursement of the N2billion agric loan. The panel found that in June 2014 the past administration had accessed the loan from the Central Bank with plans to disburse to qualified agric cooperatives societies, but rather than do so, it gave the loans to politicians and cronies.
“About 282 cooperatives societies were hurriedly registered in 2014, while 38 were never registered at all,” according to the report.
The commission also found that the various local government chairmen were made managers of the fund, and therefore, called on former Governor Amaechi, the Agric Commissioner and those who disbursed the fund against the loan guidelines to be prosecuted and made to refund the monies.
On the State Reserve Fund, the panel found that over N38billion was saved in the account set up in 2008.
The fund grew to about N55billion in 2014 through investments. But in March 2014, the Rivers State House of Assembly passed a bill to remove the emergency clause to withdraw monies from the fund.
The amendment gave room for the withdrawal of N53billion between February 2014 to March 2015.
According to the panel, “the attempt by Governor Amaechi to withdraw the last N1.2 billion was prevented by some government institutions.”
The White Paper recommended that the ex-governor and principal officers of the House be prosecuted, while the former Secretary to the State Government be made to refund sum of N400million withdrawn in March and another N170 million withdrawn on 25th March.
The report also directed the owner of Orosi House to be made to account for about N300million for the lease of the property in 2012, even after the building had been gutted by fire some years before.

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