News

Welcome On Board Nwodo, But …

Published

16 years ago

June 19, 2010

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) penultimate Thursday, confirmed the nomination of Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo as the party’s national chairman.

The 51st National Executive Council (NEC) of the party ratified Nwodo’s nomination after much horse-trading and intrigues within the party’s hierarchy, presidency and caucus of the party in the South-East geo-political region, which the party’s chairmanship slot was zoned to.

While accepting the chairmanship position of the party, Nwodo, a former governor of Enugu State promised to inject new blood into the party by re-building it’s image as well as avoid imposition of candidates on Nigerians for the 2011 elections.

In order words, the new PDP’s helmsman vowed to respect peoples choice of candidates, rather than candidates emanating from godfathers and godmothers in line with the party’s constitution which hinges on internal democracy.

Nwodo, the pioneer national secretary of PDP further pledged to review the scope of delegates to the party’s primaries and convention in order to allow more elected delegates, than statutory ones in line with the principles and ideals of the founding fathers of the party.

No doubt, Nwodo as a founding member of the PDP knows so much about the foundation on which the party was founded and built. As a pioneer secretary of the party and one-time governor of Enugu State, the new PDP boss must be vast with internal workings (democracy) of the party from inception till date.

He quite acknowledges and appreciates the fact that so much water (either for good or for ill) must have passed under the bridge in the past one decade within the party.

Perhaps, that is why in his post-ratification speech, he promised to re-build the party’s image and make it one big umbrella that will contain all members (old and intending ones) as well as tackle some negative vices that tend to polarise the party.

Most observers and political analysts believe, and sincerely too, that the problem with PDP is within PDP itself. They contend that the party has derailed from the cherished ideals and principles of the founding fathers of the party. And this, to a very large extent, has impacted negatively on the party.

Therefore, it is expected that as the new helmsman of PDP settles down in office, he will put his wealth of experience into play and the necessary machinery is put in motion to correct the ills plaguing the party.

Firstly, Nwodo must consolidate on the gains and achievements of his predecessors and avoid the pitfalls and temptations which led to the ouster of his predecessors. He needs to ensure that all PDP members, including foundation members, who have either defected to other parties or are on their own are brought back to the party’s fold.

Similarly, he should critically examine the reason behind the formation of the Reform Group, and if need be, take necessary steps to harmonise or make them retrace their steps.

More importantly, methinks that the greatest challenge ahead of Nwodo’s dispensation is to ensure a hitch-free and successful state congress and national convention of the party as well as in choosing the party’s presidential flagbearer for the 2011 presidential elections.

The issue of zoning has remained a thorny one rocking the PDP in recent times and the ability or inability of Nwodo to handle “zoning formular” before the 2011 elections will go a long way to determine the success or otherwise of his stewardship.

There are pockets of protests within and outside the PDP, some agitating for maintaining the status-quo, while others are of the view that politics, like democracy is dynamic and subject to change.

After 11 years of our democratic experiment, the PDP and other political parties in Nigeria should, and must imbibe the spirit of meritocracy rather than sticking to the zoning principle as practised in other advanced democratic societies of the Western World, where we borrowed our brand of democracy.

So, as this column congratulates Nwodo for coming on board as the new PDP boss, he should be reminded that the task ahead is quite enormous but definitely, not insurmountable. His capability to manage PDP is on test.

History beckons on him to transform the PDP, which prides itself as the largest party in African continent, and take the party to the next level. That, precisely, is the biggest challenge facing Nwodo.

News

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

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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