News

Court Sacks Occupant Of Nyenwe Ali Ubima Stool

Published

5 years ago

December 11, 2020

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has nullified the certificate of recognition given to Eze Iheanyi Williams by the state government as the Nyenwe Ali of Ubima community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state, describing the said recognition and installation as illegal and non-existent.
The monarch, until the court’s decision, was the paramount ruler of Ubima community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The court also held that the state government’s action to recognise the sacked paramount ruler of Ubima community, during the pendency of the matter in the court, amounted to “executive rascality and abuse of power”, saying that no court would allow such disobedience and disrespect to its orders to thrive.
The trial judge, Justice Chigozie Igwe of the state High Court 17, in his judgment delivered, last Wednesday in Port Harcourt, in a matter bordering on the rightful occupant to the Nyenwe Ali Ubima community chieftaincy stool brought by Eze Michael Dikewoha of Ubima.
The trial judge held that the action of the state government was an affront on the sanctity and the independence of the Judiciary, adding that the law frowns at any action that would jeopardise any matter before the court.
He said the court’s order sacking the former Ubima monarch was to serve as a deterrent to others, noting that Prince Iheanyi Williams shot himself in the leg by his accepting to align himself with the state government’s action when he was aware of the pendency of the suit before the court for the last 10 years.
“He is barred from the benefits of this judgement, the state government’s action by recognising Prince Iheanyi Williams during the pendency of this matter is null and void, and has no effect on the stool in contest”, he stated.
The claimant, Eze Michael Dikewoha, who was laying claim as the rightful occupant to the Ubima chieftaincy stool, had prayed the court, among other things, to declare him as the only qualified person for the stool since he was the oldest serving village head in Ubima in accordance with the custom and native laws of the people as well as urged the court to declare the action of the state government a nullity for issuing a certificate of office and recognition to Prince Iheanyi Williams, even when the state government was a party in the matter.
Justice Chigozie Igwe, however, dismissed the claims of the claimant, Eze Michael Dikewoha, and the counter claims of Eze Christopher Okah, 2nd defendant in the matter, as well as the third set of defendants, and the Omuobunwo family who are fourth to seventh defendants in the suit for inconsistency and lack of coherence in the various evidence of fact in their claims.
The third and set of the fourth to seventh defendants sought for court declaration that they were the bona fide occupants of the disputed Ubima Nyenwe Ali chieftaincy stool.
The trial judge while dismissing the prayers of both the claimants and that of the third and fourth defendants, averred that they did not prove their case beyond reasonable doubt, adding that they failed to justify their claims through the evidence and facts before the court.
Justice Igwe, therefore, ordered the three families of Omuahiaume, Omuahua, and Omuobunwo, who are the original descendants of Ubi, the founder of Ubima community to bury their selfish interests, and go home and nominate a suitable candidate for recognition and subsequent installation as the new Nyenwe Ali of Ubima.
Earlier in an interview with newsmen after the judgment, the counsel who represented the Omuobunwo family, who were fourth to seventh defendants in the matter, Winston Churchill Madume, said he would study the judgment, and inform his clients on the next line of action.
Other defendants in the suit include, Rivers State Government through the Attorney General as first defendant, and Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, as second defendant.

News

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

Published

7 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

7 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

8 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