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AN OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR EZENWO NYESOM WIKE

Published

5 years ago

December 30, 2020

The Executive Governor of Rivers State,
His Excellency,
Chief (Barr) EzenwoNyesom Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS Africa
Sir,
I wish to once again commend you for your developmental strides in all parts of Rivers State, particularly in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area (LGA) as well as your recent approval for the construction of Ogu-Wakama road, which will certainly foster economic development especially to the people of Wakama community.
Your Excellency, may I use this privilege of writing you this open letter as a formal means of drawing your attention to the persistent and undemocratic political marginalization suffered by the Wakama people in Ogu/Bolo LGA. It is a known fact that Wakama community played a key role in the creation of Ogu/Bolo LGA by the late Head of State Gen. Sani Abacha on the 1st of October 1996, which is over 24years ago, and yet Wakama community cannot boast of ever producing at least an elected LGA council Chairman or House of Assembly member. However, Bolo community has produced 4 chairmen and 2 House of Assembly members, while Ogu community has produced 2 chairmen and 2 House of Assembly members, with the incumbent House of Assembly member from Ogu Community serving his 3rd tenure (12 years). Again, no Wakama Son or Daughter has been given an appointment such as commissioner, Special Adviser (SA), Board member etc from 1996 till date, whereas both Bolo and Ogu Communities have been the ones enjoying these juicy appointments from the State Government to the detriment of other communities in the LGA, even though it is the Governor’s jurisdiction to make or give such appointments.
It is also true that Wakama community is the third largest community in Ogu/Bolo LGA, yet they suffer political injustice than any other community in the LGA in the form of discrimination and marginalisation. In fact, it is perceived as a taboo in Ogu/Bolo LGA for a Wakama son or daughter to contest for the position of a council Chairman or House of Assembly member; this is the level of relegation Wakama Community has been placed by other communities in the LGA; funny enough all the communities in Ogu/Bolo LGA are from Ijaw ethnicity, and they speak the same Wakirike language.
Your Excellency, it will surprise you to know that Wakama Community is more PDP than other communities in Ogu/Bolo LGA. For instance, it is a known fact that, Wakama community has always given its 100% votes to PDP from 1999 till date, and yet the community does not have a voice in decision making in Ogu/Bolo LGA. This is why the Wakama people are least considered in terms of employment, empowerment and appointment within Ogu/Bolo LGA, even when there are intelligent, competent and credible Wakama sons and daughters scattered all over Federal and State Ministries, Parastatals, Agencies, including the Oil and Gas Sector as well as Successful Entrepreneurs.
As we are fast approaching the 2021 Local Government elections, the good people of Wakama Community have started appealing that the LGA council chairmanship position should be given to them at least to correct this political imbalance for once. Key PDP political leaders and stakeholders within the Ogu/Bolo axis have been consulted and still consulting through letters, phone calls and other mediums for their appeal to be considered. However, there are reliable rumours all over Ogu/Bolo LGA that Wakama community can never be considered for the LGA council chairmanship position.In fact, currently, Ogu community has the senator representing Rivers East who is serving his 31/2 tenure (14years), the member representing Ogu/Bolo Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly who is serving his 3rd tenure (12years), and the Rivers State commissioner for Sports. Likewise, Bolo community has the incumbent LGA council chairman and others with political appointments made by the state government. So, it will be unjust for Wakama community not to be given the Council chairmanship position in the forthcoming LGA elections in Rivers State.
Your Excellency, there is no doubt you are not fully aware of the political injustice suffered by the Wakama people for over 24years after the creation of Ogu/Bolo LGA. Also, you are not aware that a prominent Wakama son ensured that electoral materials were not snatched by hoodlums from other opposition political parties especially during the 2015 general elections, just to secure the 100% votes given to PDP by the good people of Wakama community. In fact, this dogged Wakama son is a prominent financier of PDP party and PDP related political pressure groups including political campaigns in Ogu/Bolo LGA, as well as financially supported PDP aspirants during previous general elections; He has paid his dues for PDP as a faithful and committed party man.
Your Excellency, the said dogged Wakama Son is Chief TamunotekenaAkoWakama, whose capacity and competency has been attested by all PDP Leaders and Stakeholders, and he has made his intention to run for the office of the LGA council Chairman in the forthcoming 2021 LGA elections known to all leaders and stakeholders in Ogu/Bolo LGA. Instead of getting support from PDP leaders in Ogu/Bolo LGA as regards to his LGA chairmanship ambition, he is constantly getting messages from PDP Leaders in the privileged Ogu and Bolo communities that he should drop his ambition, simply because he is from the marginalized Wakama community.
Your Excellency, you can do your findings from the above statements I have made; from Wakama community not producing elective LGA Council Chairmen, House of Assembly members, Commissioners, Special Advisers etc down to the role the LGA council Chairmanship aspirant from Wakama community, Chief TamunotekenaAkoWakama has played in financing PDP in Ogu/Bolo as well as singlehandedly securing PDP votes from hoodlums in Wakama community during 2015 general elections.
Your Excellency, I have no doubt you can effect this much needed change where political oppression and marginalization of other communities in Ogu/Bolo will be put to an end, as everyone in Rivers State and Nigeria at large have known you to be a man who hates injustice and oppression, which you have demonstrated overtime.
The good people of Wakama community have no voice in Ogu/Bolo politics since there is no LGA council chairman, House of Assembly member, Commissioner, Special Adviser, Board member etc from Wakama community to speak for them, and I have seen you as their last hope to grant them the long awaiting LGA council Chairmaship position to be given to them in the forthcoming LGA elections in 2021 for the sake of justice, equity and fair play in the political arena wthinOgu/Bolo LGA.
Yours Sincerely
Jonathan Wakama

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