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Your Boldness Sustained Agitation For True Federalism, Mimiko Reminds Wike

Published

3 years ago

August 12, 2022

Former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, has noted that through bold legal challenges, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, deepened the national consciousness concerning the defective federal system, and advocated for true federalism.
Mimiko made the statement when he performed the flag-off of construction work for the dualisation of Azikiwe-Iloabuchi Road in Mile 2, Diobu, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
He said Wike combined such national advocacy with effective political leadership with which he doubtlessly changed the physical landscape of Rivers State.
“Beyond the self-evident physical transformation, you (Wike) have stood as a bulwark against those sworn to emasculating the main opposition party, all in their bid to force a one party state down the throats of Nigerians.
“I am sure your successor will surely be proud to announce loud and clear, a continuity campaign slogan, continuity of impactful projects, continuity of passionate and courageous leadership.
“You were at one point virtually a one man countervailing force, defending and protecting our dear PDP. You have also, through bold legal challenges, deepened the national consciousness on the defects in the running of our defective federal system.”
The former Ondo State governor said he was sure that Wike would remain committed to the struggle to entrench a true federal system that would engender real development across all ethnic nationalities, and religious persuasions in Nigeria.
He pointed to the urgent need by all well-meaning Nigerians for national unity, which is the required impetus to effectively confront the intractable security and economic challenges.
“Your Excellency, our party, the PDP, a party for which you have laboured so much, seems saddled with the historical duty of forging this unity, a unity premised on truth, equity and justice, a unity upon which rescuing Nigeria from the far from satisfactory performance of the past seven years will be built.
“It is a mission that must be accomplished; a mission for which you are specially positioned and favoured to play a major role; a mission that must be subscribed to by all lovers of our country.”
In his speech, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, noted that elders of the state like Chief Azubuike Nmerukini and Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, mounted pressure on him to intervene on the road being flagged-off.
He said it would be the last of such projects to be executed within the Port Harcourt metropolis because, in keeping with his promises of restoring the Garden City status, every road has been reconstructed.
“As a man who respects leaders, I have to honour them by making sure this road is awarded, and by making sure that this road will be completed within six months.
“This is the last project here in Port Harcourt I think I’m going to embark upon before I leave office. All the promises I have made in Port Harcourt, I have fulfilled them.
“Let somebody come and tell me which one I have not fulfilled. Old Government Reserved Area, I have finished. New Government Reserved Area, I have finished. Ogbum-Nu-Abali, I have finished. Diobu here, I have finished?”
Wike explained that already, 80percent of the contract sum has been paid to the contracting firm, Julius Berger, because the project was billed for completion in six months.
The governor also assured that issues about compensation of property marked for demolition would be paid in good time so that nothing would interfere with the stipulated completion time.
“Let me tell the people here, we have paid Julius Berger Nigeria Plc 80percent of the contract money. Julius Berger is owing us now. So, it is not a question of coming here to tell you that we will do this road, and at the end of the day, we don’t do it.
“I want to say the money for the compensation is ready. As I go back now, I will treat the file, and those whose houses are affected must be paid before Monday, August 15, 2022.”
Wike emphasised that politics for him was about accountability to the people, which was why his administration was using Julius Berger Nigeria Plc noted for quality and long lasting work.
He said that when completed, the road and the street lights that would be installed would enhance economic activities and improve value of property in the area.
“Because you voted for us, we too will work for you by providing basic infrastructure. That is what politics is all about. It is about talking and doing, not giving of excuses.
“No right thinking person in this state would want to mingle or identify with such people that would make promises without fulfilling them.
“All we are saying, our own campaign has always been ‘operation show your report card’. We are showing our report card. Tell anybody who comes to you to show their report card.”
On his part, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr. Dakorinama George-Kelly, said the road, connecting Iloabuchi Road from Azikiwe Street would take off traffic from the Nkpolu-Oroworukwo flyover onto Eagle Island and other part of the state capital.
“This road has existed over time as a single lane with 7.3m width but it is now going to be dualised. It starts directly from the termination point of the Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Flyover which is near completion, and will take traffic to Iloabuchi and to Eagle Island.
“The road is 29,200sqm in area, the median strip will be 1.5m width. It is going to have two sides drains with cross sectional width of 1m each.
“The road will have 600mm thickness of sand because there is going to be a lot of soil replacement, and we are going to have 150mm thickness of stone base,” he said.
Also speaking, South-South Regional Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Juergen Fischer, said his company was delighted to have been chosen and trusted to do the job.
He pledged that as customary with the company, they would deliver quality project as part of their commitment towards the transformation agenda of the Wike-led administration.

News

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

Published

8 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

8 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

9 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