Connect with us

News

Workers Day: LG Bosses Blast FG Over ASUU Strike, Banditry, Insecurity, Inflation, Food Scarcity

Published

on

Chairmen of Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre and Emohua local government councils, Barrister George Ariolu, Engr Samuel Nwanosike and Dr Chidi Lloyd, respectively, have advocated for improved collaboration and partnership between governments and workers to further bring about sustainable development and good governance that would improve the welfare and wellbeing of the people.
They said their administrations were vehemently committed to service delivery, adding that they have put in place worker-friendly policies that have ensured prompt and regular payment of salaries and other entitlements.
They boasted that the councils have recorded more tangible and demonstrable dividends of democracy to show, and described the relationship with workers at the areas as cordial.
Ariolu, who was represented by the Obio/Akpor Council Secretary, made this remark in a ceremony organised by the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), while addressing workers at the Council Headquarters in Rumuodomanya.
According to the chairman, workers have continued to enjoy a more robust, friendly and crisis-free relationship which has precipitated increase in productivity and efficiency.
He further disclosed that his administration has provided conducive working environment which has given rise to more workers’ friendly policies.
He added that the 2022 workers day commemorates a celebration of courage, patriotism, tenacity, nationalism and dogged determination of Nigerian workers and unionists in the fight against oppression, victimization, repression, persecution and negligence orchestrated by the bad leadership of APC-led Federal Government.
Similarly, he questioned workers patience to be tied to the apron stake of irresponsible leadership of a government that is unconcerned about the welfare and wellbeing of its citizens, urging them to get their PVCs, be prepared to vote out the current leadership and vote in a government that will stand firm to extinguish corruption, value human lives instead of cows and respect rule of law, equity and justice, which according to him, is the emphasis of the 2022 workers day theme, “Labour, Politics and the Quest for Good Governance and Development”.
While lambasting the APC-led Federal Government over the continuous strike embarked upon by ASUU, banditry, insecurity, terrorism, inflation, food scarcity, amongst others, he assured workers that his administration instead of dwelling on existing standard would continue to implement programmes and policies that would continue to improve the welfare and wellbeing of the people.
Ariolu while commending workers, beckoned on workers to continue to partner and cooperate with his administration in moving the local government and state forward in terms of development.
Also speaking while addressing workers at the council headquarters at Isiokpo, Engr. Samuel Nwanosike, described Nigerian workers, especially workers of Ikwerre LGA, as passionate and dedicated individuals who always put in their best while discharging their duties.
He stressed that May 1 was set aside to celebrate workers due to their important roles in the economy, adding that they were the engine room in government’s functionality.
Nwanosike assured the workers that he would continue to work hand-in-glove with them in bettering the lives of Ikwerre people, saying that this year’s theme, “Labour, Politics, and the Quest for Good Governance and Development”, was apt.
He called on workers to keep supporting him in the fight against oil bunkering and social vices, noting that a healthy environment guarantees longevity.
In his remarks, Chairman of Emohua Local Government Council, Dr Chidi Lloyd, congratulated workers in the area for their hard work and resilience since the inception of his administration.
Lloyd thanked EMOLGA workers for cueing into his administration’s vision of repositioning the area and changing the narrative about the area, with a view to making it stand out in the comity of local government areas in Nigeria.
He enjoined workers to live up to expectations as partners in the development of the area.
“As Nigeria commemorates this day, I want to specially congratulate every worker in Emohua Local Government Area for their hard work and resilience since the beginning of our administration.
“Some of you have cooperated with us and cued into our mandate of making Emohua the LGA to reckon with in Rivers state and Nigeria at large.
“As the theme of this year’s International Workers Day goes, ‘Labour, Politics, and the Quest for Good Governance and Development’, I want to enjoin all workers in Emohua LGA to bear in mind that they are largely responsible for the development of our LGA and as such they are expected to take their duties seriously.
“As the saying goes, “the reward for success is more work” we are not to relent or stop at the achievements so far, there is still a lot to do in building our LGA
“More importantly, in the phase of the war against oil theft and oil bunkering in Rivers State ably led by the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, we want to ask that every worker in Emohua makes this fight to stop oil bunkering their topmost concern and support us.
“Our administration is committed to ensuring a serene environment for all resident and those doing businesses in Emohua LGA, and we will not stop chasing these unscrupulous workers of doom who think they can make our LGA a hub for lawlessness and illegality”, Lloyd said.
He further wished all workers in the area a happy and peaceful 2022 workers day celebration.

By: Nelson Chukwudi

Continue Reading

News

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

Published

on

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.
Continue Reading

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

on

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
Continue Reading

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

on

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
Continue Reading

Trending