News

Wike Justifies Inclusive Agenda For Rivers Dev …You Can’t Wish Wike Away In PDP, Fayose Insists

Published

3 years ago

September 12, 2022

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has explained the rationale behind the implementation of an inclusive development agenda for the state.
He said that while most people hardly see beyond the delivery of road projects executed by his administration, it was because the roads were more visible and would lure investors to the state.
“Why we are trying to do more of the roads is because it attracts development. If there are no roads, people will not go and build houses. If there are no roads, people will not invest.
“But when you have good network of roads, such will encourage people who want to invest in the state to do so.”
Wike gave the explanation at the inauguration of the Community Secondary School, Obuama (Harry’s Town) in Degema Local Government Area, which was performed by the former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, last Friday.
He stressed that his administration has also given sufficient development attention to improving structures, teaching and learning facilities in the education sector.
“All through this week, we have been busy trying to, and letting the people understand what we are doing in the education sector.
“Before, people were saying is it only roads we are doing. Since Monday, we have been talking about tertiary education. Now, we are talking about basic education.
“By the time we finish, we will also go to the health sector, and let the state see what we have done in that sector.
“So, for me, it is touching all-round the sectors because no one sector can be said to be more important than the other.”
Wike explained that it was his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, who called his attention to the poor state of the community school in Obuama, and he immediately directed for a total upgrade of the structures and learning facility.
“To God be glory, we have been able to put in our best to make it a proper secondary school that our children will not only have access to education, but also have quality education.
“I’m sure by the time you take your time after this event, to go round the premises and see some of the structures, you will be quite convinced of the quality that we have been able to put in place.
“And so, we are happy that we are here. This terrain is waterlogged; actually, it will be difficult if you don’t do concrete pavement like this. If you want to asphalt it, I don’t think it will last long. But with this concrete they’ve done, I’m sure it’s going to last long.”
Speaking further, Wike directed the Ministry of Special Projects to, within the next two weeks, provide him with an architectural design for the building of two hostels, one for boys and the other for female students at the school.
“Since it is mixed school, do design, one for boys and one for the girls. Then, there will be a dining hall for them. Since you have provided accommodation for the teachers, then, there should be hostels for the students.”
Inaugurating the project, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, commended Wike for doing so much in providing quality infrastructure that has raised the quality of living of Rivers people.
Fayose also spoke on the current crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and stated that most people think that they must destroy leaders before they can rise, which is hardly possible.
He noted that the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, does not hate Wike, but a lot of people around him were the enemies creating tension.
“For me, I want to believe that Atiku Abubakar is not against you. But let me say this quickly, a lot of people surrounding the throne are enemies of the throne.
“A lot of people surrounding the throne have one axe to grind with somebody, or some issues with somebody, and they take it to where they’re not supposed to take it.”
Fayose reiterated the need for Atiku to work to unify the party so that everybody can focus on how to win the 2023 presidential election.
He noted that it was impossible to wish Wike away, adding that anybody doing so, was the real enemy of the party.
“There is no living person in the party and outside this party that will not acknowledge your contribution to this party. You are the soul of this party.
“Rivers State has been here for long, but today, we can see the difference. The average Rivers man is proud to be from Rivers. They’re proud to say you’re their governor.
“Forget whatever anybody says about you. I’ve said it before, Wike, the man with a fierce look but a good heart, the heart of love, to accomplish and give support.
“The majority of our enemies today are not against you because of anything but against you because you have capacity; they’re against you because they know that when you take over, they will fall apart”.
He further urged those close to the presidential candidate to desist from creating disaffection, and allow him to unify the party as the 2023 general election draws near.
“Wike has not come out to say that Atiku Abubakar is not the presidential candidate. He is! I was there the second day after the election when our candidate, the former vice president visited the residence of Wike.
“We had mutual conversation. We were all happy. Everything was in place to move forward. I spoke at that meeting. But I don’t want to aggravate this situation. I’m only appealing to people that matter.
“In every political party, there will be grouping: The same family, but different interests. We can do better than we are doing. People around the corridor of power, please, allow this candidate to win election. We don’t celebrate victory until it is ours.”
In his description of the project, Rivers State Commissioner for Special Projects, Deinma Iyalla, said there are two blocks of two-storey of 12 classrooms, one model storey building of 12 classrooms, a storey building as administrative block, library, ICT and science laboratories, quarters for senior and junior principals and staff.
In his address, Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Chinedu Mmom, said no industrial action has been witnessed under Wike.
So far, Mmom noted, the state government has improved over 125 educational facilities in the primary, secondary and tertiary learning cadre; sustained the free basic education policy; sponsored about 29,250 students to write Basic Certificate Examination; and 39,750 students for NECO and WAEC.

News

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

Published

5 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

5 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

6 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