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Egbeda In EMOLGA Political Equation

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Egbeda community is one of the major towns that make up Emohua Local Government Area  in Rivers State. It is large, and populous.

 The community through the co-ordinator of EMOLGA Youths Democratic Network,  Comrade Obinna Victor has cried out over the zoning formula and the marginalisation in the political arrangements of the local government since its creation in 1991.

 In one of their quests for succour and political remedy to their protracted demand for equitable distribution of allocation of positions in EMOLGA politics, a delegation was sent to a political stalwart and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in EMOLGA, Hon. Andrew Uchendu who is also a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ikwerre/Emohua Constituency for an opportunity to produce the next local government chairman in the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

 Prior to this time, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) known as the Movement for the Actualisation of a Crime-free Society (MACS) had written a letter to the state governor to consider Egbeda people in elective positions and political appointments. The alleged political marginalisation of Egbeda people came to fore in the council chairman’s recent appointments that did not consider any Egbeda indigene worthy of being a supervisory councillor or special adviser.

 However, having in mind that when a child is pointing at a particular place while crying, the presumption suffices that if the mother is not there, probably the father is there. This is why the leadership of Emolga Youths Democratic Network (EYDN) in its scrutiny of the political positions of Emolga specifically as it affects the chairmanship of the council observed that since the creation of the local government nineteen years ago, virtually all the towns that make-up the LGA have had fair share as seen below.

 Ogbakiri Clan: Ogbakiri is one of densely populated  areas that make-up the LGA. Its sons Hon. Maclord Amamina, Hon. Paul Wonodi; Hon. Emmanuel Chinda and Hon. Sam Oge; had been council chairmen.

 Emohua:- Emohua Clan which plays host as the headquarters of the LGA is currently holding the position as the incumbent executive chairman of Emolga through Emeka Woke for two consecutive times now.

 Odegu: This town produced the first chairman in 1991 and had Hon Godspower Manjor and Hon. Chima Bob Okala.

 Ibaa: Ibaa and Obele as popularly known had had their share for two times through Hon. Jonah Wobodo who was the second executive chairman of the LGA and Hon Allwell Igbor.

 Rundele:- Ndele had at least once occupied the position of chairman through Hon. Demian Ejiowhor.

 Elele Alimini:- It has produced an executive chairman of the council through Hon. Emmanuel Wonodi.

 Akpabu/Itu: Is yet to have a taste of the juicy office. But there is no doubt that Akpabu/Itu area had taken and is still reaping, from the political honey pot of the LGA through the ebullient Chidi Iloyd in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

 Omudioga: It would be very expedient and pertinent to posit that out of the unstable and turbulent political interest cum politically motivated inequitable zoning formula associated with EMOLGA politics, Omudioga was able to struggle out their own share of the LGA’s cake through Hon Syder Nnodim who served as member Federal House of Representatives.

 Ubimini:- This community is not left out in the occupation of the number one seat in the LGA. Ubimini had taken their share through Hon. Allen Nma who is currently the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in EMOLGA.

 Having traced the political cum leadership history of EMOLGA, it leaves us with no doubt that Egbeda community is agitating for a just cause. It is obvious that the precarious state of the political interest of Egbeda community is not far from the zoning formula and its inhibiting factors therefore, equity demands that Egbeda son should be the next council boss.

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

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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.
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Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

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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
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PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

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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
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