News

Projects, Service Delivery Won’t Be Politicised, Fubara Assures

Published

2 years ago

May 27, 2024

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the delivery of development projects and social services by his administration will not be politicised because they are geared towards solving pertinent needs faced by the people of the State.
The Governor explained that while every human and societal challenges cannot be solved in one swoop, every promise made would be fulfilled within available resources and delivered on schedule.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the official inauguration of the dualised Omoku-Egbema Road project, which took place at De Masters Hotel Junction, Obrikom Road, Omoku Town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) on Saturday.
Governor Fubara said, “When the project was added to the list of projects to mark our one year in office, there was a challenge, but the contractor assured of delivering it, which is a reality today.
“What are we doing today? We are here to tell our people that they are the most important thing to us. We are here to assure you that every part of this State will have positive impact of our administration.
“We can make bold to say that today, a project that was impossible in the past was made possible by this administration.”
Governor Fubara further said: “If within this short period, we could deliver this to our people who were yearning for this road, crying and complaining, it is a sign that this Government has the interest of the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area at heart.
“So, I want to assure you: don’t let anybody deceive you anywhere. This is the right boat to join. The captain of this boat, his own mantra is ‘The People First’. So, I assure you, with your support, the sky is our beginning.”
Governor Fubara said it would be improper for him not to appreciate the people of ONELGA because the campaigns leading his election kick-started in the area where their support was solicited.
The Governor noted that they lived up to that commitment of giving electoral support, giving the required votes that had enabled his team to be where they are today in Government.
Governor Fubara granted some requests made to him by their spokesperson concerning roads and healthcare facilities in the area.
The Governor said: “Here and now, we are mandating the Ministry of Works to ensure that the remaining part of this road project leading to the boundary with Imo State should be completed (Okwuizi boundary to Abacheke).
“We are also assuring you that the health centre matter, more especially the zonal hospital: we are going to complete it. The contractor will move to site in the next one week.
“So, let me use this opportunity, on behalf of the Government and the good people of our dear State, to say thank you for supporting us before, during and also after the election,” he said.
Governor Fubara emphasised: “Let me assure you that whatever we say, we will leave up to it. We will not make promises that we will not keep.
“We will make promises after checking our resources. We will make promises that are within our capacity to deliver, and delivering it in good time.”
Governor Fubara explained the special reason for inviting former Governor of the State, Dr Peter Odili, to perform the inauguration, saying: “This is not politics. This is giving back to our people. So, I want somebody who understands the need of our people, and what we are doing to come and speak to our people.
“I want somebody who has the direct interest of this LGA at heart to come and speak to his people, so that we will understand that when we are in position, what is important is not self, what is important is the people.”
Performing the project inauguration, former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, noted that Governor Fubara has taken full control of governance in Rivers State, and rightly focusing on the people in line with his chosen mantra: ‘People First’.
Dr Odili while thanking Governor Fubara for the project delivered in the area, urged him to remain focused on the people, giving succour to the less-privileged and hope to those who do not have anyone to help them go through life’s challenges.
“I can tell our people that the next election is very far, but what the Governor has done so far, is enough to secure the support of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area going forward.
“Thank you, Your Excellency, because the greatest assets of the State remain the people, not oil and gas. The people remain the greatest assets.
“So, once your focus remains with the people, especially the less-privileged, the poor, those who are struggling to feed every day. Once they remain your focus, I want to agree with you that the sky would become the takeoff point of your administration,” the former Governor said.
Dr Odili assured that the entire people of Rivers are behind Governor Fubara, “rallying support for him because they trust him, believing in what he says and convinced that he means whatever he says”.
Providing the description of the road, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Engr Atemea Briggs, said the road project indicated how Governor Fubara has consistently prioritised the needs of the people and solving critical problems.
Engr Briggs said: “The 21.6Km dual carriageway project was awarded to Sectraco Nigeria Limited on April 28, 2023, by the previous administration at the sum of N7.597billion but without funding. It has 7.3meters carriageway on both sides and 8.2Km length of drains.
“Before the award of this contract, this road had been abandoned for many years. The current administration led by our hardworking Governor Siminalayi Fubara approached the project with great determination and passion, and as a result, mobilisation was paid to the contractor and the contractor started work in July, 2023.
“The scope of the project changed and due to the prevailing inflation rate, an additional N5.47billion was added to the contract, bringing the total value of the contract to N13.07billion.
“It is pleasing to announce that the full amount has been paid to the contractor, who has also completed the work within the timeframe,” he added.
In his welcome address, High Chief Shedrack Akalokwu, noted that though Governor Fubara is soft spoken, his leadership is action-packed, with successes that far outweigh public expectations of his administration.
He said, “We are grateful that in the short period of less than one year in office, Your Excellency is here today to superintend over the commissioning of the Omoku-Egbema Dual Carriageway in our local government area.
“The Erema junction-Akabuka- Ogbogu-Obite-Ede-Okposi dual carriageway speedily being executed by the construction giant, Julius Berger, is very refreshing. The news of the award of 33.5Km Elele-Omudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku dual carriageway has been received with gladsome mind.
“That project is magic infrastructural access that would gladden the hearts of our people as there would be drastic reduction of time and distance from our local government to the state capital.
“All our people are in one accord in conveying our support, solidarity, gratitude and total loyalty to this Government of which we are an integral part,” he added.
On his part, the Area Manager of Sectraco Nigeria Limited, Engr Michael Issa, explained that the contract was awarded and first payment made to the company in July, 2023, adding that they mobilized to site immediately, delivering the project alongside the additional scope of work, on schedule.
Engr Issa said, like other road projects delivered in good quality and still enduring, this project has been delivered in best quality, stressing that the firm feels delighted to be part of the success story of Governor Fubara, who, according to him, “is establishing a footprint in the development trajectory in the state”.

News

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

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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