Niger Delta

Journalists Pass Vote Of No Confidence On Ekpotu

Published

17 years ago

September 19, 2009

Journalists of the correspondents chapel of Akwa Ibom Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists have resolved to black list the office of the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Patrick Ekpotu, in the coverages and reportages of events.

The resolution passed on Wednesday during the general congress meeting of the chapel came, as a result of shabby and deceitful treatment meted to correspondents by the person of the deputy governor.

The correspondents before arriving at the resolution as a last resort, had recalled several instances where Mr Ekpotu had either snubbed or treated them with levity, despite the massive support he enjoyed from them through publicity.

Suffice to list two of these instances. Sometime ago news filled the air that Ibibio had concluded arrangement to supplant Governor Akpabio with Mr Ekpotu come 2011 to end allegation of marginalisation of the ethnic group by this administration.

Correspondents decided to reach out to Mr Ekpotu who was far away in Abuja. He acknowledged the call and promised to meet with them on return, up till date he never did so.

Again, he was penciled down as one of those to be honoured to mark the just ended correspondents’ week, this time around he neither, acknowledged the call nor showed up for the award despite repeated text messages.

Putting these and several other shows of disrespect together, it became apparent that the second citizen in Akwa Ibom State has no regard for the fourth estate of the realm, despite their collaborative efforts to sustain democracy from which he is benefiting immensely.

In the same vein, they used the opportunity to exercise their constitutional role by informing the Governor Chief Akpabio whom they repose confidence in to be aware of wolf in a sheep clothing among his cabinet.

Similarly, they were quick to remind him that his best friend could be his worst enemy as he might not know what each and everyone of them is thinking.

They equally used the opportunity to thank all those who responded and donated generously while urging those who made pledges to please honour their pledges to enable them to establish a formidable resource centre to aid their work and income for sustenance.

The Chairman, Tony Anichebe who thanked members for cooperation toward a successful week, promised to liaise with NUJ chairman for a possible resolution of the face off between them that had lingered for sometime now.

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

16 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

16 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

16 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.