Niger Delta

‘Don’t Politicise Health Programmes’

Published

15 years ago

May 6, 2010

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has appealed to Deltans not to politicise the state’s free maternal care programme as it could give women unprecedented access to qualitative maternal care.

Dr. Uduaghan who was speaking while commissioning the 2008 MDGS/CGS projects said the free maternal care programme will guarantee the delivery of healthy children in the state.

He explained that the MDGS/CGS projects would support the free maternal care health programme and ensure that the future of children were not marred by the misery of avoidable congenital conditions.

The governor said his administration initiated the free maternal care because of the less privileged women who sometimes suffer and loose their babies because of their inability to foot medical bills.

Dr. Uduaghan who explained that the programme would give pregnant women and nursing mothers healthy future called on Deltans not to toy with it.

Speaking further he said “the MDG programme has stepped up in the state and it will greatly assist our free maternal health care and pregnant women will not suffer unjustly”.

The governor appealed to the communities where the MDGS projects are located to ensure a culture of peace and general security so that the programme would succeed.

Dr. Uduaghan also directed ministries that have institutional responsibilities for the sub sectors to maintain the projects and keep them functioning always.

He promised to continue to meet up the state government counterpart funding even as he gave the assurance that he would take all the programmes seriously.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGS Hajiya Amina AS Zuberu said the programme can only thrive when the Federal, State and Local governments pool resources together.

Hajiya Zuberu who said challenges in the programme are enormous urged local governments to demonstrate utmost sincerity in the programme.

Praying for sincere partnership she said no level of government could do it alone.

The Senior Special Assistant commended Delta State government for the success recorded so far in the programme.

Hajiya Zuberu said there were concrete projects on ground to demonstrate the state government’s seriousness on the programme.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on MDG Dr . Austin Obidi said the state government has made its mark on the MDG programme.

Dr. Obidi who said the taste of the pudding was in eating described the state government’s achievement in the programme as enormous.

He disclosed that the state government has met the counterpart funding and promised to ensure adequate utilization of the projects.

Highlight of the ceremony was the inspection of the products of the programme by the governor and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDG.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

4 days ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

4 days ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

4 days ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.