Niger Delta

Igbe Emerges New Edo Assembly Speaker

Published

15 years ago

June 10, 2011

Edo State 5th House of Assembly has elected Mr Uyigue Igbe (Oredo West) as its Speaker.

Igbe was elected shortly after Governor Adams Oshiomhole proclaimed the first session through a letter read by the Clerk of the House, Mr Egbe Evbuomwan.

Oshiomhole, in the letter, said “In exercise of the powers conferred on me by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (Section 105, Sub-section 3, I hereby issue this Proclamation for the convening of the First Session of the Fifth Assembly of the Edo State House of Assembly on the 6th day of June, 2011.”

After the proclamation, Mr Patrick Osayimwen (Oredo East), nominated Mr Igbe as the Speaker and was seconded by Mr Johnson Oghuma ( Etsako Central) .

The nomination was accepted by the other 23 members of the Assembly.

Mr Festus Ebea (Esan South East) was also unanimously elected as the Deputy Speaker.

Mr Philip Shaibu (Estako West 1) emerged Majority Leader, Folly Ogedengbe (Owan East) Chief Whip and Patrick Osayimwen as Deputy Whip.

Emmanuel Okoduwa (Esan North East II) was elected Minority Leader and Kingsley Ehigiamusoe (Igueben) Minority Whip.

In his acceptance speech, Igbe promised to operate an open door policy and to cooperate with other arms of government without eroding the autonomy of the House or subordinating it to anyone, arm or structure.

He said the House would consider correspondence from the executive arm of government promptly so as not to hamper the pace of development in the state.

Meanwhile, Oba Erediauwa of Benin has tasked the lawmakers not to fight as previous lawmakers did.

Erediauwa spoke when the lawmakers paid him a courtesy visit in his palace.

He urged them to support the policies of Oshiomhole and advised the speaker to seek advice from his father, who is the Iyasere of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe.

The 24-member House has 19 members from ACN and five from PDP.

This is the first time that PDP has fewer members in the House since 1999.

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

7 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

7 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

7 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.