Niger Delta

Traditional Ruler Advocates Parley With Politicians

Published

14 years ago

August 5, 2011

The chairman of Ekeremor Traditional Rulers Council in Bayelsa State, His Royal Majesty King Pere Augustine Ebikeme, has called for a regular meeting between government officials and traditional rulers from the area so as to find solution to numerous problems retarding development in various communities.

King Ebikeme stated this at an interactive meeting between the leadership of the council and the traditional rulers at the council headquarters in Ekeremor.

The traditional ruler stated that without this, it would be a herculean task for the council to achieve meaningful development in view of the numerous challenges competing for attention.

He commended the council chairman, Eddi Julius, for convening the meeting, saying that it would go a long way in his effort to maintain peace, which according to him is a yardstick for sustainable development.

He remarked that the fact that the chairman is operating from the council in Ekeremor, unlike his predecessors has given the staff a new lease of life and commitment to duty.

He cited the cleaniness of the council as a proof of the dedication of council staff due to the commitment of the council boss.

While calling for a synergy between the political class and the traditional rulers, the royal father advocated an increase in the traditional stools in the kingdom in order to give Ekeremor more representation in state affairs..

In his response, the council chairman, Mr. Eddi Julius, thanked the chiefs for sustaining peace in their domain and pledged to work with them to take Ekeremor to greater heights.

He hinted that he would soon embark on a tour of all the wards and communities in the area to interact with them get feedback on council policies and include their views and needs in the next budget proposal to the legislative assembly.

He called on them to support the state governor, chief Timipre Sylva as the 2012 gubernatorial elections draw near.

Also speaking, the Governor’s special representative to Ekeremor, Chief Orubebe Ogebiri, assured the royal fathers of the state government’s resolve to bring sustainable development to the local government and called on them to watch their subjects very well especially those that were crime-prone to infiltrators and bunkering activities.

Orubebe stated that he was in talks with the state’s deputy governor who was in charge of chieftaincy affairs to ensure that a review of the traditional stools in Ekeremor was carried out soon.

The meeting was attended by heads of security agencies in Ekeremor, including the DPO, SSS, and the Civil Defence heads in the local government area. Also in attendance wasthe state’s PDP Vice-Chairman, Bayelsa-West, Hon Aiyetoro Dumbo.

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.