Niger Delta

Delta To Probe Two Agencies

Published

14 years ago

December 30, 2011

The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Appropriation has said that it will set up a panel to look into the purchase of non-functional equipment for two of the state’s agencies.

The Chairman of the Committee, Mr Daniel Mayuku, made the disclosure on Monday in Asaba during the budget defence of the state’s Direct Labour Agency (DLA) and Waste Management Board.

Mayuku, accused some civil servants working in both agencies of collaborating with their past chief executives to defraud the State Government.

He said the N2.6 billion provided for the purchase of equipment for the two agencies between 2010 and 2011 must be duly accounted for, adding that Chinese made equipment were purchased instead of the much sophisticated American made equipment.

The chairman of the committee also questioned the supply and inventory of the sub-standard equipment purchased by the DLA and the state’s Ministry of Environment.

However, the former Director General of the DLA, Chief Festus Aghas, and the former Commissioner for Environment Dr Bello Orubebe had been summoned to appear before the committee on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Chris Onogba, had sought an increase in the budgetary provision for the state’s counterpart fund.

Onogba who appeared before the committee to defend his 2012 budget proposal said that an increase from the previous budgetary allocation of N40 million for counterpart funding to BRACED Commission to N100 million would help in the anticipated upward review of the fund.

Onagba also requested the committee to approve N20.87 million for the personnel cost of the commission, noting that it was relevant that the office had its own personnel cost for its officers.

He further requested for N20 million to enable the commission fund its Partnership for Sustainable Development activities.

The commission also requested for N10 million for the monitoring of the implementation of the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan (NDRDMP), adding that it was the focal objective of setting up the NDDC/ BRACED Commission.

The Committee, however, assured the commission that they would ensure that the funds allocated to the commission activities were approved.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

5 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

5 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

5 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.