Niger Delta

Mrs Jonathan Justifies Women’s Involvement In Government

Published

14 years ago

February 21, 2012

The First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, says the involvement of more women in all tiers of government in Nigeria is necessary for national growth.

Jonathan made the assertion on Saturday in Uyo at a state banquet organised by the Akwa Ibom government for participants of the 1st National Retreat on Women Development and National Transformation.

She appealed to the men folk to see the need for women’s involvement in the scheme of things in the country at all levels.

Jonathan said that women were ready to offer themselves as true agents of change for the transformation of Nigeria.

“If we must grow as a nation, we must be ready to involve the women to a great extent.

“I am happy that other African countries are giving the women due recognition in terms of holding key positions both in the executive and legislative arms of government and Nigeria should take the lead,” she said.

She emphasised the importance of networking as a tool for building new bridges that would assist in the development of Nigeria.

Jonathan, who expressed appreciation to Gov. Godswill Akpabio, his wife and the good people of the state for hosting the retreat, said that the women had enjoyed their stay in the state.

She thanked the governor for empowering greater percentage of the womenfolk through women agricultural programme and most importantly, appointing them into key offices in his administration.

Jonathan presented cheques worth N250, 000 each to 16 farmers out of the 4,500 beneficiaries of Akwa Ibom sponsored women in agriculture scheme.

The First Lady advised the beneficiaries to apply the funds judiciously to better their lot and that of the communities.

In his speech, Gov. Akpabio commended the First Lady and all the women for their active participation in the retreat.

Akpabio urged the women to continue to pray for Nigeria in view of the current security challenges, adding that with prayer nothing would be insurmountable.

He said that women, who were the first to see the resurrected Jesus, were the most sincere people to work with, assuring that his administration would never forget their role in his re-election bid.

The governor’s wife, Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, who set the tone for the banquet, expressed delight that the 1st National Women Retreat was hosted in Akwa Ibom.

She said that the National Women Retreat had shown that today’s women had decided to be catalysts for change.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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.