Niger Delta

Community Protest Against Abandoned School Building Project

Published

13 years ago

September 26, 2012

The Anwunugbokor Autonomous Community in Ahoada West Local
Government Area has raised alarm, alleging that the good governance of
Hon.Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi may elude them if government did not intervene in
the issue of abandoned 14 classroom allocated to the community.

In a protest letter, addressed to the governor, the
community said the benefits of a world class primary school edifice is about to
slip out after more than two years the
building was started by the contracting firm handling the project.

The letter which reads in part: “we wish to bring to your
attention a matter of grave concern to us. It is the issue of the abandoned
Model Primary School building at Anwunugbokor. The contract was awarded to Luke Joy Enterprises whose
Managing Director is Chief Nwagbara of Ozuoha Community in Ikwerre Local
Government Area.”

According to the letter, the contract was among the second
batch of contracts that were awarded in 2009. “Your Excellency Sir, it will
interest you to note that the contractor has since early 2010 abandoned the
project at lintel level in some part, and
below lintel in other parts.”

The protest became necessary, they said, because each time
the contractor was confronted, his excuse had always been “non-payment by
government, hence the decision to intimate your excellency.”

More worrisome, the community further said, is the fact that
the existing six-classroom blocks had been demolished leaving pupils to study
in different churches and in most cases under trees, instead of being together
under one roof.

“This condition does not enhance, in any ramification,a
conducive environment for academic activities.”

They further expressed concern that within their
neigbourhood, all model primary school buildings awarded as late as last year
have been completed and painted while that of Awunugbokor is still at
negligible stage.

The letter signed by the Acting Traditional ruler of the
community, Chief Simeon Anududu, the CDC chairman, Comrade Adekunle Jackson,
the Community Secretary, Mr Andrew S.Ekiye, Mr Eke Jackson, Chairman Elites
Forum and the Youth Leader, Pastor Michael Paul, therefore urged Governor
Amaechi to take proactive action which has been the driving force behind his
administration

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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.