Connect with us

Niger Delta

Coalition Faults Fani-Kayode’s Comments On Odi, Zaki-Biam

Published

13 years ago

on

The Niger Delta Coalition Against Violence (NDCAV), has condemned in strong terms a statement accredited to a former Aviation Minister Femi-Kayode on the killings in Odi and Zaki-Biam people in Bayelsa and Benue States during former President Obasanjo’s regime some years ago.

The president of the group, Comrade Christian Lekia who spoke with newsmen in Lagos over the week, said Fani-Kayode’s comment about the two communities were wrong.

Lekia said the Obasanjo-led administration then, failed to consider the rights of the people in the area, but destroyed them without a second thought.

According to him, if such military actions was the best way to handle crisis, militancy would not have erupted in the Niger Delta considering the level of destruction done to the two communities.

He was emphatic that the action never saved life or made any economic impact as Fani-Kayode claimed, adding that the situation even led to the exodus of multinationals from the Niger Delta region.

The Niger Delta Youth leader, noted that people ought to be guided on issues bordering on core military and human right cases in order not incite the people against the government.

The Ogoni human right activist, suggested that Obasanjo should rather apologise to the affected communities than to enjoy the praises of few individuals who are seeking recognition.

He has also commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the approach to the Boko Haram sect in some part of the north, adding that, all hands should be on deck so as to actualise peaceful coexistence among the people.

The NDCAV leader, pointed that international observers are seriously monitoring the activities of the sect in the north, saying that, anything against less than the president’s pattern may lead to major break down of law and order in the area.

He stressed that those judging the Mr President based on the Boko Haram issue, are missing the tracks, hinting that the premium Jonathan placed on human lives will not allow him declare a state of emergency in the north as some people are suggesting.

It would be recalled that the former minister of Aviation, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, recently supported the massacre of the Odis and Zaki-Biams in Bayelsa and Benue states respectively by the Obasanjo-led administration, saying “that it saved lives of many and put a stop to the killings of and terrorism that has taken root in the Niger Delta area previous to that time”.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

7 days ago

on

September 12, 2025

By

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.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

7 days ago

on

September 12, 2025

By

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.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

7 days ago

on

September 12, 2025

By

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.
Continue Reading

Trending