Niger Delta

‘Tourism, Mainstay Of C’River Economy’

Published

13 years ago

December 31, 2012

The Director-General of Cross River Carnival Commission, Mr Gabe Onah, has said that tourism remained the mainstay of the state’s economy.

Onah, who said this in Calabar at the inauguration of the 2012 Carnival Calabar Street Procession, said: “‘This is our own oil well.

‘’It has become our entire life and this is what Cross River is known for.’’

He said that the state’s economic survival would now hinge on the development of the culture and tourism sector.

The director-general said Jamaica, Brazil, Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago and the Republic of Cameroun were participating in this year’s carnival.

Also speaking, Mr Akin Ricketts, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, said that this year’s carnival was the most successful in recent times.

Ricketts said that the 2012 Carnival Calabar witnessed mass participation of the private sector, noting that tourism was firmly taking root in the state.

‘’We also have individuals and philanthropists, who had doled out cash in support of this year’s carnival,’’ he said.

According to him, the carnival is gradually living up to the vision of Gov. Liyel Imoke by attracting private sector participation.

‘’It is in line with Gov. Liyel Imoke’s vision of making tourism in the state self-sustaining,’’ he said.

He said that the state planned to improve on this year’s achievement ‘’and by so doing we are sure that tourism has come to stay in Cross River’’.

While inaugurating the event, the acting Governor, Mr Efiok Cobham, said the state was satisfied with the success achieved in the this year’s event.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Mr Edem Duke, Senate Leader, Sen. Ndoma-Egba, members of the State House of Assembly and members of the State Executive Council were in attendance.

Earlier, the Speaker Cross River House of Assembly, Mr Larry Odey, expressed happiness that the momentum of the 2012 Calabar carnival had increased.

‘’The 2012 Calabar Carnival is increasing in size, scope, momentum, content and the colours are wonderful colours and cannot be compared all over the world,’’ he said.

Noting that the carnival was the biggest in Africa, Odey said it could only be compared to the Brazilian Carnival and that of Trinidad and Tobago.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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

1 week 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.