Niger Delta

Sylva Moves To Reclaim Mandate

Published

13 years ago

February 15, 2013

The last seems not to be heard about the governorship election in Bayelsa State as Chief Timipre Sylva has approached a Federal High court in Yenagoa to demand that Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) be compelled to declare him as governor.

In the case, which came up for mention Wednesday, Chief Sylva, argued that there was no basis to hold fresh primaries by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, having earlier won the January,2011 gubernatorial primaries.

Chief Sylva,as the incumbent governor,had earlier won the PDP gubernatorial primaries in January,2011 before the Supreme Court ruled that his tenure had since expired.

Another primaries were held by the PDP in November,2011,where Chief Sylva,was excluded from participating and this was won by Mr.Seriake Dickson.

He is therefore, asking INEC for reinstatement as the valid candidate of the PDP in the last governorship election, which returned Mr.Seriake Dickson as the governor.

He wants the court to direct INEC to replace the name of incumbent governor with his own so as to enjoy the mandate given to him.

The trial judge, Justice Charles Archibong, who granted applications from counsels to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and incumbent governor Seriake Dickson to be joined in the case,however, adjourned the matter for hearing to the 18th of March, this year.

Justice Charles Archibong, granted the applications by Mr.Tayo Oyetibo,SAN, representing Governor Seriake Dickson and Mr.Somina John-Bull, counsel for PDP, as an interested parties in the matter.Mr.Clement Oha, appeared for INEC,while Chief Robert Clarke,SAN, standing for the plaintiff, Chief Timipre Sylva.

After the adjournment, the lead counsel to Chief Sylva, Chief Robert Clarke,SAN,who said they were seeking accelerated hearing, stated that the applications by other parties to join the suit was in order.

“We were expecting the governor and the party,PDP,to come in to be joined in the party. So, we were not taken by surprise, the more the merrier and I believe it’s better they be joined. So the court had ordered they should be joined.”,Clarke said.

The lawyer to the incumbent governor,Mr.Tayo Oyetibo,SAN,said the decision of the judge to honour their application to join the suit would give Governor Dickson,the opportunity to also be heard.

“It’s an action by the former governor asking that he be returned into office but he did not join the sitting governor as well as PDP. And the court has granted the application that the governor should be joined.At least,you can not take away a governor from office without allowing him to participate in the proceedings”, Oyetibo stated.

Meanwhile, hundreds of supporters of both the incumbent Governor Seriake Dickson and former Governor Timipre Sylva, took over the court premises in solidarity for their principals.

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.