Niger Delta

Dickson Urges Bayelsa Abroad To Return

Published

12 years ago

May 24, 2013

Bayelsa State indigenes in Diaspora have been urged to invest in the state to harness the enormous potential in the various sectors of the economy.
Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa made the call on Tuesday while inaugurating a 25-member Diaspora Mobilisation and Contact Committee in Government House Yenagoa.
“Bayelsa is in a hurry to develop. “I challenge our brothers in Diaspora to return home to apply the knowledge they have acquired abroad to support the developmental efforts of government as well as to assist in developing their communities, “ he said.
He urged the committee to encourage professionals in Diaspora to partner with the State Government in the areas of human capacity and infrastructure development.
“We have come to the stage in our development that we must mobilise our human resource because it is the most important resource at our disposal.“
Dickson said that his administration’s vision of making Bayelsa the melting-pot of all Ijaws was in motion and charged the committee members to be good ambassadors of the state by promoting the culture of Ijaw people.
He said that the committee was also expected to woo donor agencies and non-governmental organisations to partner with the state in the provision of medical supplies and other relief materials for managing emergencies.
“The committee is also expected to develop synergy for inter and intra cultural harmony as well as promote exchanges at all levels. “You are to help build capacity for investment opportunities for Bayelsa from America, Europe, Africa and Asia. “You are to project Bayelsa as a tourist attraction to the international community as well as encourage teaching and learning of the Ijaw language, history and culture to our children in Diaspora,“ he said.
Chairman of the Committee, Mr Charles Preye Zuofa, assured the Governor of the committee’s readiness to actualise the state government’s development agenda.
“I convey the appreciation of the delegation of the Bayelsa Diaspora Community that attended the 2013 Boro Day Anniversary. “They were impressed with the ongoing infrastructure development in the state,“ he said.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

4 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

4 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

4 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.