Niger Delta

Delta Launches Policy On Climate Change

Published

12 years ago

October 28, 2013

Governor Emmanuel
Uduaghan of Delta State has launched the state’s climate change policy and integrated territorial climate plan, to enable the state mitigate the challenges of global warming.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Prof Amos Utuama, said that the launch of the two documents were crucial for addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development in the state.
He said that the aim of the programme was to reduce the vulnerability of the local communities to the impact of climate change.
The governor said that the policy would also help the communities to develop a low carbon and climate-resilient economy.
The governor said that the policy was a testimony of the state government’s efforts to protect the environment and people of the state, especially the most vulnerable.
He said that the state government had been collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other international bodies, to explore opportunities for renewable options for small-scale businesses.
Uduaghan pointed out that an Executive Bill on climate change would be forwarded to the state’s House of Assembly for consideration and passage.
He commended the state’s Ministry of Environment for evolving the policy, adding that the state was the first in the federation to develop a policy on climate change.
In an address, the state Commissioner for Environment, Chief Frank Omare, said that the state was committed to addressing the challenges of climate change and had committed much resources to it.
Omare said that the policy documents had gone through various processes before the presentation.
He commended the governor for being focused on environment issues and called on the Federal Government and other international agencies for support.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mrs Felicia Adun, said that many people had become “climatic refugees” due to the impact of global warming.
The permanent secretary noted that one-third of Delta land was flooded in 2012 due to its coastal nature.
Adun said research had shown that if nothing was done to mitigate the challenges of global warming, the entire state stood the risk of being submerged between 2019 and 2059.
She urged the Federal Government to co-opt state governments into its climate change programmes, and stressed the need for effective use of data, for proper programme planning and implementation.
Our correspondent reports that many speakers at the occasion stressed the need for Nigerians to plant trees and save energy.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks 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 weeks 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 weeks 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.