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Power Firm Moves To Recover Defunct PHCN Debts

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12 years ago

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The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), said it would collect all debts owed the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in its operational areas.

With the power sector reforms, BEDC now controls electricity distribution in Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti states.

BEDC Head of Corperate Communications, Mr Nwadei Curtis, disclosed this to newsmen in an interview in Benin.

“It is not a situation of bad debts at all. We will collect every kobo from those who owed PHCN for service rendered, but who are now our customers,’’ Curtis said.

“I don’t know where customers got the idea from. Cancellation of customers debts is never part of the negotiation for the takeover.

“It is not a bad debt as they are claiming in some quarters,’’ he said.

According to him, BEDC will strive to improve on the power distribution in its areas of jurisdiction.

He said that load shedding in the four states was a national phenomenon and not peculiar to the area.

“There was a drop from 4,500 megawatts to 2,600 megawatts. That was a serious challenge for everyone in the power sector,’’ he said.

Curtis, however, assured customers of a brighter future and “enjoyable service delivery once we overcome these initial challenges’’.

On prepaid metres, he said: “we have just taken delivery of bulk prepaid metres which we are immediately distributing to all our district centres”

“We advise all our customers, who have made payments, to go for the collection of their prepaid metres.

“I also urge those yet to apply to make the payment of N24, 832 to the bank after filling out the necessary forms at the nearest BEDC district office’’.

Curtis urged customers to avoid touts or BEDC staff who would encourage them to cheat, stressing that the process of acquiring metres was not difficult.

“A customer will receive his or her prepaid metre 45 days after verification of the payment,” he said.

The Tide staff, Roseline Wosu (2nd left), with newly commissioned officers of the Nigeria Legion, Rivers State Command, Zone A, on parade, during the passing out ceremony and inauguration at Deeper Life High School Sports Complex, Port Harcourt last Saturday.

The Tide staff, Roseline Wosu (2nd left), with newly commissioned officers of the Nigeria Legion, Rivers State Command, Zone A, on parade, during the passing out ceremony and inauguration at Deeper Life High School Sports Complex, Port Harcourt last Saturday.

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Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

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6 days ago

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September 12, 2025

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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.
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Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

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6 days ago

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September 12, 2025

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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.
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Niger Delta

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

Published

6 days ago

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September 12, 2025

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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.
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