Niger Delta

Bayelsa Donates Land To Air Force, Navy

Published

11 years ago

June 18, 2014

Bayelsa State Govern
ment has donated land to both Nigerian Airforce and the Navy for construction of an airstrip and the permanent site for a Naval Research Institute in the state.
The State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, announced this in Government House while playing host to the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshall, Samuel Abosede and the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Peter Agba, who paid him a courtesy call in his office.
Dickson described the approval of an airstrip in the state by the Nigeria Air Force as a project that would fast track development in the state and accordingly announced the donation of land to the Mobility Command as well as the Nigerian Navy to enhance their operations. According to him, the land approved for the Central Naval Command would also be used for the construction of its permanent site, research institute and other social amenities such as hospitals and schools.
On the request made by the Flag officer Commanding, the governor said, “we had some discussions with your former Chief of Naval Staff, where we talked about the need for Naval schools here.I know that Naval schools are usually very good and so we have already made land available. However, there are some issues emanating from your headquarters as to what our contributions in developing that school should be. So, we are in the process of working out appropriate contributions we can make.
Expressing appreciation to the Federal Government and the Nigeria Air Force for the project, the state chief executive intimated the military officers of the progress of work done so far on the N25 billion cargo airport project, which is a collaboration between the state and federal governments.
He said, land preparation for the project was underway, noting that, clearing of the site, sand-filling and construction of the runway would require N2 billion, which he remarked was being handled by the state government.
In their remarks, the Air officer Commanding, the Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshall Abosede and the Flag Officer Commanding, the Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Agba, thanked the governor for his support and assured him of their readiness to partner with other security agencies to combat crime in their area of jurisdiction. The GOCs solicited the state government’s support in the provision of logistics and the construction of a jetty at the Forward Operating Base, Cape Formosa in Brass local government area of the state.

Rivers State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Hon. Joe Poroma (right), with General Manager, Radio Rivers. Ms. Mediline Tador, during the day of the African Child 2014 celebration, organised by Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation in conjuction with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt last Monday.

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.