Niger Delta

Navy Wants Rank And File To Vote In 2015 Polls

Published

11 years ago

December 31, 2014

The outgoing Flag Of
ficer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Adm. Charles Medani,has urged officers and ratings of the command to vote in general elections in 2015.
Medani gave the charge in Calabar during the handover of the leadership of the Command to his successor, Rear Adm. Henry Babalola.
He said that it was the responsibility of the navy to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure hitch -free elections at states and federal levels.
“As citizens, you are entitled to vote for candidates of your choice.
“But as uniform personnel, you must be strictly neutral in discharging whatever security responsibilities that you have been ordered to carry out in support of INEC.
“If you must vote, go through the process in mufti and without drawing any attention to your military status.
“On no circumstances must you compromise your political neutrality in the electoral process.’’
On his achievement in the command, the FOC said that the command reduced the rate of piracy.
He added, however, that only four cases of attacks on oil tankers and services vessels were recorded.
On infrastructure, he said that the ultra-modern Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman auditorium has been completed after being abandoned for 25 years.
He said that new vehicles had been procured for the command while the old ones had been extensively refurbished to improve transportation.
“The six flats at the 1006 officer’s quarters have been put to use following the completion of the outstanding electrical works.
“I deeply appreciate the various corporate bodies and individuals who have made generous contribution to support the various infrastructural projects undertaken during my tenure”, he said.
He thanked officers and ratings of the command for working closely with him during his tenure.
Receiving the flag of the command, Rear Adm. Henry Babalola, commended Medani for the infrastructural development in the command.
Babalola pledged to continue work on the projects that were not completed during the tenure of Medani. He called on officers and ratings of the command to give him the support to move the command to an enviable height.
Our correspondent reports that Medani has been transferred to Navy Headquarters in Abuja as Chief of Training and Operations.

Okan-Ama Ngo Uboone, Dr U.D Ngere and chairman Andoni Council of Traditional Rulers (middle) HRH Isreal Otuno Okan Ama Unyeada (left) and other traditional rulers during a function at Ngo, Rivers State

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

16 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

16 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

16 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.