Niger Delta

Wike Focused, Determined To Deliver -Aide

Published

10 years ago

July 13, 2015

Rt Rev Ralph Cornelius Ebirien (JP), Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese (left) during press briefing at Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Bishop Court/King William Dappa Complex last Wednesday. With him are wife of the Bishop, Mrs Victoria Ebirien, Ven A. C Abbey-Kalio (2nd right), Registrar of the Diocese, Niger Delta Diocese, Dame Ibiere John-Foby (right).
Photo: Egberi A. Sampson

The Special Adviser on
Media and Publicity to Governor Nyesom Wike, Mr Opunabo Inko-Tariah, says the Rivers chief executive is focused and determined to deliver on his election promises.
Inko-Tariah told newsmen in Port Harcourt last Wednesday that Wike in his first 30 days in office had shown the people of the state that he was determined to deliver the dividends of democracy.
He said the governor had paid the outstanding salaries owed workers, players and officials of Sharks FC, Dolphins FC and Rivers Angels FC as well as allowances of pensioners.
The aide also said the N30billion loan taken by the state government would be used to develop critical infrastructure like roads, bridges and hospitals.
“The governor swung into action and signed an agreement with Julius Berger Construction Company to repair and rehabilitate roads in the state. So far, the governor has performed so well.
“ He started with Operation Zero Pot Hole Programme and the company has been directed to ensure that there are no pot holes in Rivers.” These are projects that will impact positively on the lives of Rivers people.
The governor has visited some of the projects and directed that the contractors be mobilised. Very soon, the projects will be completed,’’ he said.
Inko-Tariah said the loan obtained would also be used to rehabilitate the state House of Assembly complex and the judiciary complex which were closed down for more than one year.
He said the governor also acted on resolutions taken by the assembly to dissolve commissions and reconstitute new ones.
Inko-Tariah said the administration would not witch-hunt anyone or group but was poised to develop the state.
He urged the people to support the state government, saying that some critics of the governor were not engaging in constructive criticisms.
“We enjoin Rivers people to give Governor Wike all the necessary support because if we distract him and there are problems, we will all suffer.
“ If he is not distracted, we will all enjoy the dividends of democracy,’’ he said.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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

1 week 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.