Niger Delta

Bayelsa Poll: 14 Parties Laud INEC

Published

10 years ago

December 16, 2015

Fourteen political parties
in Bayelsa State have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for cancelling the governorship election in the state in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. The 14 parties were among the 20 political parties that contested the election.
Election in the local government area which was first shifted from Saturday to Sunday due to alleged violence and ballot box-snatching, was cancelled on Sunday by INEC as the violence, ballot box snatching and other irregularities persisted.
Speaking on behalf of the political parties at a news conference in Yenagoa recently, Mr Prince Elemah of Independent Democrats (ID) said that INEC did well by cancelling the poll in the area.
“INEC has done well by cancelling the election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area; we commend the commission for ensuring that the state governorship poll was peaceful.
“The election that was declared inconclusive was orderly in Sagbama, Ekeremor, Ogbia, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Yenagoa and Nembe Local Government Areas, and was relatively peaceful, fair and credible.
“Initial skirmishes reported in Nembe and Ekeremor Local Government Areas were brought under control after the intervention of security agencies and the exercise was conducted freely and fairly.
“The monumental fraud, rigging, outright stealing of electoral materials and open attempt to overrun the INEC officers by thugs and agents of a particular political party were highly recorded in Southern Ijaw,’’ Elemah said.
He alleged that some National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members were held hostage in some part of the local government area and forced to make entry in favour of a particular party.
“Having collated the reports from our unit agents, NGOs, INEC officers, local and international observers and various security agencies, we have resolved to strongly condemn the use of thugs to intimidate INEC officers.
“We totally condemn in strong terms, the electoral fraud that characterised the exercise in Southern-Ijaw Local Government Area, where INEC officials were held hostage and materials hijacked,’’ 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.