Niger Delta

CRSG To Revive Declining Cocoa Production

Published

10 years ago

January 18, 2016

The Cross River State
Government says it will revive the declining cocoa production in the state as alternative source of revenue for sustainable development.
The Cross River Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Anthony Eneji, disclosed this in Calabar while inaugurating a 17-member Cocoa Allocation Committee.
Eneji expressed government’s concern about the steady decline in cocoa production which stemmed from the low yield from government-owned cocoa estates as a result of aged cocoa trees.
“To stop this decline, we need to take immediate steps that will ensure a sustainable future development of the cocoa industry in Cross River State, ‘’ he said.
According to him, government has a robust plan to increase agricultural production and processing, especially in cocoa.
He described cocoa as a major cash crop at the local and international markets and assured that the state would sustain and improve production by replanting and rehabilitating government-owned cocoa estates using the Small Holder Cocoa Allocation Scheme.
He charged the committee to conduct a credible and transparent allocation exercise that would facilitate the envisaged replanting and rehabilitation programme, stressing that was the only way government could achieve its set objective.
“The era of allocating plots to non-existing farmers or ghost names is over; It is now time for real business, not business as usual, ‘’ he said.
Eneji said that out of seven distinct cocoa estates with estimated 10,000 hectares created by the then Eastern Region Government, only four estates in Etung Local Government area were currently functioning.
According to him, this has brought the total holdings of the state to a little abovAAe 4,000 hectares.
He appealed for the cooperation of the landlord communities to enable the committee succeed, while assuring them that arrears owed them by previous administrations would be paid soon.

Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communciations, Dr Austin Tam-George (right), exchanging pleasantries with Engr Emechebe Jonas of Treasure FM and the Head of News, South-South Zone of the media outfit, during the Commissioner’s visit to the media house in Port Harcourt on Wednesday Photo: Egberi A.Sampson

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.