Niger Delta

2, 000 Tipper Drivers Embark On Strike

Published

10 years ago

February 15, 2016

No fewer than 2, 000 tipper
drivers across the 18 local government areas of Cross River, have embarked on indefinite strike over what they termed ‘multiple levies’ introduced by the state government.
The drivers complain that they pay not less than N5, 700 for every trip of sand they deliver to customers.
Vice Chairman, Calabar Municipal Tippers Drivers’ Association, Mr Daniel Obong, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said that the multiple levies were having adverse effect on their operations.
He said that aside from the levies, they were also compelled to pay N54, 000 per annum as registration levy to the Cross River Transport Regulatory Agency.
He added that they were also mandated to pay N18, 000 to the Ministry of Works, among other multiple permits.
Obong said the strike would linger for a long time as their pleas to the state Ministry of Transportation and its subsidiaries had not yielded result.
He said that their pleas to the government to streamline the levies to a reasonable level had failed, adding that the association might resort to seeking legal action if all efforts failed.
“We are tired of paying so many levies daily. Over 2,000 of us are embarking on strike because we cannot continue this way again.
“We have engaged the government in various discussions and we cannot continue to pay again because after each payment we hardly have anything to take home, let alone repair our tippers.
“A trip of sand is N23, 000 and we pay not less that N5, 700 as levy. This levy is entirely different from others that we pay annually.
“The government should come to our aid; the tax is heavy on us. If they refuse to listen to us, we will approach the court’’, he said.
He said that maintaining their tippers was a challenge to them due to the bad state of roads in the state.
When contacted, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Saviour Nyong, said that a task force had been set up to harmonise the various levies.
“The ministry of Transport is trying to harmonise the levies. We have constituted a task force headed by me to harmonise the levies.
“We have held two meetings and we will soon round up with the discussions and come up with a position,” he said.
Nyong said that the Ministry would seek for downward review of the levies.

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.