Niger Delta

Buhari Woos Varsities For Fight Against Corruption

Published

10 years ago

March 18, 2016

President Muhammadu
Buhari has urged universities in Nigerian to support the Federal Government’s fight against corruption.
Buhari made the call at the 29th Convocation of the University of Calabar in Calabar.
Represented By Prof. Akanerem Essien, former Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo, Buhari said that the fight against corruption should not be a task of the government alone, but a collective responsibility.
He restated that his administration had zero tolerance for corruption, hence the need for universities to support the fight against it.
“As I continue the fight against corruption in the country, I want to call on universities in Nigeria to support the crusade.
“Universities are known for nurturing young vanguards; I want universities management to evolve the spirit of nurturing our young ones in the right track by shunning all forms of corruption.
“My administration will continue to support the growth of our tertiary institutions in the area of research and academic growth’’, he said.
Buhari said that the N500 billion allocated to the education sector in the 2016 budget would be effectively utilised to ensure optimal improvement in the country’s educational system.
He congratulated the graduands for the successful completion of their course works.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Calabar, Prof Zana Akpagu, said that 7,222 students would be awarded degrees and diplomas in the convocation which was for 2014/2015 session.
He said that 12 graduands out of the number bagged First Class degree, adding that they would be given automatic employment by the university management.
Apkagu said that the gesture was a reward for hard work and motivation for students of the institution to attain academic excellence.
“The University of Calabar in its 2014/2015 academic session graduated a total of 7,222. Out of this number, 4,868 will get first degrees, 952 with Masters degrees, and 1,402 with Diplomas’’, he said.
He announced the award of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Law (LLD) to Mr Donald Duke, a former governor of Cross River, and to Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa in Political Science (DPSC).
Apkagu explained that the university decided to honour Duke for transforming Cross River to a tourist state and hospitality haven, while Ita-Giwa was honoured for her struggle in rehabilitating the Bakassi displaced returnees.
In his speech, Pro-Chancellor of the university, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, advised the authorities to embark on large-scale farming that would engage the students in meaningful ventures after graduation.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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.