Niger Delta

Ayade Assures Of 24-Hr Power Supply In Calabar

Published

9 years ago

April 20, 2016

Governor Ben Ayade of
Cross River State has disclosed his administration’s plan to ensure a 24-hour power supply in most parts of the state starting with Calabar, the state capital.
The governor stated this while receiving the management team of Skipperseil of United Arab Emirate (UAE) who arrived the state to commence construction of a 100 megawatt solar farm.
The governor had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dubai-based energy firm for the construction of the solar farm.
Ayade identified embedded power generation as key to achieving the target, adding, “it is the only way the state government can control what it generates in order to provide the electricity needs of the big factories that are coming into the state.
“Given the challenges that we have in the country with power generation on the decline, it is imperative that we cannot afford to bring the big factories into this state while waiting on the national solution,” the Governor enthused.
“So, with this robust project of generating an additional 100 megawatts and putting into the national grid, we have no control on how the national grid will distribute the 100 megawatts and that is why we are looking at an embedded generation system where within the shortest possible time, we will deploy a minimum of 38 megawatts to Calabar as a city. That way, we are guaranteeing a 24 hour-power supply within the shortest possible time.”
Earlier, the Group President, Skipper T&D, a division of SkipperSeil group, Jitender Sachdeva said the project was based on the MoU signed between the state and his firm during the governor’s recent visit to Dubai.
Jitendei, who was accompanied by the joint President and CFO, SkipperSeil limited, Praveen Gupta, disclosed that an advance team from the firm has already conducted studies in Ogoja, Ikom and other areas.
“Our main aim is to support His Excellency in his endeavor to light the whole of Cross River State in the shortest possible time.
“All said and done, we should be providing approximately 40 megawatts in the next 365 days. 40 megawatts is a permanent solution, the temporary solution like the diesel fired or gas fired will be 38 megawatts which will give a standing support in the current situation where there is no power to support all the industries, ” he added.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

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.