Niger Delta

Commissioner Tasks CSOs On Effective Advocacy

Published

9 years ago

January 27, 2017

The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah, has enjoined civil society groups to apply “one-on-one advocacy mechanism” in building credible mediation for development.
Ukah made the call when he met with the State Forum of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Asaba.
He said the NGOs could remedy the drawbacks of the conventional mass media advocacy which he said, was elitist, and technologically-based, using one-on-one advocacy to interface between government and the people.
“When you are considering media advocacy you are basically talking about television, radio and newspaper, you can estimate the segment of the society that you are targeting.
“But I think what we need more is the one-to-one advocacy.
“We do this by talking to people in town hall meetings, discussions with traditional rulers, youth groups, market women and others. That is what we need now,” the commissioner said.
According to him, lack of literacy among the huge populace living in the rural areas is a hindrance to their acquiring technological knowledge to explore such platforms.
He urged the NGOs to device the right mechanism in reaching out to people in the remote areas so as to effectively monitor and evaluate the impact of government policies and actions.
“The online media look elitist in the sense that you have to own and know how to operate cell phones and other devices that will enable you to access the Facebook, Youtube, WhatsApp and other online platforms.
“NGOs must reach the people in their natural habitat to create adequate awareness on what the current government has achieved since its inception,” Ukah said.
He, therefore, promised to liaise with the NGOs coalition and commended the forum for including security and peace building in its areas of focus.
The commissioner expressed confidence that positive results would be achieved when aggrieved parties embraced dialogue to resolve disputes.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Forum, Mr Okezi Odugala had said the visit was to create a synergy between the Forum and the state Ministry of Information as well as to seek support for media advocacy and campaign against unwholesome practices.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 days 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 days 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 days 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.