Niger Delta

UNICAL To Assist Varisty Establish Academic Units

Published

8 years ago

October 9, 2017

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu has promised to assist the management of the first private University in Cross River State, Arthur Jarvis University in the establishment of various academic units.
Prof. Akpagu who made the promise in his office during a courtesy call on him by the Vice-Chancellor of Arthur Jarvis University, Prof. Julian Osuji said plans are in top gear to assist the private university in the setting up of faculties and departments.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed joy that at long last, Cross River State has joined the league of states with private universities, adding that it would contribute in no small measure in the development of human resources and help in expanding the frontiers of teaching and learning.
Prof. Akpagu said UNICAL had been mandated by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to mentor and midwife academic activities in Arthur Jarvis University, stressing that it would not renege on that mandate but strive hard to place the institution on a higher pedestal in order to achieve academic excellence.
In his words: “I am happy that finally we now have a private university and I pray God to give you the resources to grow fast. Our doors are open to you formally and informally and I know we would have a great relationship.”
Continuing, he stressed: “We congratulate you for establishing the university which we believe will have great impact in our state and country. We got a letter from the National Universities Commission (NUC) intimating us of our role to midwife your institution and we will do so by synergising with you to establish departments and faculties.”
Earlier in his remarks, Vice- Chancellor of Arthur Jarvis University, Prof. Julian Osuji described UNICAL as a ‘senior university’, stating that the resourcefulness of UNICAL had given them the impetus to grow higher.
This came as he lauded Prof. Akpagu for taking up the onerous task of assisting the institution in the attainment of academic excellence.
Prof. Osuji said: “We have been looking for opportunity to have audience with UNICAL. We got our license which is to be midwife by UNICAL. UNICAL is one of the pillars that have been sustaining Arthur Jarvis University that is why I call it a senior university. Its resourcefulness has also given us the impetus to grow higher.”

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

4 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

4 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

4 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.