Niger Delta

Nigeria Has Become Laughing Stock – Owhor …Bemoans June 12 Recognition Without Adherence To Its Ideals

Published

6 years ago

June 19, 2019

The former Attorney-General of Rivers State and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Frank Owhor has said that Nigeria has become a laughing stock, following what is playing out in the polity now.
He said the celebration and recognition of June 12 without adhering to its ideals was a mere jamboree, aimed at satisfying personal interest.
Owhor, who made this known while speaking to Aviation correspondents at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, on his arrival from Abuja at the weekend, noted that the judiciary in Nigeria had been conquered by the executive.
“What happened at the inauguration of the National Assembly the other day where the Senate President Ahmed Lawan, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila were hand picked by the executive, was very unfortunate for Nigerians.
“The consequence of this is that it potends danger to Nigerians. President Buhari dictated for the National Assembly and for the nation, it is no more the representative of the people, and this has shown clearly that the National Assembly have been also conquered”, he said.
On the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day, Owhor said that such was a welcomed development, which the President had received commendation for, but expressed disappointment that the ideals of June 12 were not adhered to.
“ In June 12, every body in Nigeria desired a President with a vision, and they voted for MKO Abiola, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or any other sentiment, but that was unfortunately aborted by Ibrahim Babangida.
“June 12 means, inspite of my religion or ethnicity, I have a choice, it does not matter whether a Christian or Muslim.
“ Today, the man recognising June 12, is he carrying out such ideals?. He is overseeing a situation where the President is from the core north; the Senate president from the core north; the acting chief justice from the core north, the service chiefs and others from the core north, and this has never happened in the history of this country.

Corlins Walter

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

3 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

3 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

3 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.