Niger Delta

Guber Poll: No Zoning In Bayelsa, APC Lawmaker Insists

Published

6 years ago

August 9, 2019

The All Progressives Congress Minority Leader in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon Wilson Dauyegha, has said that Bayelsa does not recognise zoning system, assuring his party members of victory in the forthcoming governorship election.
Dauyegha, who represents Ekeremor State Constituency II, told newsmen, yesterday in Port Harcourt that come November 16, APC would take over Bayelsa Government House in an expected credible electoral process.
According to him, the state since inception had never recognised zoning system in their choice of a governor.
“There is no zoning in Bayelsa. Remember when former President Goodluck Johnathan was the governor of Bayelsa, he was from Ogbia, and then, people were saying that he would be succeeded by somebody from a different senatorial district.
“But that was not the case as the next three governors that led Bayelsa after Jonathan were all from the same senatorial district.
“So, here in Bayelsa, we don’t recognise zoning system, our governor can come from any part of the state and by my personal understanding, the three senatorial districts in Bayelsa have all produced a governor, no part of the state is being marginalised in that regard,” he said.
Dauyegha, who is also the chairman, House Committee on NDDC in the state’s Assembly, said that Bayelsans were actually tired of the ruling party.
He added that the people yearned for change as they are equally deserving of the next level agenda of the Federal Government.
“If we followed closely events in the last election, in the House of Representatives, out of five seats for Bayelsa, APC won two seats and in the Senate, we were able to win one seat of three.
“In fact, Bayelsa APC is waiting to conclude its primary election and whoever emerges winner shall enjoy the total support from the party.
“I can’t predict any candidate for now until we conduct our party primaries,” he said.
Dauyegha, however, said that so far, two deserving APC stalwarts had purchased the Expression of Interest Forms for the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
“So far, a young woman who was a former police commissioner and Sen. Heineken Lopkobiri have bought forms, I’m sure more persons may also buy in no distant time.
“As for our primaries, it is going to be very transparent and at the end of it, whoever wins shall enjoy full support from Bayelsa APC,” he said.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

6 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

6 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

6 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.