Niger Delta

Peace Beckons, As MOSOP Sets Up Transition Council

Published

6 years ago

January 6, 2020

An end to the leadership crisis rocking the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) may be in sight, following the setting up for of a Transition Council to pilot the affairs of the organization till 2021 before conducting a fresh election to usher in a new headship.
Outgoing MOSOP President, Legborsi Pyagbara disclosed this in his address during this year’s Ogoni Day celebration in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State last Saturday.
Pyagbara said the 10-man Transition Council will be chaired by Chief Deebari Gbaranor Keeper.
Meanwhile, two Ogoni’s who were hitherto laying claim to the MOSOP President while Pyagbara held sway, Bari-ara Kpalap and Barr. Naabulobari Nazigha-Lue are in the Transition Council as Secretary and Publicity Secretary respectively, signaling an end to the organization’s leadership tussle.
Speaking, Pyagbara said, “My brothers and sisters, seven years ago, we stood here and accepted to serve you. Like every other thing that has a beginning, this administration must also have an end.
“I wish to announce to you that this is my last Ogoni Day as MOSOP President and also the last day of my administration.”
He thanked the Supreme Council of the Ogoni Traditional Rulers and KAGOTE who he said stepped into the MOSOP internal problems and helped to resolve the crisis.
Pyagbara explained that, “In line with the MOSOP Steering Committee resolution of 3rd December 2018 which extended our mandate to December 2019 and the intervention of our sister organizations, the feuding parties agreed to the setting up of a MOSOP Transition Council that will be piloting the affairs of the organization in 2020.
“The Council will amongst others work to deepen reconciliation amongst all individuals and groups within the organization, embark on a review of the Constitution and conduct MOSOP elections to usher in a new leadership. The Council will handover to a newly elected executive on the 4th January 2021,” he stated.

By: Dennis Naku

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks 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 weeks 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 weeks 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.