Niger Delta

Ex-Gov Urges FG To Revise Population Policy

Published

6 years ago

March 19, 2020

A former governor of Edo State, Prof. Oserhiemen Osunbor, has called on the Federal Government to revise the National Population Policy to address Nigeria’s rapidly increasing population that is projected to be 200 million.
Osunbor made the call at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) Founder’s Day Lecture and conferment of Honorary Institute Fellowship as a guest lecturer in Abuja.
“Nigeria’s increasing population is a ticking time bomb. There is urgent need to address the threat posed by massive population in order to achieve good governance.
“The nation’s population is undermining government’s achievements especially with regard to public safety and security.
“Good governance imposes responsibilities on government to provide for its population. Government should begin to see the issue of population explosion as an existential threat to development and progress,” he said.
Earlier while delivering a lecture titled: “Nigeria in quest for good governance, law and beyond law”, he defined good governance according to google, as those processes and institutions which produce results that meet the need of society while making the best use of resources at its disposal.
He said in achieving good governance , the legislature must keep certain elements in mind in their law making and functions.
The elements are popular participation, consensus orientation, accountability, transparency, responsiveness, equity, efficiency and anti corruption orientation which must be internalised by all segments of the society.
Osunbor, who was a Senator from 1999 to 2007, said:”there is a need to look beyond law in order to achieve better and sustained results, it is our belief that International standards along with other non-legal initiatives should be involved to complement and strengthen the institutions that support good governance.
“ There is no magic wand or silver bullet to overcome the impediments to the realisation of good governance in Nigeria.
“ All hands must be on deck and we must continue to work at it and play our respective parts to have and enjoy good governance now and into the future, “ he said.
Earlier, the Director-General, NIALS, Prof. Muhammad Ladan welcomed the guests to the ceremony saying the event was is in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the NIALS.

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.