Niger Delta

Corps Member Donates Allowance To COVID-19 Fight In C’ River

Published

5 years ago

April 8, 2020

A corps member serving in Cross River State, Mr Hodo Bassey, has donated his monthly stipend of N33,000 to the Cross River Government to help in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
Bassey, who spoke in an interview with newsmen in Calabar, said the donation was to assist the state government in buying sanitizers and buckets for residents.
Bassey, a graduate of Tourism and Hospitality Management from Cross River University of Technology, said the donation would also help the state to maintain its present COVID-19 free status.
He said that as a graduate of Tourism, he had to donate the stipend to support the government in harnessing the tourism potentials of the state.
He said that Cross River was known for its tourism potentials across the globe, hence the need to preserve the status.
According to him, if the fight against the pandemic is won, the state would continue to explore other areas of potentials by attracting investors and tourists.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is slowing down the tourism drive in the state.
The pandemic has affected the economy and tourism drive of many nations and we must come together to fight the scourge.
“I had to donate my March stipend of N33,000 to the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
“I saw it as a needful gesture because we were taught at the orientation camp about Community Development Service which gives us avenue to contribute our quota to the development of our host communities.
“I saw that the fight was a global one and we all had to contribute our little to contain it. I thought it wise to support the state government with my little stipend to buy sanitizers and hand washing buckets to share to local communities.
“If I would have money during the course of my service, I would also like to go into the local communities, look at students who cannot afford their fees and sponsor their secondary education.
Receiving the donation, the state Commissioner for Health and Head of COVID-19 Taskforce in the state, Dr Betta Edu, commended Bassey for his kind gesture towards the fight against the pandemic.
Edu, who said that the donation from the corps members was very inspiring, thanked all those who had contributed in cash and essential items to the task force team in the state.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

5 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

5 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

5 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.