Niger Delta

Oil Exploration: Bayelsa Restates Commitment To Peace, Harmony

Published

5 years ago

September 2, 2020

The Bayelsa State Government has reiterated its commitment to a peaceful atmosphere for oil and gas exploration and urged community leaders to foster peace and harmony.
Commisioner for Mineral Resources, Dr Ebiene Jones made the call at the inauguration of the 25 member Dodo River Community Rural Development Association in Yenagoa,the state capital.
The Dodo River Communities Rural Development Association in Ekeremor Local Government Area in Bayelsa State are host communities of Chevron Nigeria Limited which funds development projects in the area under the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU).
The communities includes Amatu 1, Amatu 2, Bilabiri 1, Bilabiri 2, and Bisangbene.
Jones noted that the Governor Douye Diri-led administration placed premium on peace as a precondition for fulfilling its prosperity agenda for the people of the oil-rich state.
“The administration of Governor Douye Diri is very keen on maintaining peace for economic activities to thrive and it is a prerequisite for the realisation of its prosperity agenda and without peace there cannot be progress and prosperity.
“So the government sees peace as a fundamental basis for everything we do and the governor is very careful and passionate in providing a peaceful environment for businesses to thrive and attract more investment to the state,” he said.
He advised the new leadership to justify the confidence reposed on them by their communities by running a transparent and accountable administration and ensure judicious application of development funds at its disposal.
In his speech shortly after inauguration, Chairman of Dodo River Communities Rural Development Association , Mr Francis Amamogiran noted that the GMoU model adopted by Chevron placed the communities at the driver’s seat in the development process.
“So far the GMoU is the only process that has provided answer to development, transparency, accountability and lasting peace in the Niger Delta. I commend Chevron for the landmark history it has made in the Niger Delta with the introduction of the noble idea of the GMoU.
“What is more remarkable is the commitment of officials of Chevron to the implementation of the terms of the GMoU to the letter.
We applaud the leadership provided by the Public Government and Public Affairs team at Chevron in fostering the development of our area”, Francis said.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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

1 week 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.