Niger Delta

Bayelsa Tasks Clerics On Moral Roles

Published

4 years ago

May 21, 2021

The Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has expressed worry over the inability of most churches and their leaders to speak truth in the face of increasing corruption and immorality in society.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo voiced this concern while addressing participants of the 145th National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting of Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria at St Mathias Parish, Amarata in Yenagoa.
The Deputy Governor said the silence of the present day church was contributing to the rise in crime rates, leadership failure, erosion of ethical and moral values as well as underdevelopment in the country.
He said, to address the rising level of moral decadence and poor performance in both public and corporate governance, the church must live up to societal expectation of speaking and upholding the truth at all times.
To this end, the Deputy Governor charged the clergy not to be swayed by material gains to the detriment of society by turning deaf ears and blind eyes to poor leadership, crime and criminality in the country.
He also challenged clerics to be courageous enough to hold those in authority to account like Prophets Nathan, Isaiah and Jeremiah did in biblical times to address the societal ills of their generations.
Speaking further, Senator Ewhrudjakpo stressed the need for churches to show more interest in building the future of the young ones by inculcating sound moral and spiritual values that will guide them through life.
“We believe that the Church and Society must work together to promote morality, otherwise we will have issues. When the morality of the Church is below biblical standards, then there is a problem. As it is today, the morality of the Church and Society has fallen below standard”, he said.
“We expect that both the Church and society should speak truth to power. It’s the duty of the Church to speak at all times. Because, if we all remain quiet and fail to speak the truth, society will suffer. And when society is affected, we will all suffer the brunt. As we are celebrating the Laity Day in Bayelsa State, I want to use this opportunity to charge the Church to rise up to its responsibility. The Church is becoming too unnecessarily silent like a grave”, he added.

By: AriweraIbibo-Howells, Yenagoa

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.