Niger Delta

Groups Campaign For Sylva’s Second Tenure … AC Describes Actions As Waste Of Fund

Published

16 years ago

November 23, 2009

With 2011 gubernatorial election around the corner many groups which are competiting for favour, have started campaigning for Chief Timipre Sylva’s return ticket.
Among them are concerned Bayelsans for Chief Timipre Sylva led by his Special Adviser on security matters, Chief Richard Kpodor, the Great Ekeremor, and Sagbama group led by the former speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
But the Action congress (AC) in the state has described the actions as a waste of tax payers money.
According to a statement issued in Yenagoa, the party described the use of public funds by the state Government to sponsor various groups for the second tenure bid of the Governor as embrassing and insulting the sensibility of the people.
The statement signed by its secretary, Mr. Miriki Ebikibina said such a show of affluence coming at a time the state is witnessing “unprecedented and monumental” level of financial impropriety and recklessness which informed the high rate of indebtness and borrowing is unnecessary.
The party stated that with an imaginable level of increased poverty in state, and incessant protest of unpaid salaries of workers in the state, “it is not only sychophantic but the height of detail and the pursuit for greed and personal interest, that such show of shame should take place.
The party urged the state Governor and Sponsors of jamboree to stop wasting public funds because at the appropriate time Bayelsans would decide who governs and provide the critical needs being denied them by the PDP led government of the state.
Addressing a rally of support Chief Sylva for 2011 election at the state’s stadium Chief Richard Kpodor, the National co-ordinator of concerned Bayelsans for Sylva, said there is no rivalry in Creek Haven, seat of Bayelsa State Government.
He said Governor Sylva needs a second tenure to fulfil all the good things he envisaged for the state.
However, Governor Sylva thanked the group for their gesture and accepted to contest for the second term in office.
He said the occasion is significant in the fact that it shows that peace has finally returned to the state and thanked president Yar ‘Adua for this amnesty programmes.

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.