Niger Delta

Delta Govt Earmarks N1.6b for Completion Of ADB Water Scheme

Published

15 years ago

March 26, 2010

In its bid to complete the abandoned Africa Development Bank (ADB) water scheme in Warri, Delta State, the state government has earmarked N1.6 billion for the project in 2010.

Mr Fred Majemite, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Warri Water Project, gave the figure in an interview with newsmen.

Majemite said that the Delta Government was desirous of completing the project in record time, hence the provision of N1.6 billion in its 2010 budget.

He also said that the project, which was originally funded by the ADB, was inherited by the Delta Government after the creation of the state in 1991.

He further said that because of the importance of the scheme, the last administration of Chief James Ibori went back to site, but could not complete the project.

“This was after N56 billion was earmarked for the project, but only about N500 million was actually released, the commissioner said.

He also said that in 2009, N850 million was earmarked for the project, but that no money was release throughout that year for the project.

Majemite said that the Delta government in its desire to provide potable water for Warri and environs, would ensure the completion of the water scheme in 2010.

He said that already, work was at an advanced stage in the site, adding that the scheme was a semi-regional water scheme.

Majemite said that the need for the scheme could not be over-emphasised, as it would help in reducing water-borne diseases occasioned by water pollution from oil companies in the area.

“Our people do not have potable water, they source their water from bore-holes, and the water usually is untreated, which is dangerous because of the topography of the soil,’’ he said.

The commissioner also said that the Delta Government had gone into partnership with Chevron, a multi-national oil company, to provide water for eight communities around Warri..

He further said that the project, which was a pilot scheme, would be financed by the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), adding that a provision for N200 million had been made.

Majemite said that the project would involve the extraction and treatment of water from oil wells by the oil company, and the distribution of the water by the state government.

He also said that two local government areas, Warri North and Warri South-West and eight communities in the local governments would be the initial beneficiaries of the scheme.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

4 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

4 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

4 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.