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Niger Delta

…Urges Support For Jonathan

Published

15 years ago

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The success of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s Presidency is a collective responsibility particularly for us, the people of the Niger Delta the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has declared.

 Addressing an enlarged meeting of the Executive of the Delta State Elders Council in Warri at the weekend, the governor said that the success or failure of Jonathan’s Presidency will not be attributed to the President alone.

 According to him, as indigenes of the Niger Delta region, states of the South-South geo-political zone have a moral responsibility to support the administration of President Jonathan.

 “It is our collective responsibility, not one person’s responsibility, but our collective responsibility as a people of the Niger Delta to give him (President) the maximum support”, he stated.

 “And let me appeal that no person or group of persons should try to build a wall around the Presidency and from that wall, start dispatching stories that are not true as well as blackmailing people. If you push everybody away, it may not be to our benefit because the Presidency cannot succeed in isolation,” he added.

 Governor Uduaghan affirmed that the state administration has enjoyed cordial relations with President Jonathan stressing that this dated back to when he was the Vice President of the country.

 Besides, he stated that contrary to the impressions being created by some persons, the State through the active participation of himself and National Assembly members from the State, were involved in the emergence of the then vice President as acting President and President, adding that he remained unruffled by the actions of those painting negative pictures about how the President emerged.

 Said he: “I have refused to be pushed away, Mr. President needs the Governor of Delta State and the Governor of Delta State needs Mr. President … I have easy access to Mr. President because Mr. President recognises that I am the Governor of a critical State in Nigeria”.

 The Governor therefore cautioned Deltans against bringing the State and the Niger Delta region to disrepute in the eyes of other Nigerians, advising that all those who truly love Mr. President should collectively work for the success of Mr. President as well as the betterment of the region.

 On the 2010 Governorship elections, Dr. Uduaghan commended those that have indicated interest saying that everyone has the right to aspire to contest for any office.

 However, he warned that such right must be exercised within the ambit of the law in a manner that will not cause violence or breach of the peace in the State as the Government will not hesitate to deal with people that foment trouble in accordance with provisions of the law.

 Earlier, the chairman of the Delta Elders Council, Chief Gabriel N. Sefia said that the Council was committed to ensuring that the Governor was re-elected for a second tenure come 2010.

 Dignitaries and prominent politicians from the three senatorial districts of the State including formerDeputy Governor of the State, Evang. Simeon Ebonka; Senator Fred Brume ; Prof. Sam Oyonvbaire ; Dr Pius Sinebe ; Senator Francis Nwajei ; Prof B.I.C. Ijeoma; Prof Abednego Ekoko; Senator Stella Omu, attended the meeting.

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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2 weeks ago

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May 12, 2025

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The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin metropolis.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Tide’s source.
Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.
According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.
He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.
He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.
“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both of members and innocent citizens”, he said.
Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court, and remanded in custodian center, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.
The command’s spokesperson assured residents of Edo of continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.
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Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

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2 weeks ago

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May 12, 2025

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The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transportation users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.
The Minister said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps in the country.
Oyetola explained the critical role water transportation had played in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.
He described the life jackets, which were long overdue, as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.
“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe”, Oyetola said.
The Tide’s source reports that similar life jackets were distributed in Minna, Niger State on April 29.
The programme is part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.
The minister said Bayelsa was a priority in the campaign and commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.
Oyetola applauded Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.
He described the seaport as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.
“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, create jobs, boost investments, and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.
Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety could not be compromised.
“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection. Safety is everyone’s responsibility”, Oyetola said.
Speaking earlier, Diri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.
Diri also praised Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.
“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps”, Diri said.
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Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

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2 weeks ago

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May 12, 2025

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The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the essential drugs programme law 2002 and passed the state’s Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency bill, 2025 into law.
The bill, which was sponsored by the member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, Mr. Hillary Bisong, was first read at plenary on September 12, 2024.
It was later referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security after the second reading.
Speaking on the bill, Bisong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced  the Essential Drug Programme globally in 198, noting that in 2002, the programme was passaged in Cross River State.
He, however, said while  several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.
“The law was transited from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, thereby expanding its scope of operation to meet the present day healthcare delivery realities.
‘’The proposed agency will take charge of enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution and overseeing circulation of drugs and health commodities across the state,’’ he explained.
In separate contributions, the lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, maintaining that the proposed agency would enhance the performance of the existing health insurance scheme as well as create employment opportunities.
Expressing happiness over the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said the 10th Assembly would continue to enhance good governance through people-oriented legislation.
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