Niger Delta

Oshiomhole Hails Jega’s Appointment

Published

15 years ago

June 11, 2010

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has expressed delight over the appointment of Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Prof Attahiru Jega, as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a swift reaction, he said President Goodluck Jonathan “exercised very sound judgment, which needs to be commended”.

According to the Edo State Governor, Prof Jega, a rights activist and former president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is eminently qualified for the job because he has the “courage, independence and integrity necessary to lead INEC”.

Oshiomhole said that a major problem with the electoral body had been the absence of leadership with strong moral credentials and courage. “With Jega as chairman, I believe that INEC would be in safe hands and we can expect fundamental improvements in the conduct of elections”.

He recalled Jega’s contributions to the struggle for good governance and democracy as president of ASUU, noting that, “people like him are much better to nurture the democratic project”

In another development, the Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BENCCIMA) has called on Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo to set aside N1 billion as credit fund facility to boost small businesses.

Dr. Grey Agbonkina, the President of BENCCIMA, made the call on Wednesday at the inaugural meeting of the 2010 Edo Domestic Trade Fair Steering Committee.

He said the fund should be placed under a government-private sector partnership arrangement to generate credit for business to thrive in Edo.

Agbonkina suggested that the fund should be managed by designated banks.

He said that the trade fair, scheduled to hold in November 2010, was approved by the Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

According to the president, the aim of the fair is to showcase Edo indigenous technology, solid minerals and agricultural potential among other products available in rural areas in the state.

He also called on Oshiomhole to provide infrastructure at the permanent trade fair complex.

Responding on behalf of the members, the chairman, Pastor Ade Balogun, gave assurance that the trade fair would showcase the economic and cultural potential of the state.

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.