Niger Delta

CRSG Signs N1.7bn Housing Dev Agreement

Published

15 years ago

October 22, 2010

The Cross River State Government has signed a tripartite agreement to construct 610 housing units at the Akpabuyo Civil and Public Housing Estate at N1.7 billion.

The agreement was signed in conjunction with Aso Savings and Loan PLC and Aso Investment and Development Company (AIPC).

Speaking shortly after a signing ceremony in Calabar, Governor Liyel Imoke said that the exercise marked “the process of rewriting value for service delivery through the provision of affordable houses to civil servants. ”

He said the agreement was also consummated to appreciate the work of civil servants as the engine room of service.

“The initiative will ensure that a sustainable way of providing affordable houses to them, the dream of my administration is realised.”

Imoke, who expressed delight with the realisation of the project, restated his commitment to ensure that standard would not be compromised during construction.

He said that since the inception of his administration, the focus had been on initiating projects and programmes that would enhance the socio-economic status of residents of Cross River.

He said that the project, which would impact significantly on the people, would add great value to the beneficiaries.

Imoke also assured the partners of his readiness to support them by ensuring that contractors handling projects completes on time.

He also thanked the stakeholders in the housing estate for their unrelenting efforts toward the success of the project.

He said the project was dear to the State Government and promised to partner with Aso in other development projects in the state, especially the Calabar Central Market.

In his remark, the Managing Director, Aso Savings and Loans Plc, Mr. Hassan Usman expressed the company’s determination to ensure the realisation of the 610 civil servants housing units.

He assured that the project would be delivered within the stipulated period.

Usman said he was encouraged by the personal commitment of Imoke toward the actualisation of the project.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Mortgage Finance, Mrs. Rosemary Achonwa, said that government was pleased to partner with the developer.

She said the developers were expected to implement the housing arm of the project after spending huge sum on infrastructure.

The Chief Executive Officer of Aso Investment and Development Company, Mr. Martins Akumazi, assured that the company would mobilise best hands to realise standard houses.

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.