Niger Delta

Anti – Sylva Sentiments: SSG Fingers Office Seekers

Published

15 years ago

November 8, 2010

There seems to be a crack in the cabinet of Chief Timpre Sylva as Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government , Gideon Ekeuwei, last week in Yenagoa alleged that some political office seekers from the state masterminded the stoning and hooting of the Governor at the reception of President Goodluck Jonathan about three weeks ago.

Ekeuwei’s statement may signal the long awaited cabinet reshuffle, as some of the members who have lost favour in the eye of the chief tenant of Creek Haven are being accused of the acts.

His accusation seems to be official reaction of the state government coming soon after the state executive meeting.

Ekeuwei’s allegation that the sponsors of the urgly incident could not even pay the youths that were hired for the shameful act, has confirmed the insinuations that the money meant for them were hijacked and made away with a government functionary.

The Bayelsa State Chief Scribe made this known shortly after the State Executive Council meeting held in Yenagoa, saying that this group of persons felt they could pass through the back door which is undemocratic.

He described the stoning of Sylva as barbaric, criminal and unacceptable to the executive council.

“It is only when a person has not done well that he might be stoned. The administration of Governor Timipre Sylva has vision and dream. As far as we are concerned ,the government has not derailed. We want Sylva to continue in office in 2011 because he has done well”

Ekeuwei said Sylva’s administration has performed more than other governments in the state ,except that of Goodluck Jonathan which was very brief.

The SSG said the era of thuggery was over in the state and challenged the political aspirants to present their manifestoes to the people to garner their support during the election.

Ekeuewei stated that over 40 road projects embarked by government have been completed ,noting that the commissioned Ogbia regional water project would serve 15 communities in the locality ,while the Nembe water projects would also serve neighbouring communities in the area.

He said work on the three senatorial model secondary schools in the state were on-going ,adding that model school in Yenagoa would be commissioned in April next year.

The State House of Assembly on Wednesday in its plenary sitting also condemned the stoning and hooting of the Governor , whom they maintained had performed creditably.

The lawmakers passed a vote of confidence on Sylva considering his laudable achievements in construction of people-oriented projects in 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.