Niger Delta

NIPR Boss Lists Factors For Encouraging Female Politicians

Published

15 years ago

December 31, 2010

The Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State chapter, Barrister Karibi George has Identified education, advocacy and media sensitisation as key strategies to sustain and secure women’s participation in politics in Nigeria.

Barrister George stated this recently while presenting a paper on strategies for women participation in politics at a workshop organized by the Rivers State Gender/Advocacy Project in Port Harcourt.

The NIPR boss argued that “where education, advocacy and media sensitisation fail, people could resort to legislation in order to secure sustainability”.

Though he would not suggest that women should be appointed or elected into offices that they are not qualified for, he advocated for the lifting of cultural and institutional prejudices against women so that the society would benefit from what they could offer”.

The chairman, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Mrs. Florence Fiberesima identified financial constraint, education and negative cultural attitudes as some of the factors militating against women participation in politics and governance.

She picked holes in the discrimination against women in political and public life.

According to her, nine out of the 109 Senators are women, while 26 out of the 360 House of Representatives members re women, adding that in the 990 seats in the various state House of Assembly there are only 53 women.

She said the figure is a far cry from what it should be if women are allowed to participate in politics and governance”, she noted.

On the way forward, Mrs. Fiberesima, who was represented by Barrister Adata Briggs, Programme Officer, FIDA said government at all levels must exercise the political will to create a enabling environment for gender equality through concrete policies, programmes and resources.

Earlier in his address, the Director, Gender/Advocacy Project, Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Mr. Rufus Direh said the workshop was designed to boost the current national call b Nigeria’s first Lady, Deme Patience Jonathan for political and economic emancipation of women.

Direh however stressed the need for gender equality in politics for women to enable them be effectively instrument in national building.

Sogbeba Dokubo

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.