Niger Delta

Sylva’s Tenure Extension Shocks Bayelsans

Published

15 years ago

February 28, 2011

Shock, tensions, anxiety, and annoyance were the expressions of those who felt that the judgement of an Abuja High Court which extended the tenure of Chief Timipre Sylva as governor of Bayelsa State was wrong.

However, it was all joy for supporters of government when the news broke out on Wednesday, even as there was calm in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and its surrounding communities.

The court decision did not attract jubilation by the people on the streets of the state capital, Yenagoa, but security was stepped up in the state.

Eventhough there was no open jubilation in the streets, The Tide reliably gathered that close aides and supporters of Governor Sylva were celebrating the court verdict on tenure elongation .In a reaction ,Governor Timipre Sylva ,who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Doifie Ola, said his victory at the court affirmed that his tenure expires in 2012 and was a victory for the state, democracy and the Rule of Law.

He said: “The extension will give the administration more time to deepen development and democracy in the state.”

In a statement in Yenagoa, the state Commissioner for Information ,Strategy and Orientation, Nathan Egba, said the ruling was a victory for the Rule of Law and democratic culture.

“Chief Sylva did not go to court out of a desire to perpetuate his stay in office, but to ensure that he gets justice ,in view of the annulment of the 2007 election and his subsequent exit from office until 2008,”Egba noted.

“Government however, assures the people of Bayelsa State that the pace of development will continue that our people will see the justification in voting for Chief Timipre Sylva as their Governor,” he said.

In an interview, Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the state, Ene Ketebu, said Sylva’s victory was a deserved one ,noting that it would enable him to consolidate on the development of the state.

The National Youth Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN) ,Miriki Ebikibina noted that the court ruling on Sylva’s tenure extension was a great challenge and poser to evaluate the intellectual content and readiness of Bayelsans ,stakeholders and political parties and the gubernatorial candidates in the April polls.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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

1 week 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.