Connect with us

Niger Delta

Group Flays Political Violence In A’ Ibom

Published

on

The Neighbour 2 Neighbour, Nigeria for the Goodluck/Sambo ticket in the South-South geo-political zone of the country, has condemned in strong terms the recent political violence in some states of the federation, particularly in Akwa Ibom State which resulted in the destruction of lives and property.

The group which made the condemnation while briefing newsmen shortly after its South-South Zonal meeting in Port Harcourt on Monday said the incident was a calculated attempt to truncate the good works of Neighbour 2 Neighbour across the South-South Zone in its bid to return President Goodluck Jonathan to office come May 29, 2011.

The meeting which was facilitated by the Rivers State Co-ordinator of the association, Barrister Daddy West was attended by all the six state co-ordinators, co-ordinators in the various local government areas, wards and polling units as well as field officers and faith co-ordinators.

Addressing newsmen on behalf of the group, the South-South Zonal co-ordinator of Neighbour 2 Neighbour, Nigeria, Barrister Ebikeme Bosin disclosed that members of the organisation were also victims of the political mayhem in Akwa Ibom State.

“We, therefore, sincerely condemn in its entirety every act of violence that has been carried out against any member of any group, whether it is Neighbour 2 Neighbour group or not,” he said.

While condoling families of victims of the political violence in Akwa Ibom State, the zonal co-ordinator noted with candour that members of the group had resolved that votes of Nigerians must count this time around, and urged all Nigerians to work hand to protect their votes in order to prevent the rigging of the forthcoming elections.

According to him, members of the opposition in the South-South geo-political zone were working secretly to cause a political upset in the zone to embarrass President Janothan.

Bosin, however, assured that the group was working hard to nip such plans in the bud, as it was mobilizing the people of the zone particularly at the grassroots to ensure that 90 per cent of eligible voters in the region vote for the Goodluck/Sambo Presidential ticket, stressing that members of the outfit were working hard to deliver victory to President Jonathan at the polls.

“The South-South is the home of the President. Neighbour 2 Neighbour is up to the task in the South-South. We are very ready,” he declared, pointing out that members of the organization were reaching out to all the nooks and crannies of the South-South for the singular purpose of securing 90 per cent votes for the Goodluck/Sambo ticket.

While urging members to intensify their efforts of achieving this goal, the South-South Zonal Co-ordinator noted that Neighbour to Neighbour volunteers were equally working assiduously for the electorate to turn out enmasse on election day to vote for President Jonathan.

Bosin noted with satisfaction that the Jonathan administration had within the past few months recorded tremendous improvement in several sectors of the nation’s economy including the education, power and energy sectors among others, and expressed optimism that the president’s transformation programmes were capable of improving the lives of Nigerians if re-elected.

The zonal co-ordinator further hinted that Neighbour 2 Neighbour was equally convinced that none of the presidential candidates eyeing the presidency in the present dispensation could beat the credentials of President Jonathan.

“We are very convinced that there is no other candidate that can beat the credentials of President Jonathan whom we are selling and offering to Nigerians. Mr. President is ready to improve the lives of the citizenry of this country in all areas by the time he comes on board come May 29, 2011,” Bosin said.

Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

on

The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin metropolis.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Tide’s source.
Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.
According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.
He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.
He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.
“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both of members and innocent citizens”, he said.
Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court, and remanded in custodian center, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.
The command’s spokesperson assured residents of Edo of continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

Published

on

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transportation users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.
The Minister said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps in the country.
Oyetola explained the critical role water transportation had played in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.
He described the life jackets, which were long overdue, as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.
“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe”, Oyetola said.
The Tide’s source reports that similar life jackets were distributed in Minna, Niger State on April 29.
The programme is part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.
The minister said Bayelsa was a priority in the campaign and commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.
Oyetola applauded Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.
He described the seaport as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.
“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, create jobs, boost investments, and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.
Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety could not be compromised.
“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection. Safety is everyone’s responsibility”, Oyetola said.
Speaking earlier, Diri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.
Diri also praised Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.
“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps”, Diri said.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

Published

on

The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the essential drugs programme law 2002 and passed the state’s Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency bill, 2025 into law.
The bill, which was sponsored by the member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, Mr. Hillary Bisong, was first read at plenary on September 12, 2024.
It was later referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security after the second reading.
Speaking on the bill, Bisong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced  the Essential Drug Programme globally in 198, noting that in 2002, the programme was passaged in Cross River State.
He, however, said while  several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.
“The law was transited from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, thereby expanding its scope of operation to meet the present day healthcare delivery realities.
‘’The proposed agency will take charge of enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution and overseeing circulation of drugs and health commodities across the state,’’ he explained.
In separate contributions, the lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, maintaining that the proposed agency would enhance the performance of the existing health insurance scheme as well as create employment opportunities.
Expressing happiness over the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said the 10th Assembly would continue to enhance good governance through people-oriented legislation.
Continue Reading

Trending