Niger Delta

Delta: Non-Payment Of N252m Counterpart Fund Stalls Projects

Published

14 years ago

September 28, 2011

The non-payment of the N252 million counterpart fund by Delta Government is denying many communities the benefits of programmes initiated by the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP).

Mr Dominic Agada, NAPEP Secretary in the state, told newsmen in Asaba that the outstanding contribution by the state had accrued since 2008.

He said the Federal Government had long contributed its share of 50 per cent for the period, expressing regrets that the funds could only be accessed when Delta paid up.

Agada said the state government had refused to pay its contribution in spite of several letters to it on the issue, adding that efforts by NAPEP officials to meet with Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan failed.

He also said the state’s delay in releasing the fund was hampering the progress of NAPEP’s two major community projects in the state.

The two projects, he said, were the Village Solutions Programme and Care of the People Programme for which the federal government had released N72 million.

He appealed to the state government to pay its contribution to the scheme, adding that other states in the Niger Delta had been benefitting from NAPEP’s projects.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Ovuozourie Macaulay, whose office handles such initiatives was not available for comments on the issue.

An official in his office, however, confirmed that no payment had been made by the state to the scheme.

The official, who pleaded anonymity, said memos were already being written on the various outstanding counterpart funds owed by the state.

“ The problem affects all federal government programmes which involve counterpart contribution,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 100 women in Delta State have began free eye surgery for various optical ailments.

The bill for the treatment, according sources would be paid by Master Care Foundation, an NGO founded by the wife of the state governor, Mrs Roli Uduaghan,

The surgery would be carried out on the women at the General Hospital, Ibusa, by a medical team assembled by the NGO.

The NGO, in a statement issued in Asaba, said women with other ailments would be given free treatment during the period.

It said that the free health progamme was being organised as part of activities to mark Uduaghan’s 50th birthday anniversary, adding that the exercise would run till Friday.

The 100 women, it said, were selected from the 25 local government areas of the state, adding that drugs and glasses would also be given to them free.

Women with eye challenges, it said, were to avail themselves of the opportunity.

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.