Niger Delta

Sylva Warns On Abuse Of Naira

Published

14 years ago

September 19, 2011

Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, has pleaded with Bayelsans to halt the apparent abuse of the naira either by spraying or dancing on it during social functions.

Governor Sylva gave the charge when the CBN’s Enforcement Committees on the Abuse of the Naira and Agricultural Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme led by Dr Joshua Umuya called on him in Government House, Yenagoa last Wednesday

.Represented by his deputy, Chief Werinipre Seibarugu, Governor Sylva condemned the abuse of the country’s currency in any form, noting that it was a crime going by the CBN Act of 2007.

He commended the management of the nation’s apex bank for its efforts to revive the provisions of the Act and assured the committee that the people of Bayelsa State would be encouraged to abide by it.

Governor Sylva called on the CBN to liaise with commercial banks to educate the people in the rural areas, adding that it was not only spraying and dancing on the naira that constitute its abuse but also allowing it to get wet and rumpled.

In respect of Agricultural Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme, the Governor called on the Committee to provide details on how to secure the loans, saying that it will promote self-employment and reduce the pressure on government and oil companies.

Earlier, the leader of the team, Dr Joshua Umuya, had said they were in the State to enlighten the people on the CBN Act of 2007 which defines the abuse of the naira as a criminal offence.

Dr Umuya said Section 21 of the Act stipulates an imprisonment of not less than six months and or a fine of not less than fifty thousand naira for people found guilty of abuse of the naira.

On the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme, Dr Umuya said it was set up by Decree 20 of 1997 with the purpose of guaranteeing loans of at most N10 million for small scale farmers.

He said Bayelsans have not taken full advantage of the scheme since inception, noting that out of 723,000 loans worth N46.7 billion given out nation-wide, Bayelsa accounts for only 1,200 loans worth N202 million.

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.