Niger Delta

Uneasy Calm In Bayelsa After PDP Primaries …As Dickson Emerges Flagbearer . Sylva Condemns Security Sitaution

Published

14 years ago

November 21, 2011

Two days after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries in Bayelsa State, the security situation is still causing tension and panic among the residents of Yeangoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The Tide investigation reveals that this development was as a result of fighter and prey planes are still hovering in the air while gun boats are also operating in the sea routes apparently looking for mischief makers although the security agents are not harassing anybody, the state governor, Chief Timipre Sylva whose movement was restricted to Government House, Yenagoa last Saturday during the PDP gubernatorial primaries described the situation as intimidating and embarrassing to the people of the state.

A youth leader from Southern Ijaw who pleaded anonymity said the security situation is welcomed provided it will bring positive changes in the state.

But another youth leader described the heavy security in Yenagoa a waste of manpower. to have bought the nomination forms for them.

But Dickson in his acceptance speech, commended members of the Caleb Olubolade panel for a successful exercise saying they have laid the foundation for a new Bayelsa state.

Dickson promised to commence the process of reconciliation and appealed to PDP members in the state to join hands with him in building a new state.

”The new PDP in the state will depart from the former rancour. All PDP leaders in the state will be on board so that we can work together to make Bayelsa truely the glory of all lands which was the dream of its founding fathers.

Meanwhile, former Bayelsa Governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, has described the Nov. 19, PDP governorship primaries in the state as one of the freest and most transparent in the history of the state.

Alamieyeseigha told newsmen at the Samson Siasia Stadium venue of the primaries in Yenagoa on Saturday that as far as he was concerned, “today’s election is one of the most peaceful and successful in the history of Bayelsa’’.

Commenting on the three aspirants that staged a workout of the venue of the primaries over alleged irregularities in the Nov. 14 ward congresses, Alamieyeseigha, described them as “unserious people.”

He said that for anyone to spend N5 million to purchase forms for the elections only to come and protest at the election grounds shows that they are not serious.

“Why did they submit themselves for accreditation earlier in the day at the Isaac Boro Peace Park, only to come at the voting point to stage a walkout? It is most unfortunate,” he said.

Also speaking a PDP stalwart, Mr Furoebi Akene, said the election was fair, adding: “this signifies the arrival of ‘gunless’ elections in Bayelsa.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

3 days 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

3 days 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

3 days 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.