Niger Delta

Subsidy Strike: Ex-Deputy Gov Sues For Dialogue

Published

14 years ago

January 13, 2012

The Forum of Former Deputy Governors has urged the organised labour to seek dialogue with the Federal Government, over the removal of petrol subsidy.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen on Saturday in Uyo, the Secretary-General of the body, Mr Christopher Ekpeyong, said that the removal of petrol subsidy would benefit the common man in the long run.

“The issue of petrol subsidy removal is necessary because it is being enjoyed by few Nigerian cabals, who use the money to build palaces within and outside the country, to the detriment of the majority.

“I think we should give the Federal Government the benefit of doubt with the belief that the money realised from the subsidy removal will be used to build new refineries, refurbish the old ones and build new roads as promised.

“The argument of the organised labour is quite understood, but let us see the present pressure and stress occasioned by the subsidy removal as the sacrifice that all Nigerians must pay to bring about the desired change and transformation,” he added.

Ekpeyong, a former deputy governor of Akwa Ibom, described the position of President Goodluck Jonathan on the issue as a welcomed development, adding that it allowed for an inter play of forces in the economic development of the country.

“The ordinary man will have fuel in abundance and at a cheaper rate in the long run.

“We should stop our usual primordial way of argument which aims at supporting the quest for immediate comfort that will only place the country at a standstill and backwardness.

“We just have to be patient as the government has its plans to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal.

“The President has ordered for the purchase of 1,600 buses to be distributed to recognised transporters across the country, to convey commuters at cheaper rates,” he said.

He argued that the unemployed youths would get jobs as soon as government began to build refineries and refurbished the old ones, from the money realised from the subsidy.

“Let us subscribe to Mr President’s agenda of having a new Nigeria where everything works like Ghana and other African countries,” he added.

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.