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Niger Delta

S’South States Insist On Upward Review Of Derivation Formula

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Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, alongside other his Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and Cross River counterparts, yesterday declared their insistence on an upward review of the derivation formula on the allocation of the nation’s resources.

This position was taken yesterday at a meeting of the South-South Governors under the auspices of the BRACED (Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta States) Commission.

Governors Seriake Dickson, Governor Amaechi, represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, Obong Godswill Akpabio, Senator Liyel Imoke, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, alongside senators, members of the House of Representatives, Speakers of Houses of Assembly, from South-South geo-political zone attended the meeting.

In a communiqué signed by the six Governors and read by Chairman of the south-South Governor’s Forum, Senator Imoke, BRACED stated that an upward review of the allocation formula from 13 percent has become necessary as a way of compensating the South-South geopolitical zone, their health threatened by oil pollution and gas flaring that has rendered the area uninhabitable.”

The South-South Governors urged political office holders, leaders of thought and other stakeholders to come together to forge a common front against issues that are negatively affecting them, saying that they “need to unite to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation agenda because the whole nation is looking up to the zone to deliver on good governance and democratic dividends.”

“We need to come together to strengthen our economy for the good of our people. Time has come for us to put our human and natural resources to work for our collective good,” Governor Imoke stated, adding that “BRACED would focus on strengthening our collective unity, harnessing our differences for the development of common heritage.”

Earlier, the host and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Godswill Akpabio, thanked his colleagues for coming, noting that the BRACED meeting would help to articulate issues affecting the South-South and also drive the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, emphasizing that the transformation of Akwa Ibom State under his administration is aimed at justifying the huge funds accruing to the State.

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Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

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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.
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Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

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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.
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Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

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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.
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