Niger Delta

Akpabio Proposes Partnership With Equitorial Guinea

Published

13 years ago

July 2, 2012

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio said on Thursday that the state would like to collaborate with Equitorial Guinea on foreign language learning using its e-library facilities.

Akpabio said this in Uyo when the Nigerian Ambassador to Equitorial Guinea, Mr Benjamin Bassey, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House.

The Ibom e-library, constructed by the Akpabio administration, was inaugurated by President Goodluck Jonathan on June 25.

The e-library has digital collections of over 16.5 million e-documents, comprising two million books and 14.5 million e-journal articles that could be downloaded without restriction.

“The e-library needs economic cooperation. There are facilities in the centre for people to learn foreign languages. I want you to explore cooperation with Equitorial Guinea in this area,” Akpabio said.

He said that Equitorial Guinea and Akwa Ibom have crude oil deposits and called for economic cooperation of the two parties.

Akpabio congratulated the Ambassador, who is an indigene of Akwa Ibom, on his merited appointment, adding that President Jonathan had made the state proud by the appointment.

He said that Bassey was a good ambassador to the state when he served as Chief Protocol Officer in the State House, Abuja, and advised him to protect the image of the country and Akwa Ibom.

Earlier, Bassey commended the governor for meeting the expectations of Akwa Ibom people and giving them a proper identity among the states in Nigeria.

“I am overwhelmed by what I am seeing in the state. The infrastructure are amazing. Your free, compulsory education is helpful.

You may not see the benefits of the education now, but in the next 10 years, the benefits would rub off on all areas of human endeavour.,” he said.

Bassey called for proper implementation of the free education policy of the state to protect and preserve for posterity the infrastructure provided by the present administration.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

4 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

4 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

4 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.