Niger Delta

Bayelsa Advises Land Speculators On Yenagoa Masterplan

Published

13 years ago

July 29, 2012

Bayelsa State Govern ment has warned land speculators in the state capital to get clearance from the officials of the Ministry of State Capital Development before buying lands are ensure that such lands fall in conformity with the Yenagoa city master plan.

The Commissioner for State Capital Development, Mr. Zuwa Konugah made the call when the executive council members of the Bayelsa State Chapter of the Nigeria Institute of Town Planners paid him a courtesy visit in his office, in Yenagoa.

Konugah, who noted that so many land developers have mistakenly purchased land ear-marked for use by government, said when contacted, professionals in his Ministry would advise prospective land developers on lands designated for government use as well as those set aside for commercial or residential purpose.

The commissioner said building a house requires more than just going to site and putting up the building, adding that for this reason a stakeholders workshop to educate the public on the need to employ the services of professionals would soon commence in Yenagoa.

Konugah further said the workshop would also educate the public on the importance of seeking all the requisite approvals from the ministry before developing their plots.

He said the ministry is a highly technical one and demands collaborative efforts from all building professionals to get it right from the start, hence the need for their co-operation.

The commissioner assured them of his support, adding that they would be called upon at anytime the ministry needs their inputs in the planning and restructuring process of the capital city.

Mr. Konugah, who noted their complaints, ranging from security of their members during outside duties to logistics support, urged them to render their professional advice in areas they know do not conform with master plan.

Speaking Earlier, the chairman, Nigeria Institute of Town Planners, Bayelsa State Chapter, Mr. Ezekiel Goin, while commending the Governor for appointing Mr. Konugah as the pioneer commissioner of the Ministry of State Capital Development, said the Union has come to rub minds with him on possible areas of partnership and see how they can be incorporated into the planning processes to ensure proper planning and development of the city.

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.