Niger Delta

Panel Tasks Bayelsa Govt On COE

Published

13 years ago

July 18, 2012

The Bayelsa State Government has been urged to take appropriate steps to ensure the commencement of full academic activities at the new site of the state-owned College of Education by the start of the 2013/2014 academic session.

The visitation panel to the Bayelsa State College of Education stated this as part of its recommendations while submitting its report to Governor Seriake Dickson at Government House, Yenagoa.

Speaking, Chairman of the panel, Dr. Seiyefa Koroye also called for the immediate constitution of the institution’s Governing Council with people who do not only have vast experience in higher education but also have proven integrity capable of commanding enough respect within the college.

While stressing the need for government to rapidly develop the new site of the College, Dr. Koroye pointed out that BYCOE currently stands the risk of having its provisional licensewithdrawn by the National Council for Colleges of Education, NCCE which will be visiting the State by September this year for accreditation.

Consequently, the panel recommended that intake of new students for the forthcoming session is suspended “or in case the NCCE is persuaded to extend the provisional license of the College, there should be only a limited number of admission not exceeding 60”.

Giving credence to the need for the relocation of the institution, the Panel stated that doing so will go a long way to attract new staff and retain existing ones as well as students to ensure that available resources are prudently utilised.

According to the report, out of about 900 staff transferred to BYCOE only 193 are academic staff; adding that disengaged BYCAS staff should be re-deployed to the recently re- established BYCAS or elsewhere as Government may deem fit.

The panel called for the amendment of the College law especially “the section that states that all BYCAS staff and students may be taken over by BYCOE”.

It further recommended that the Bayelsa State College of Education Demonstration School comprising Pre-Nursery, Nursery, Primary, Junior and Senior Secondary Schools be de-coupled from the college,with similar schools established at the new location.

While advocating for proper funding for the institution, the Panel strongly recommended that the number of accounts the College maintains in various banks should be rationalised, stressing that the institution should observe strict adherence to due process in terms of contract award and procurement.

Responding, Governor Seriake Dickson noted that the decision to relocate the State College of Education to Sagbama was taken in the best interest of all well-meaning people of the State.

According to the Governor, a bill for the amendment of the law establishing the institution has been forwarded to the State House of Assembly for consideration and passage.

The Governor noted that the process of revamping the educational sector will not be complete until a functional College of Education is established in the State.

Governor Dickson expressed gratitude to the Chairman and members of the Panel for putting together what he described as an erudite and comprehensive report.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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

1 week 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.