Niger Delta

Dickson Launches N600M Transport Scheme

Published

13 years ago

September 5, 2012

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon Seriake Dickson has launched the new state transport scheme, tagged, “Restoration Cab.”

This followed the ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada in the state capital, Yenagoa.

Speaking at the launch of the taxi cabs and tri-cycles, Governor Dickson said the vehicles were procured for the initial take off of the scheme in which about N600m has been invested.

He noted that just as his administration was working hard to develop the basic infrastructure of the state, it was imperative to provide world class transport system alongside the proposed deep sea ports and airports.

The state Chief Executive who described the new transport system as a pilot scheme, disclosed that government spent over 600 million naira including insurance and warned beneficiaries not to convert the vehicles for private use.

According to him the cabs are intended to serve as a source of empowerment for the people as well as expand the economy of the state.

He announced that buses would soon be procured to add to the fleet of the scheme, and remarked that in the course of expanding the major roads, provision for bus stops would be made.

He urged beneficiaries of the scheme to be worthy ambassadors of the state as they are likely to be the first point of contact for visitors to the state as well as assist in the maintenance of security by alerting the security agents on any suspicious movements.

The Governor also appealed to commuters to exercise some patience considering the fact that they may experience some inconvenience as the new transport system comes on board, noting that the development was in their own interest.

In her address, the commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Marie Ebikake, explained that government has procured 100 tri-wheel vehicles and 200 air-conditioned vehicles for the first phase of the scheme.

Mrs. Ebikake noted that the taxi cabs have been allocated to well trained drivers in line with the guidelines of the ministry whose identities were guaranteed by credible politicians, civil servants and traditional rulers.

She said government was negotiating with reputable companies for the purchase of buses to further ease road transportation in the state.

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.