Niger Delta

Group Tackles Uduaghan’s Critics

Published

13 years ago

October 5, 2012

The People’s Movement, a group of Deltans concerned with the
rapid development of the state, recently decended heavily on critics of
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, urging the
people of the state to call them to order.

The group in a statement issued in Lagos by its Director of
Communications, Mrs. Ibifuro Tatua described the governor’s critics as shallow
minded fellows.

Notwithstanding the tough times and other challenges posed
by the critics of the governor, the group said Dr. Uduaghan is making a
conspicuous difference at a time others are engaged in crude propaganda and
primitive accumulation.

The group described Uduaghan as a man with a visible record
of actual performance and a substantial stock of values like trust , integrity
and passion for the common good.

It said the governor had demonstrated political doggedness
by bringing democratic values to the people of Delta State, stressing that the
governor had showcased his deep understanding of the purpose of political
leadership while embarking on projects that have positive impacts on the people.

“Five years in the saddle, records reveal that the Emmanuel
Uduaghan- led government has created a durable and conducive environment for
growth in the education sector. He has revamped and repositioned the Delta
State University, state hospitals, courts and the civil service. He has
upgraded so many Deltans from a subservient living standard to the elite cadre.
The governor has also upgraded sporting facilities in the state,” the group
said.

The group praised President Goodluck Jonathan for honouring
Governor Uduaghan with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and commended the governor for cutting short his
three days trip to the United State of America
following reports of flood disaster in the state and providing relief
assistance to the people as well as setting up temporary camps in some local
government areas in the state.

“Yours has been a leadership committed to the service of the
people, a leadership imbued with a zeal and a fervour to improve the conditions
of the people as a legacy for posterity.

It enjoined well-meaning Deltans to join Uduaghan’s effort
in taking the state to greater height by insisting on service delivery,
fighting waste and corruption and maximising opportunities for promoting peace,
growth, development and democracy.

It appealed to the people to abhor rumour mongering,
bickering and divisiveness, saying “ As the nation marks her 52nd Independence,
we urge the people of Delta State to cooperate with the governor, foster unity
and harmony among themselves”

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

22 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin metropolis.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Tide’s source.

Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.

According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.

He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.

He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.

“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both of members and innocent citizens”, he said.

Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court, and remanded in custodian center, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.

The command’s spokesperson assured residents of Edo of continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.

Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

Published

22 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transportation users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.

The Minister said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps in the country.

Oyetola explained the critical role water transportation had played in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.

He described the life jackets, which were long overdue, as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.

“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe”, Oyetola said.

The Tide’s source reports that similar life jackets were distributed in Minna, Niger State on April 29.

The programme is part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.

The minister said Bayelsa was a priority in the campaign and commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.

Oyetola applauded Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.

He described the seaport as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.

“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, create jobs, boost investments, and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.

Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety could not be compromised.

“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection. Safety is everyone’s responsibility”, Oyetola said.

Speaking earlier, Diri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.

Diri also praised Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.

“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps”, Diri said.

Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

Published

22 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the essential drugs programme law 2002 and passed the state’s Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency bill, 2025 into law.

The bill, which was sponsored by the member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, Mr. Hillary Bisong, was first read at plenary on September 12, 2024.

It was later referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security after the second reading.

Speaking on the bill, Bisong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced the Essential Drug Programme globally in 198, noting that in 2002, the programme was passaged in Cross River State.

He, however, said while several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.

“The law was transited from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, thereby expanding its scope of operation to meet the present day healthcare delivery realities.

‘’The proposed agency will take charge of enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution and overseeing circulation of drugs and health commodities across the state,’’ he explained.

In separate contributions, the lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, maintaining that the proposed agency would enhance the performance of the existing health insurance scheme as well as create employment opportunities.

Expressing happiness over the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said the 10th Assembly would continue to enhance good governance through people-oriented legislation.