Niger Delta

C’River, ADB Spend N20.31bn On Rural Projects

Published

13 years ago

March 6, 2013

The Cross River State Government says it has in collaboration with African Development Bank, committed about N20.31 billion to the implementation of Rural Access and Mobility Project in the state.

The State Project Coordinator, Mr Charles Okongor, who disclosed this to newsmen in Calabar said the chunk of the funds was being spent on civil works for the construction of 474-Kilometre rural roads currently going on across the 18 local government areas.

“For the civil works, the state government is committing N13.3 billion and the ADB is committing N7.01 billion. And so far, 30 per cent of the funds has been paid out already to contractors according to the level of works done,’’ he said.

He said that the project implementation committee was ready to pay any contractor who completed his job and urged them to expedite work on them, to meet the June 2013 project deadline.

Ogongor said the partners had made the funding available, adding that contractors had no reason to fail to deliver.

“All we are talking is, let the contractors work and we pay them; so it is not a matter of delay in payment. “We are just waiting for them and they have no excuse not to deliver before the deadline,’’ Okongor said.

The co-ordinator said one of the roads (4.1 km) had been completed and awaiting commissioning while others were at various stages.

He said that the roads under construction included Yahe-Wanokom-Wanikande-Benue border (55km); Ukpe-OkiroUbangwula-Obudu (40km); Ekpiri Ikang-Edim Edim Ikot Effanga (4.1 km); and Calabar-Ikom Highway/Akim Akim (81 km).

He noted, however, that the rising cost of construction materials and heavy rain fall in the area were serious challenges to the works.

Okongor said the implementation committee had put in place measures to ensure that benefiting communities were engaged in the construction to create job and ensure community participation.

He said government was committed to the projects as part of its promise to deliver good governance to the people, particularly those at the grassroots.

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.