Niger Delta

Imoke Justifies Gulf Of Guinea Confab

Published

12 years ago

August 5, 2013

The First Gulf of Guinea Regional Maritime Awareness Capacity Conference in Calabar will not just transform the sub-zone but build stronger formation among member nations.

Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State who made the assertion at a State Banquet in honour of participants of the conference, maintained that Cross River, being a coastal State that shares borders with many countries, stands to benefit from it.

Imoke remarked that the State, being the under belly of the Nigerian Navy (NN), has natural endowments and appreciated the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba, the initiator of the conference, for his innovative ideas, since he assumed office.

He said the impact of Ezeoba was felt greatly in the State, being the headquarters of Eastern Naval Command and commended him for starting the construction work at the Navy Hospital, Calabar which was abandoned for 35 years, adding that the facility would be of tremendous benefit to the State by promoting its health care delivery service.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share with the various participants of the conference, Imoke restated that the State was focused on developing an economy that was not driven by oil, but positions itself as a destination of repute, within the South-South Geo-Political Zone, known for peace and tourism, as well as, a destination for conferences.

He remarked that, the navy had added colour and beauty to what is done in the State and therefore urged the dignitaries to be part of Calabar Festival, which is a celebration of culture and beauty of Nigeria as well as an expression of what it represents as great country.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba, said the choice of Calabar was well-thought out and lauded the Governor and his wife, Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke, for being good hosts.

Ezeoba explained that delegates took time out to design a way to address maritime situation within the Gulf of Guinea and to fashion the way forward.

Air Vice Marshall Emmanuel Edem (retired) proposed a toast to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Rear Admiral Osundu to the Nigerian Navy and Rev (Mrs.) Grace Ekanem to Cross River State.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 days 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 days 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 days 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.