Niger Delta

Bayelsa Faults World Bank 2010 Report

Published

12 years ago

September 27, 2013

Director-General, Bayelsa
State Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA), Ms Freda Murray-Bruce, says the state’s investment climate has improved since the 2010 World Bank Report.
The report had rated the state as the most difficult place to start investment in the country.
The World Bank report based its assessment on “the inefficient and undue delay in registration of company and employees with relevant authorities as well as clouded tax regime”.
Reacting to the report, the director-general said in Yenagoa on Tuesday that the report did not reflect the current state following the establishment of BIPA over one year ago.
Murray-Bruce said that the current administration in Bayelsa State had since repositioned the state and made it investor-friendly adding that this had resulted in influx of foreign and local investors.
She said, “We may have no problem with this assessment.
“But can categorically say without any fear of contradiction that the 2010 report is an old report and is not a factual and accurate reflection of the exact situation of things in Bayelsa State of 2013.
“Since 2010, and especially since February 2012, a lot of institutional changes for the better have occurred in the business climate in Bayelsa State. This present state of affairs is as a result of proactive measures and business friendly policies of the Hon. Seriake Dickson administration in the state. Conscious of the need to develop the real sector of the economy and provide investment haven in Bayelsa State, Gov. Seriake Dickson, on assumption of office, established the Bayelsa State Investment Promotion Agency,” she added.
She said that this had created a clearing house and one-stop shop for investors.
Murray-Bruce listed the investor-friendly policies to include collaboration with several Federal Government agencies, including Customs, Immigration, Corporate Affairs Commission and Federal Inland Revenue Service.
According to her, the agency has streamlined business documentation and start up processes for investors and is showcasing the investment potential of the state on its website.
She said that staff of BIPA had been trained to offer professional assistance to investors before, during and post investment stages.
rently existing in the state and not “the stale 2010 report of .the World Bank.

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.