Niger Delta

APC Alleges Intimidation In Delta Senatorial Election

Published

12 years ago

October 14, 2013

Newly consecrated Bishop of Opobo Diocese of Christ Army Communion Mission, Venerable Festus Oko-Jaja (right) in a handshake with the Archibishop of the Diocese, Dr. I. T. S. Anyanasikike, during the consecration in Port Harcourt, recently.

The All Progressives
Congress (APC) has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of using security agents to intimidate voters and preventing voting materials from reaching polling units in opposition strongholds during yesterday’s bye-election in Delta Central Senatorial district.
In a statement by its interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said reports from its agents on the field indicate that armed soldiers and policemen were deployed strategically to intimidate voters, while trailers and tankers were used to block the roads leading to opposition strongholds, thereby preventing voting materials from reaching there.
“Worst-hit areas are Ughelli North, Udu and Uvwie Local Governments, which are the strongholds of the APC. Also, several Hilux vehicles loaded with armed soldiers were sent to Okpe Local Government Ward 8 Collations since Friday night.
“Though materials were moved from the distribution centre to local government headquarters overnight, the PDP, using security agents and thugs, have succeeded in ensuring that the materials are not being ferried to polling units in several wards. In Sapele Ward 8, APC claimed that security agents even beat up voters before the start of accreditation, thus scaring them away from polling units.
In the same vein, the party alleged that in Udu LG Ward 7, election materials were seized by thugs, adding that these strategies were all aimed at scaring away voters and suppressing votes in opposition strongholds.
“In Ughelli South, the INEC official is insisting that 19 booklets of ballot papers and 197 loose sheets (ballot papers) be given to the Jeremy Ward 2 of the Delta State Deputy Governor, even after materials have been shared to all the wards, including Jeremy Ward 2. If the INEC official has his way, the extra materials will be abused by the PDP.
“These conditions are not conducive to the conduct of a free, fair and credible election, and we call on those saddled with providing security for the election to act fast and arrest the trend before it degenerates into violence and disenfranchises voters,” it said

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

19 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

19 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

19 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.