Niger Delta

C’ River Abolishes Contract Appointments In Public Service

Published

12 years ago

December 23, 2013

The Cross River State Government has abolished contract appointments in its civil service except on exceptional cases, Mrs Theresa Ikwen, Head of Service (HOS), said in Calabar recently.

Ikwen told journalists that this was to discourage sit-tight syndrome by some public servants.

“It is also to create room for engagement of new entrants into the service,’’ she said.

She, however, said that the state needed manpower in some critical areas like medicine, information technology, science teachers and performing arts.

“We are short of manpower in these areas. We need doctors, nurses, science teachers and performing artists because of our tourism drive.

“These are exceptional areas where we can offer contract appointments; and currently we have staff working under contract,’’ she said.

Ikwen added that her office had so far, within the period under review, promoted 9,506 civil/public servants across board.

She also announced that 21 employees of various ministries, departments and agencies (MDA) were sanctioned for offences, including dereliction of duty, absenteeism and absconding.

“This was done through the use of key performance indicators template on MDA staff,’’ she said.

Ikwen further said that 200 public servants had benefited from the state government’s car loan scheme for public servants which began in 2008.

“In order to equip the workforce for e-governance, we have also concluded arrangements with First Bright Way Vision Ltd to supply officers on Grade Level 07-16 with laptops,’’ she said.

She said that her office was facing challenges, including non-synchronisation of nominal payrolls of MDAs, frequent disappearance of public funds, corruption, and tampering with service records.

She said that the current strength of the state workforce stood at 19,371.

Chairman, Rumuwoji Community, Hon Emmanuel C. Orlu (2nd right), in a handshake with Treasurer of the community, Chief Emmanuel Nti-Woji (right), shortly after the inauguration of the community’s executive committee members last Saturday. With them are Secretary, Ike Wigodo (left) and Vice Chairman, Azubuike A. Nsiegbe.

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.