Niger Delta

Edo Teachers Dire Govt Over Competency Test

Published

11 years ago

April 7, 2014

The Edo State Chapter of
the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has said that its members would not seat for any competency test conducted by the state government.
The Chairman of the chapter, Mr Mike Uhunmwangho, disclosed this during an interview with newsmen in Benin.
Uhunmwangho said that NUT members would not seat for any test because a court had restrained the Edo State Government from conducting the test.
“The next court sitting on the matter comes up on April 12 in Akure,” he said.
Uhunmwangho said that those who sat for the recently-conducted assessment test were not teachers but government officials.
“Those of them who went for the test are commissioners, including other government officials.
“We are not going to write any test, even if given a second chance,” Uhunmwangho said.
Our correspondent reports that Gov. Adams Oshiomhole, while receiving the report of the Teachers Assessment Committee on April 2, said that the test was compulsory for all teachers.
Oshiomhole said any public school teacher, that failed to take the assessment test would not remain on the payroll of the government.
He added that: “there is no stopping the teachers’ assessment test”.
The governor stressed that the government would conduct another assessment test for those who were yet to seat for the test.
The governor, however, gave the teachers two weeks within which to comply.
Uhunmwangho said the NUT was waiting for the government to sack those who did not take the test.
“It will be a world headline that the Edo State Government sacked about 17,000 teachers in the state pubic primary and secondary schools because of their refusal to write an assessment test.
“He had already sacked 925 teachers.
“Why are Nigerians not asking that the same measure be used for other workers on the state’s payroll?
“Why is it that it is only teachers that are affected because it was all the workers in Edo State that participated in the state organised biometrics?
“If he believes that he cannot follow the law that brought him into power, we leave the issue to the people who know the law better,” Uhunmwangho said.
He added that there were no chairs, tables and laboratories in most of the renovated schools in the state.

L-R: Minister of State for Niger Delta, Mr Darius Dickson-Ishaku, with the book titled ‘Emerging Issues in Niger Delta and True Federalism’ presented by leader of delegation, Niger Delta Peace Initiative, Mr Julius Enehikuere, during their visit to the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs in Abuja last Thursday. With them is Director, Community Development and Education, Mrs Godiya Yohanna. Photo: NAN

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.