Niger Delta

Imoke Urges Corps Members To Sustain Peace

Published

11 years ago

December 19, 2014

As the 2015 General
Elections draw near, the Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, has urged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members nationwide to sustain the peace and contribute meaningfully to the stability and socio-economic progress of the country.
Senator Liyel Imoke, who made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the 2014 Batch ‘C’ Orientation exercise, at the Orientation Camp Obubra, said to enhance the building of an egalitarian society, corps members must serve honestly.
The Governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Egwu O. Egeh, said the National Youth Service Scheme, was primarily to acquaint them with good work ethics, leadership and managerial skills which he emphasised must be observed in everything they do.
Governor Imoke acknowledged that the NYSC Scheme had become a veritable tool in carrying out government policies and programmes at grassroot level and the nation in general and he expressed satisfaction with the successes recorded by the scheme over the years.
According to him, the state has provided several avenues including the South-South Central Bank Entrepreneurship Development Centre to enable youth develop skills and encouraged corps members serving in Cross River to use the centre to improve themselves.
In her welcome address, the NYSC State Coordinator, Alhaji Habibu Kurawa, said the Scheme had provided Vocational and Entrepreneurship options in the drive in order to produce self employed graduates after service year.
Alhaji Kurawa appealed to the Government of Cross River State for an upward review of the state government’s allowance to an amount that would meet the current economic challenges facing Corps members and called for urgent intervention in the orientation camp by increasing the number of hostels, staff quarters and hall.
He urged Corps members to appreciate the state government’s drive for rural development and accept the accompanying policy of rural posting where their services were most needed and would optimally benefit the people.
The coordinator commended the Imoke-led administration for the unflinching support to the scheme and assured that staff and Corps members would continue to contribute to the development of the state.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

L-R: Representive of Rivers State Head of Service/ Director, Special Duties, Office of Head of Services, Dame Josephine .O. Chukuigwe, Snr. Pastor Discovery House Christian Church, Pastor Isaac Olayinka, Prof. (Rev.) Alex Atawa Akpodiete, during 2014 National Conference on church management support ministry in Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: Egberi .A. Sampson

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.