Niger Delta

C‘River Set For NBC Deadline On Digitalisation

Published

11 years ago

January 9, 2015

In line with the target set by
the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), on the shift from analog to digital broadcasting, Cross River State is currently assessing all available options to ensure that the State is not left out on the June 17, NBC deadline on Broadcast Digitalisation.
The move for Broadcast Digitalization was earlier proposed in 2006 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), when it set a target deadline for the world to transform from analog to digital mode of broadcasting. As a result, Nigeria’s deadline for Broadcast Digitalisation was initially fixed for June 17, 2012, but later shifted to June 17, 2015 by NBC, since adequate time was needed to achieve the desired result. Cross River State is now working assiduously towards achieving digital broadcast transition come 2015.
The State’s Commissioner for Information, Chief Akin Ricketts, hinted that the state has started considering some proposals brought forth by some telecommunication companies like Startimes, Multi-Choice Nigeria Limited, Daar Communications Satellite, amongst others. He said that the State would accept the proposals set before it to properly select the option that is less cost effective and which would also add value to the State’s Broadcasting system.
Chief Ricketts, stated this when he received a team of telecommunication experts from Startimes Ltd, at the Conference hall of the Ministry of Information, Calabar recently, noting that Cross River State was always ready to undertake productive and developmental projects that would improve the state at all levels. He added that those responsible for the dissemination of information should be given all the necessary tools to achieve desired results.
While presenting a proposal for the Digitalisation, upgrade of facilities and the installation of digital broadcast equipment for the State’s television, the Zonal Director, NTA Startimes, South-East, Mr. Dele Ahmed explained that, the digitalisation exercise would help to ensure clearer signals, wider reach and quality content, amongst others. He emphasised on the need for the State Government to partner with Startimes, which already had a track record of helping Tanzania and Rwanda in their transition from analog to digital broadcast.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

3 days 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

3 days 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

3 days 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.