Niger Delta

Aircraft Saga: Imoke On Fire Again

Published

10 years ago

April 10, 2015

A Calabar-based human right
activist, Chief Barrister Utum Eteng, has charged the governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, to show the aircraft he bought for the state with the people’s taxes.
Eteng, who dropped the charge while addressing journalists on the topic “very sad and uncommendable event in Cross River State,” urged government to let the people of Cross River State know the whereabouts of the said aircraft.
According to him, his chambers would be left with no option but to call the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC) to help in the recovery of the controversial aircraft.
In the next six weeks Governor Imoke would be leaving the seat as Governor of the state, “can you show us the aircraft you bought for the state with the peoples” taxes? If you cannot recover the aircraft we shall call the EFCC to recover it for us,” the human right activist said.
Another issue which the legal luminary raised was the true ownership of the Songhai farms sited in Itigidi Imoke‘s home-town, and Ibiaye palm estate.
Eteng accused the governor of silently receiving a monthly amount of N450m from the coffers of Federal Government to cushion the effect of the lost Bakassi Peninsula and oil wells and yet salaries of workers were not paid.
“This is a calculated attempt to make governance difficult for one who succeeds him,” Utum Eteng queried.
Reacting on a telephone interview on the issues and allegations raised against the Governor of Cross River State, by Chief Utum Eteng, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Imoke, Mr. Christian Ita, said that “the aircraft is with Aero who are making arrangement to perhaps put it into commercial use.”
According to him, Songhai farms is owned by the state government, stressing that Songhai farms project is under the Department Of Investment Promotion.
“Cross River State is not the only state that has Songhai farms, Delta has Songha farms, Rivers also has, why is it that only Cross River Songhai farms that has become an issue,” he further queried.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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.