Niger Delta

Bayelsa: Group Wants Ex-Commissioner To Run For Governorship

Published

10 years ago

August 10, 2015

Bayelsa Democracy and
Development Initiative (BDDI), a Non-Governmental,Organisation, has called on Architect Reuben Okoya, a former Commissioner in the state to come out and intensify his campaigns for the seat .of Creek Haven, the power house of Bayelsa State Governorship.
The group said its call became necessary because their field survey, research and the firm conviction that Architect Reuben Okoya has the requisite character, wisdom, competence and exposure to pilot the affairs of the state, urging all well meaning individuals and groups to provide every necessary incentives and motivation to achieve the vision.
“Having looked at the players for the December 2015 elections in the state, the BDDI believes that only a tested and experienced technocrats/ administrator with a track record of service, talent, skill, integrity and courage can rescue the people from the current dangerous drift, knowing fully well the resolve by the people to reject typical politicians”.
In a statement issued in Yenagoa, and signed by the Executive Secretary of the group, Dr. Ekiyor Konrad-Wilson who has been on the campaign with his group for a better governance in the state, lamented that the dividends of democracy were lacking under the administration of Governor Seriake Dickson.
According to him, “We have reviewed the state of governance in Bayelsa State and concluded that beyond the lopsided and late payment of salaries and wages in the state and the periodic uncoordinated award of contracts in the state, the government of Seriake Dickson has not fulfilled the mandate given to him in 2012 to govern Bayelsa State.
“The group notes that till date, the provision of very essential social amenities and services in the state is still a mirage, while Yenagoa, the state capital remains an urban slum, a situation caused by the lack of a comprehensive development blueprint. The main purpose of government is to serve the people through the instrumentality of law, but the current regime in the state has failed woefully on all counts and the evidence is clear”.
He lamented that spite of the fraudulent claim of attracting international investments through the establishment of investment offices in London and South Africa, there is no single presence of any industry since the advent of the administration.

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.