Niger Delta

Bishops Elevation: Udom, PDP Chieftain Hail Olumba

Published

10 years ago

August 19, 2015

The Akwa Ibom State Gov
ernor, Udom Emmanuel and Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, John Okon, have hailed the spiritual leader of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Olumba Olumba Obu, for promoting Bishop James Crawford Ellebe, an American citizen who has been his die-hard faithful since 1977, as one of the two new arch-bishops in his spiritual organisation.
The other is Arch-bishop Bassey Imowo, a long time priest and oil magnate.
Our correspondent reports that the occasion was the formal consecration of 214 new bishops promoted from across the ranks in the fold at the organisation’s headquarters in Calabar, capital of Cross River State.
Governor Emmanuel, who was represented by the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of PDP, Obong Paul Ekpo, commended Olumba Olumba Obu for displaying faith and consistency in carrying out humanitarian services and ceaselessly teaching spiritual ideals of love for one another, truth, humility and forgiveness.
Both Emmanuel and Okon prayed that these virtues were seriously needed in Nigeria to actually bring about change and development.
Members of Cross River State House of Assembly, who came to honour one of theirs who was also made a bishop, Chris Agbor, also commended Obu for the feat, saying it was historic to consecrate such huge number of bishops at one go.
According to them, the group has been able to bolster the state’s tourism drive as it continually attracts tremendous number of members from many countries to the cities of Biakpan and Calabar for pilgrimage.
Exhorting the newly ordained bishops, Obu stressed that they necessarily pursue things of God and encourage others through their lifestyle and speeches to equally be truthful, forgiving, faithful, and help the less privileged all their lives.
He urged political, religious and other leaders to be truthful and accountable to their people always, explaining that those consecrated were divinely selected from across all branches of the fold irrespective of age or status in many nations for evangelical purposes.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

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.