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Niger Delta

Poor Funding, Institutional Weakness, Bane Of N’Delta Roads – Nihe

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9 years ago

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L-R: Mr God’spower Green (member Media Board, Ogan Mainland Church, Assemblies of God Nigeria), Mr Belema Tariah (member), Miss Ugochi Ihemmadu (member), Mr Julius Onos (chairman), Mr Edward Inyango (Secretary), Mr Wisdom Jonathan (member) at the donation and unveiling of Glass Information Board by the Church Media Board to mark this year’s Media Day by Rivers District Assemblies of God Nigeria last Sunday. Photo: Igbiki Benibo

L-R: Mr God’spower Green (member Media Board, Ogan Mainland Church, Assemblies of God Nigeria), Mr Belema Tariah (member), Miss Ugochi Ihemmadu (member), Mr Julius Onos (chairman), Mr Edward Inyango (Secretary), Mr Wisdom Jonathan (member) at the donation and unveiling of Glass Information Board by the Church Media Board to mark this year’s Media Day by Rivers District Assemblies of God Nigeria last Sunday. Photo: Igbiki Benibo

The Nigerian Institute of
Highway Engineers (NIHE), a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has identified inadequate funding and institutional weakness as key challenges facing roads in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria.
The Principal Consultant, PEAL Consultant Limited, Engineer Mayne David-West, stated this at the 2016 Lecture/Award/Induction and presentation of newsletter by the NIHE in Port Harcourt.
In his lecture titled, “Road Sector Reform: An Imperative for Sustainable Road Development in the Niger Delta”, David-West captured the state of roads in the Niger Delta.
According to him, “many roads or stretches of roads are in poor conditions. About 40 per cent of the total length of roads in the region falls into this category.
“Most communities in the wetland areas of the Niger Delta are without roads and are difficult to reach. Most of the roads within the rural settlements are neither tarred nor well-graded.
“Most of the village roads lack side drains, which means that surface water normally runs into the roads and foot paths, thus accelerating erosion and rendering them virtually unusable in the rainy season”, he said.
Engineer David-West, who was represented by Engineer Saka Tajudeen also attributed the deplorable state of the East West to lack of maintenance.
“The road was built without accepting the need to set aside funds to maintain and preserve its asset value. It, therefore, deteriorated into ruination for several years before a contract for the reconstruction and upgrading was awarded in 2006.
“The problem of bad roads in the Niger Delta has become an embarrassing stigma. In many parts of this region, normal interaction has been frustrated by bad roads. Vehicle owners are in distress as their vehicles are not used optimally”, he said.
He described the proposed “Road Sector Reforms” as a welcome development, but expressed worry over the NDDC Act.
The Road Sector Reform is a welcome idea to the Niger Delta Region. This is particularly so because the function of NDDC as provided by the Act are nebulous, hence until management and Board of NDDC exercise substantial discretion, the commission may do everything and achieve nothing.
“So, an independent institution to drive Road Sector Reforms, domiciled in the NDDC and funded by both the National Roads fund and NDDC is the healing balm for sustainable road development in the Niger Delta Region’, he said.
 

Sogbeba Dokubo

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Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

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6 days ago

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September 12, 2025

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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.
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Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

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6 days ago

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September 12, 2025

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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.
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Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

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6 days ago

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September 12, 2025

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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.
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