Niger Delta

Press Freedom, Critical To Democracy, Dev -Stakeholders

Published

9 years ago

May 13, 2016

Pupils of Ash-Merlyn International School, Port Harcourt, in a group photograph, during an excursion visit to Rivers State Newspapers Corporation, publishers of The Tide newspapers in Port Harcourt, yesterday Photo: Ibioye Diama

Stakeholders in the Nige
rian Project have highlighted the critical role absolute press freedom could play in accentuating the unfettered democracy, enhancing good governance, and facilitating sustainable development and economic growth across the country.
The stakeholders, drawn from the media, government, civil society, military and security institutions, the academia, among others, agreed that for Nigeria to achieve sustainable peace, economic growth and democratic stability, while reinforcing confidence and national cohesion, all tiers and arms of government, including the military and security agencies must uphold and respect the sanctity of the press and media practitioners.
They spoke while dissecting the lead presentation by Associate Professor of Mass Communication at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Gabriel Okon, titled: “Freedom, The State And The Press: Emerging Parameters For Enhanced Professionalism, Security And Wellbeing Of The Citizenry”, during the 2016 World Press Freedom Day celebration organised by the Rivers State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Port Harcourt.
Okon had highlighted the enormous powers of the press in consolidating democracy, enhancing peace and security as well as facilitating sustainable development, arguing that the press was the only profession recognised by the 1999 Constitution, which in Section 22, empowers “… the press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media to, at all times, uphold the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy … and the responsibility and accountability of government to the people.”
Juxtaposing Section 39 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and the First Amendment to the United States’ Constitution, Okon said: “freedom of the press is the enabling environment a society grants to the press, through statutes, to carry out its cardinal responsibilities”, and added that for the harmonious interplay of social stability, sustainable democracy and economic development, the symbiotic interface between the press, security agencies, governments and the citizenry, must be perpetuated and sustained.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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

1 week 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.