Niger Delta

NIPR President Lauds C’River Chapter

Published

9 years ago

December 7, 2016

The President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Rotimi Olade, has lauded the Cross Rivers State Chapter of the Institute for conscientiously and consistently implementing all her programmes in the last eight years.

Oladele, who stated this in an address at the 2016 Annual General Meeting Edwin Eja Memorial Lecture Awards and Dinner at the main Dome of Calabar Municipal Garden, pointed out that the chapter had consistently held executive and general meetings every month, holding of annual general meetings, elections and Edwin Eja Memorial lectures as at when due .

The President, who was represented by the National Vice President of NIPR, Alhaji Muktar Sirajo, commended the immediate past Executive committee led by Obongawan Obo Mesembe Edet for the monumental achievements during her tenure, and commended members of the Chapter for the peaceful and mature elections, which saw the emergence of Ntunkae Offiong Ani-Offiong as the new state chairman of NIPR in Cross Rivers State.

In her valedictory speech, the immediate past chairman of the institute in the state, Chief Obo Mesembe Edet said since taking over office in 2012, the chapter has progressed smoothly with all her activities, including regular executive and general meetings, regular attendance at National Conferences and Annual General meetings, successful organisation of annual general meetings.

As well as the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Trainings, annual children’s day with NIPR and the five –day Africa Public Relations Association (APRA) conference, which took place in Calabar International Convention Centre.

The Chairman of the Dinner Awards night, Retired Air Vice Marshall Eko Osim commended the State chapter for the laudable initiative of the Image House Project and urged other professional bodies to emulate the Cross Rivers Chapter of NIPR.

The Dinner featured presentation of the 2016 NIPR Service Award to Brigadier-General Anthony Ukpo (rtd) of Asiukpo Diagnostic Centre, Calabar and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mrs Winifired Oyo-Ita as well as service award to deserving members of the institute that contributed hugely to the success of the Obo Memsembe Edet-led administration in the institute.

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.